Certified X200/X201 2x4GB Memory Sticks

[X20055]

Greetings

Looking for a list or blacklist of working x200/201/s 2x4GB memory sticks as there are many that do not work. I know that such list existed but I can't find it.

In general single sided ram sticks (1Rx8) do not work at all in dual-mode. Some double sided sticks (2Rx8) work, some not.

Let me list few examples:

Working:

Crucial CT51264BF160B
Crucial CT2K4G3S1067M
Crucial CT2C4G3S1067M
Crucial CT2KIT51264BC1339
Samsung M471B5273CH0-CF8
Samsung M471B5273BH1-CH9
Samsung M471B5273DH0-CH9
Patriot PSA34G10662S
G.Skill F3-8500CL7S-4GBSQ

Not working:

Crucial CT51264BF160BJ
Corsair CM3X4GSD1066
Kingston KVR13S9S8K2/8

Even if list doesn't exist it could be good to make such one again. For that all is needed is to post here your x20x Lenovo version and working ram brands and their serials. If you are using libreboot, it could be wise to state it too as it might have it own compatibility problems.

Cheers.

[PandorasThinkpad]

Hi!

This Samsung Modules work: M471B5273BH1-CH9 (SO-DIMM DDR3-1333MHz PC3-10600 CL9)

Greets,

PAnDora

[bugmn]

Hello.

Kingston DDR-III SODIMM 8Gb PC3-10600 (KVR13S9S8K2/8) KIT 2*4Gb didn't worked on my X201. The laptop starts, BIOS dispalys correct memory size, but neither Memtest nor OS works more than a few seconds.

The seller assumed that it's probaly because of 8*512Mb memory chips (1 row of 4 chips on each side) and sugested to try some other module with 16*256Mb chips (2 rows of 4 chips on each side) when they will be available.

[X20055]

Yes, single sided RAM sticks called 1Rx8 do not work at all. You need double sided called 2Rx8. Problem is, not every double stided stick pair works.

[bugmn]

Just installed two 4Gb Samsung M41B5273DH0-CH9 memory sticks on my 201, they're working just fine.

[x61fun]

DDR3 Hynix 4GB 2Rx8 PC3-10600S-9-11-F3 HMT351S6CFR8C-H9 N0 AA - approved

[Bearserker]

Just tried 2x4Gb Corsair CMSA8GX3M2A1066C7 on my X200, doesn't work

[hengster]

Tested on my X201s by myself:

DOES NOT WORK - Kingston HyperX 1600MHz DDR3L 4GB x2, CL9 1.35V, these are 1Rx8 (single-ranked, double-sided)
DOES NOT WORK - Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz DDR3L 4GB x2, CL9 1.35V, these are 1Rx8 (single-ranked, double-sided)
WORKS - Samsung 1333MHz DDR3 4GB x2, CL9 1.5V, these are 2Rx8 (dual rank, double-sided)
WORKS - Crucial Ballistix 1600MHz DDR3L 4GB x2, CL9 1.35V, these are 2Rx8 (dual rank, double-sided)

Hope this helps.

[Bearserker]

Tested on my x200 :

2x4Gb G.Skill F3-8500CL7D-8GBSQ -> WORKS
According to the title of this thread, the following ram modules shouldn't be here. But listing them may help finding working 4Gb modules :
2Gb Ramaxel RMT3020EF48E8W-1333 -> WORKS
2Gb Samsung M471B5673FHO-CF8 -> WORKS

[xsixt]

Would be helpful for other users if you could change the thread title to read x20X or x200/x201 instead of x200. Excellent thread BTW.

[jdrou]

Working pairs of 4 GB modules in X201:
Samsung M471B5273DH0-CH9 works @533-7-7-7-20 timings [PC3-10600 2Rx8]
Hynix HMT351S6EFR8C-PB works @533-7-7-7-19 timings [PC3-12800 2Rx8] (these are pulled from a Dell laptop)
Kingston HyperX PnP KHX1600C9S3P1K2/8G works @533-6-6-6-18 timings [PC3-12800 2Rx8]
Nanya NT4GC64B8HG0NS-DI works @533-7-7-7-19 timings [PC3-12800 2Rx8]

[GNUbahn]

Thanks for a great thread.

