Laptop memory issue

[sublimo]

I bought an old laptop on ebay a while ago. It's a Compaq Armada 100s, and comes with 64Mb of Ram, 2 slots of 32Mb. I wanted to expand the Ram memory and so I looked up the part number for a 128Mb chip in the maintenance guide of the Laptop (part number 179966-001), and found in Google that this was an SO-DIMM PC100 memory chip.
So I bought a 128Mb memory chip on ebay, it's a Samsung 128MB SO DIMM SDRAM PC100 144PIN 3.3V, so I thought it would be compatible.
So yesterday I changed one of the 32MB RAM chips in the laptop for the 128MB chip and it doesn't work. When I start the laptop, there is only 32MB of RAM. Why isn't this RAM chip compatible with the laptop?
Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

[ASG0856]

According to the manual, there is 32/64Mb as standard, with an increase to 160/192 by addition of another 128Mb memory module. I would guess you are putting the module in the wrong place. Replace the original 32MB module, check all works fine, then look for another slot for the 128MB module

 

[ASG0856]

If you go here

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...skId=135&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeriesId=96218

and select the maintenance and service guide, it shows how and where to fit the expansion card

 

[sublimo]

I followed the maintenance and service guide and did exactly what it said there. There is one 32MB chip in the laptop that is fixed. It can't be taken out or changed. The other chip is in an expansion slot. So I took out the 32MB that was in there, and placed in the 128MB as illustrated in the guide.
But the laptop doesn't recognize it.
Do you think it should work? Is there a way to check if the memory is faulty?

 

[ASG0856]

As you have done everything correctly in terms of fitting the memory, (including earthing yourself I hope), it may be that particular memory module is not compatible, even though it's got the same part no (odd I know, but hey, thats computers for you). The only way to test it would be in another Laptop that uses the same type of memory

You stated you found the memory module through Google. Did you go to a particular supplier. If not, try on Crucial.Com, where you enter your specific machine, and it will list comaptible memory modules.

 

[wahnula]

I have an Armada in my extended computer family. I do know that I called/emailed Crucial to make sure that their Dell Inspiron RAM would fit in the Armada 110. I was told it did, and every time I upgraded the Dell the old RAM went into the Armada w/ no problems. It is now maxed out at 512 external + 128 internal I believe.

That said, while the TYPE of module you purchased MIGHT work, you have no way to test its condition. Last time I looked PC100/133 SODIMMS were fetching a hefty price so I would return to vendor ASAP as DOA.

ASG0856 is correct in his guidance, as well as steering you towards Crucial.com. At this point I would entertain the option of cutting your losses and not spending any more $$$ on a platform that is unsupported and outdated, start saving your pennies for a modern laptop. Even a $500 entry-level rig would literally smoke that Armada and would also have a solid upgrade path.

One more tip...stay away from eBay for this purchase! Buy in a local store with local support!

Best of luck,

Tony