512MB RAM compatibility in Wallstreet?

[danikayser84]

I've been upgrading my old PowerBook G3 Wallstreet (so far I have a 40GB hard drive and OS 9.2.2 in it), the only problem I seem to have hit is the issue of RAM compatibility; I tried a known-working Micron brand 256MB PC100 from a ThinkPad 600X but it only gave me the "sad Mac" sound yet works fine in the 600X I put two Samsungs in but only one seems to be recognized (the one on the lower slot) and it gives an error dialog on startup about the memory

Any brands that are recommended for this model? (I do know that only the 16 chip 256MB sticks work, AFAIK) Is it also safe to mix brands of RAM or will the G3 reject mismatched sticks?

 

[Unknown_K]

Does the working SIMM work in the other slot? You might have a problem with the SIMM slot if it doesn't.

 

[danikayser84]

I did run the original 32 in the top slot and it was recognized fine (with nothing in the bottom) so it seems like both slots are working... might try another 256MB stick or a 128MB to see if it recognizes it first before replacing the CPU card

 

[Gorgonops]

Have to say, kinda surprised a chip from a 600X isn't working, as I'm pretty sure the 600X uses the mobile version of the 440BX chipset, which has essentially the same memory banking restrictions as the Grackle. But, well, maybe I'm not surprised because I've found Macs to be devilishly picky about RAM that seems to work perfectly fine in other machines.

 

[Byrd]

Is it double sided RAM?  I recall Wallstreets were particularly picky about working with non double-sided RAM, many Wallstreets have the extra-long RAM modules in them (which I assume is double-sided).  I'd also clean the RAM connectors of the CPU daughtercard with electronic solvent cleaning spray, or isopropyl alcohol spray.

 

[Unknown_K]

All 16 chip 256mb PC100 SODIMM are double sided.

The last batch of PC100 256Mb SODIMMs I purchased were from a Chinese Ebay seller. Micron MT16LSDF3264HG-10EE4 PC100-222-620 256MB SYNCH 100Mhz CL2

They worked in everything I ever used them in PC or Mac. I can check tomorrow what I have in my Wallstreet 292mhz.

 

[danikayser84]

Update: I replaced the bad 256MB Samsung with a different 256MB Micron (with the chips aligned in a 2x4 square; the other Micron was in a 5 vertical, 3 horizontal pattern) and now all is well and it sees the full 512MB...

Now to invest in a CardBus USB and/or FireWire for this machine