F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop The RAM isn't matching the slot on your laptop.

The RAM isn't matching the slot on your laptop.

The RAM isn't matching the slot on your laptop.

T
T1NA_Bear
Member
221
09-14-2021, 05:19 PM
#1
am i just making a big deal or is there something real going on here? i bought this windows xp professional acer travelmate 650 laptop from ebay for 40 dollars because i like old computers. don’t doubt me. it’s in decent shape, no battery but had a charger, but it didn’t turn on and i wasn’t sure why. then i checked the ram slot and saw the chips were completely misaligned—like they were forced in. after removing them, the pins lined up but the notches weren’t matching. i tried putting it back, but it still wouldn’t fit properly. i’m confused about what to do next... could this be a faulty ram module? is there something obvious i need to fix? all of you are probably thinking the same thing—what should i do? thanks for your help!
T
T1NA_Bear
09-14-2021, 05:19 PM #1

am i just making a big deal or is there something real going on here? i bought this windows xp professional acer travelmate 650 laptop from ebay for 40 dollars because i like old computers. don’t doubt me. it’s in decent shape, no battery but had a charger, but it didn’t turn on and i wasn’t sure why. then i checked the ram slot and saw the chips were completely misaligned—like they were forced in. after removing them, the pins lined up but the notches weren’t matching. i tried putting it back, but it still wouldn’t fit properly. i’m confused about what to do next... could this be a faulty ram module? is there something obvious i need to fix? all of you are probably thinking the same thing—what should i do? thanks for your help!

T
Twanneman81
Member
92
09-17-2021, 02:14 PM
#2
It's a newer type of RAM. The laptop could require DDR2 SDRAM or something similar, while your components might be DDR3, which wouldn't work.
T
Twanneman81
09-17-2021, 02:14 PM #2

It's a newer type of RAM. The laptop could require DDR2 SDRAM or something similar, while your components might be DDR3, which wouldn't work.

J
JackeVillery
Junior Member
11
09-17-2021, 04:09 PM
#3
Generation-wise, RAM has evolved from DDR to DDR4, then to DDR5, each offering higher bandwidth and efficiency improvements.
J
JackeVillery
09-17-2021, 04:09 PM #3

Generation-wise, RAM has evolved from DDR to DDR4, then to DDR5, each offering higher bandwidth and efficiency improvements.

D
Designx
Member
219
09-17-2021, 05:01 PM
#4
Online it seems the socket requires DDR 200/266 MHz memory in a compact design. Your current RAM appears suitable, though it might not be the correct type. Could you check if there’s any label on the RAM that provides identification details?
D
Designx
09-17-2021, 05:01 PM #4

Online it seems the socket requires DDR 200/266 MHz memory in a compact design. Your current RAM appears suitable, though it might not be the correct type. Could you check if there’s any label on the RAM that provides identification details?

R
Robx_33
Member
141
09-17-2021, 10:39 PM
#5
I don’t have expertise on old laptop RAM, but I can try to help based on what you show. Could you describe the label or any details visible? That way I can better understand and assist you.
R
Robx_33
09-17-2021, 10:39 PM #5

I don’t have expertise on old laptop RAM, but I can try to help based on what you show. Could you describe the label or any details visible? That way I can better understand and assist you.

Y
Yorkojino
Junior Member
4
09-18-2021, 11:02 PM
#6
The RAM should be DDR2 and the socket should support DDR. This conclusion comes from the chipset information and the speeds listed on the site (https://www.miniputer.com/Acer/TravelMate_650.html). The page mentions 200-400 MHz, which matches the laptop's requirements of 200/266 MHz. It also makes sense for a device that's 21 years old since DDR2 was introduced in 2003.
Y
Yorkojino
09-18-2021, 11:02 PM #6

The RAM should be DDR2 and the socket should support DDR. This conclusion comes from the chipset information and the speeds listed on the site (https://www.miniputer.com/Acer/TravelMate_650.html). The page mentions 200-400 MHz, which matches the laptop's requirements of 200/266 MHz. It also makes sense for a device that's 21 years old since DDR2 was introduced in 2003.

K
killer69990
Member
104
09-20-2021, 09:03 PM
#7
I believe you're on the right track. I saw this online and noticed the notch alignment is quite similar but not identical. That's likely the issue I'm facing, and it seems like an DDR module might be required. It's strange how they designed it, honestly. Not much of a specialist here, so that's about it. Thanks for your help!
K
killer69990
09-20-2021, 09:03 PM #7

I believe you're on the right track. I saw this online and noticed the notch alignment is quite similar but not identical. That's likely the issue I'm facing, and it seems like an DDR module might be required. It's strange how they designed it, honestly. Not much of a specialist here, so that's about it. Thanks for your help!

N
niuhayan
Member
165
09-20-2021, 09:38 PM
#8
Apparent issue with identifying the required generation, but well done overall.
N
niuhayan
09-20-2021, 09:38 PM #8

Apparent issue with identifying the required generation, but well done overall.

E
enzo91o
Member
56
09-21-2021, 01:38 AM
#9
On eBay, buyer protection is usually available. (unless the seller labeled it as non-functional or partless) It's unclear if it's worth it for a $40 laptop, but you might consider contacting the seller.
E
enzo91o
09-21-2021, 01:38 AM #9

On eBay, buyer protection is usually available. (unless the seller labeled it as non-functional or partless) It's unclear if it's worth it for a $40 laptop, but you might consider contacting the seller.