Is there a noteworthy difference in performance between the ram modules certified to work? How can one choose 'the best' or at least a well performing module?

[jdrou]

Thanks for a great thread.

Is there a noteworthy difference in performance between the ram modules certified to work? How can one choose 'the best' or at least a well performing module?

Stability is really far more important. You probably will not notice any difference between different modules running at the same clock speed, even those with better latency/timings. Even a clock speed difference may not be noticeable unless you're using Intel graphics like the X2xx series (since the main memory is then also your only graphics memory). I haven't had any significant problems with any of the models mentioned here; most people would probably advise staying away from "value" brands like Kingston ValueRAM. If you just want to have the "best" then look for modules with low latency at the clock speed you're running them. These are usually special performance brands like Kingston HyperX, Crucial Ballistix, Corsair Vengeance, and G.SKILL Ripjaws.

[GNUbahn]

Thanks.
I'm a bit confused about this though:

Even a clock speed difference may not be noticeable unless you're using Intel graphics like the X2xx series (since the main memory is then also your only graphics memory).

Isn't this thread exactly about the X2xx series?

[thinkpadcollection]

The specs of the x200/x201 is designed because 4500MHD northbridge for x200 also x201 CPU MCP (two die package of CPU, and northbridge with iGPU) calls for DDR3-1066 MHz in addition to this said ram have to be 2Rx8 (16 chips per memory module, aka low density).

If memory modules are found DDR3-1333 2x 4GB, both said computers will run at 1066MHz regardless.
Also preferred way to obtain reliable results; best source is ebay for matched used or new 2Rx8 modules. Keep in mind: Retail sources new DDR3 modules no longer exists for 2Rx8 aka low density anywhere as they are 8 chips per module.

Cheers, thinkpadcollection

[GNUbahn]

Thanks for the elaboration.

[jdrou]

Thanks.
I'm a bit confused about this though:

Even a clock speed difference may not be noticeable unless you're using Intel graphics like the X2xx series (since the main memory is then also your only graphics memory).

Isn't this thread exactly about the X2xx series?

Yes but the advice is pretty much the same for any laptop. Only that bit is more specific.
Also as thinkpadcollection mentions regardless of the speed rating on the RAM itself it won't run faster than DDR3-1066 in these particular systems.

[GNUbahn]

Thanks. I'm beginning to get the picture (more questions will probably emerge later, though)

[TPFanatic]

Does this apply to 1rx8 2GB sticks for a total of 4GB? I picked up some 1rx8 2GB pc3-10600s Hynixes from a T420 that I could not get to work in a T500. Would they work in X201 or am I out of luck and need to source some 2rx8 Ram?

[TPFanatic]

2x4GB 2rx8 Hynix/SKHynix PC3-12800s 1600mhz (normal PC3-12800s, NOT PC3L-12800s) works in my X200, also works in my T500, running in both @1066 speeds. Low voltage PC3L does not work at all in these older models.

[gu]

Patriot PSD38G1333SK works on my x200 (bought it from https://www.amazon.de/dp/B003X1SBIQ/ref ... 01_TE_item )

[madicetea]

Thanks again for this list, I've been making ample use of it.

However, I got one 4gb chip for free and it worked, so I'm getting another of it and will soon report back if all 8GB if recognised.

4GB 2Rx8 PC3-12800S-11-11-F3 HMT351S6CFR8C-PB NO AA 1242 SKHynix chips (one is orange 'CHINA 01' and the other on the way is a black 'KOREA 07' chip).

[madicetea]

Does this apply to 1rx8 2GB sticks for a total of 4GB? I picked up some 1rx8 2GB pc3-10600s Hynixes from a T420 that I could not get to work in a T500. Would they work in X201 or am I out of luck and need to source some 2rx8 Ram?

