Cannot install 4 sodimms in my new W530

[dtprosys]

My new W530 came with W530 I7−3720QM 1x4gb.   The laptop will not boot (blank screen) whenever I tried to install dimms in slot 3 and slot 4.   I can install a single dimm in slot 1, or one each in slot 1 and slot 2.  I have 3 sets of identical modules.  Each set tested fine using the memory tool individually or in sets of 2.  I have also loaded the latest BIOS.  Just cannot get 32gb to work.  Do I need to get 1.35v sodimm when I am using 4x8gb ?

[ColonelONeill]

Do you have 4x8GB modules?

Someone else reported that his machine wouldn't POST with DIMMs in slots 1 and 3 or something.

[ThorsHammer]

What memory did you buy?

[WolfWings]

Try installing a single SO-DIMM at a time in each slot to verify they're all working. Cycle through them like that to verify what works where:

DIMM A in Slot #1, Slot #2, Slot #3, Slot #4
DIMM B in Slot #1, Slot #2, Slot #3, Slot #4
DIMM C in Slot #1, Slot #2, Slot #3, Slot #4
DIMM D in Slot #1, Slot #2, Slot #3, Slot #4
Original DIMM in Slot #1, Slot #2, Slot #3, Slot #4

Now there's three possibilities:

1. One of the slots won't work with ANY DIMM, not even the original. Likely faulty motherboard, report to Lenovo.
2. Only some of the DIMMs work in one of the slots. In this case, KEEP the DIMMs that do work, replace ALL the DIMMs that don't as faulty/out-of-tolerance.
3. Now the really complex case: Some of the DIMMs work in some of the slots; I.E. A-3 works, and D-4 works, but not A-4 or D-3? Two paths here:
   • Replace ALL the DIMMs that failed ANYWHERE.
   • Find a configuration of DIMMs that works, and test the HELL out of the box w/ the memory test.

If you can boil it down to Case #1, that's the safest fix while it's still in warranty and avoids problems down the road if the motherboard becomes even less tolerant than it already is towards your memory DIMMs. It may end up being a case of #3, turns into #2, solved though.

[dtprosys]

Thanks for the response.   Here is what I have tested with 2 sets (Corsair Vengeance, and Kingston 4x8gb 1600mhz)

Boots fine, and memory diagnostic test passed with:

Original 4gb sodimm in Slot#1

Single 8gb in Slot#1 (all modules tested fine)

8gb sodimms in Slot#1 and Slot#3 (This works with both sets of sodimms)

The laptop will not boot (blank screen) with anything in Slot#2 or Slot#4 or in both (2&4)

Has anyone successfully loaded 4x8gb =32gb RAM with a W530?

My laptop:   Lenovo W530 I7-3720M, K2000M,  BIOS Version : G5ET33WW (1.11)

[dtprosys]

Corsair Vengeance CMSX8GX3M1A1600C10 (4X8GB 1600MHZ)
Kingston KTL-TP3C/8GB (4X8GB 1600MHZ)

[Wendel]

Here is a similar thread. Possibly you may find an answer here. http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/W-Series-ThinkPad-Laptops/Pure-craziness-W530-will-post-with-a-DIMM-in-s...

[pokwon]

Same here.  The only DIMM slots that work at 1 and 3.  Anything in 2 or 4 causes it to not POST.  Dealing with lenovo CS really sucks.  All I get is someone will call you from the Concerns Department.  I am trying to get the machine replaced as it has the DIMM issue and couple of dead pixels.

I'm considering posting and asking for the mods for help.

pokwon

[ThorsHammer]

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dtprosys wrote:

Corsair Vengeance CMSX8GX3M1A1600C10 (4X8GB 1600MHZ)
Kingston KTL-TP3C/8GB (4X8GB 1600MHZ)

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Thanks for the information.  They sell the machine with 1600MHz RAM so in theory it should work.  There is a thread about the W520 RAM having its speed capped by the BIOS because the FCC certified machine was different than what is being sold now.

I don't know if that is the issue here, but I would look into it closely and see.  If you put slower speed DDR3 sodimms into the machine and they worked, that might provide another data point.

[WolfWings]

Mine isn't Corsair or Kingston though but G.Skill which is a brand I had no problems with when I upgraded my T61p to 8GB so I stuck with them over the older 'name brand' options.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231581

Note also mine is *NOT* a "matched set" or dual-channel kit. Just installing pairs of matching-spec DIMMs allows them to run in dual-channel mode, as evidenced above. So yes, I bought 4 individual 8GB SO-DIMMs, not "two pairs" or anything like that.

Also note I started with BIOS 1.07, it's had 1.08, 2.03, and now BIOS 1.11 installed in it. So BIOS version makes no difference either. It appears DIMM slots 2 & 4 on your laptop are DOA, get a replacement arranged.