I had some 1Rx8 RAM as well. I traded a computer at school for a 2Rx8 chip and the HP all-in-one at school took the 1Rx8 so I kept the 2Rx8 and as you can see, ordered a second chip with the same model number.

I wouldn't bother trying to use a 1Rx8 on an X200. Can't speak for X201 though.

[madicetea]

Thanks.
I'm a bit confused about this though:

Isn't this thread exactly about the X2xx series?

Yes but the advice is pretty much the same for any laptop. Only that bit is more specific.
Also as thinkpadcollection mentions regardless of the speed rating on the RAM itself it won't run faster than DDR3-1066 in these particular systems.

While this is true, my understanding of computer architecture is real RAM communication is not done necessarily through the FSB of the CPU, as opposed to the Northbridge Chipset controller on the motherboard (for Intel systems, I believe any AMD system is indeed CPU FSB limited).

Does this still mean there is necessarily no benefit whatsoever to having a faster speed of RAM, especially when the memory itself is almost 2 generations old and there are similar priced faster chips as there are slower chips?

[thinkpadcollection]

Please think this way: The SPD data on each memory modules (this is main reason to match a pair), determines the timing bins for 1066, 1333 and 1600. If you have set of matched OEM brand (2Rx8, 16 chips per module, please), that is either 1600 or 1333 that are used in older machines for C2D and 1st gen i core will just select the SPD data for 1066. If 1333, SPD timing bins is selected for 1333 so on. You are lucky to have Patriot working since this is not OEM quality, this is lowest quality 3rd party memory.

When you have these 1Rx8 modules designed to be 8 chips per modules and usually not well supported in older than Ivy Bridge computers (Sandy Bridge is 16GB total and has to be 2Rx8 always, BTW I was given 1Rx8, 2x8GB for 16GB total to use in and found out that T420 and will not work.) Also there is plenty of older system that only support 8GB max and still needs to be 2Rx8 for older like 1st gen and C2D are this type. All of these previously mentioned will only take 1.5V which is non L type. Ivy Bridge notebook is first to take either 1.5V or 1.35V (L, also cannot be mixed 1.35V or 1.5 modules), then Haswell takes DDR3L only onwards.

OEM means original electronic manufacturers, the ones who produces memory chips and assembles their own memory and put their OEM logos to match is due to well known expertise with their chips will set up best compatiblity with most computers possible. Hynix, Samsung, Elpida, Micron Technology owns Micron and Crucial brand line are the ones to buy.

Funny sounding names stickers and nameless stickers even the chips are OEM or not are not good idea to acquire since these 3rd party has to buy chips and seconds on the open market and build and program their own SPD data which is where compatiblity and non-standard design do happen like using 8 chips and emulate as 2Rx8 (always electrically physically 16 chips) will not work properly. I happen to have 4 pieces of 3rd party DDR2 8 chips per module that emulates low density does not work right since there is not 2 rank signals not properly handled on some computers. Few computers worked but I have few other computer will not work right or will not work at all. I also have AMD memory that uses 32 chips per modules DDR2 800 only works on AMD computers as well. By the way this is not registered memory either. Just unbuffered like standard memory does.

Cheers, thinkpadcollection

[TPFanatic]

I have put DDR3L in Sandy Bridge Thinkpads with no problems, I believe it just behaves the same as 1.5v and only operates at 1.35v in an Ivy or newer.

[jdrou]

While this is true, my understanding of computer architecture is real RAM communication is not done necessarily through the FSB of the CPU, as opposed to the Northbridge Chipset controller on the motherboard (for Intel systems, I believe any AMD system is indeed CPU FSB limited).

Does this still mean there is necessarily no benefit whatsoever to having a faster speed of RAM, especially when the memory itself is almost 2 generations old and there are similar priced faster chips as there are slower chips?

Memory speed is limited by the memory controller which is part of the CPU die now (since 2008 I believe) rather than the motherboard chipset. I think AMD did this before Intel.

I have put DDR3L in Sandy Bridge Thinkpads with no problems, I believe it just behaves the same as 1.5v and only operates at 1.35v in an Ivy or newer.

Same here. I have DDR3L in my X220.