MX3231 - Memory Issues

I learned this the HARD WAY after owning 3 Gateway laptops in the past 4 Yrs. All Gateway Notebooks, are Memory specific ( meaning you can't just throw any type of Ram into it ) it takes a little research, you need to look at the specs of your MX3231, then you need to look at the components (Hardwear Type) in your notebook spces it states that (Hynix, Samsung, Infineon DDR2-SODIMM PC4300 200-pin SODIMM 533 MH) is the only Ram that will work in your Gateway MX3231 , under the Components list, you have to look under Memory to find what type is compatible w/ your MX3231 notebook: GO HERE: to see what I'm telling you

http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/...09130cl3.shtml

when you click on the Memory list, it says what is compatible, and FYI:
just because Gateway says you can only take 1GB of Ram , that may not be true at all, Gateway told me that I was MAXED OUT @ 2GB , but, I have 3GB in my notebook, all it means is that Gateway has not tested it w/ that much RAM, or they have, and found it unstable, but you can always find that out for yourself, just something to consider, just don't don't believe every thing that Gateway tells you to be a Fact.................I found out that most of the time, it's NOT A FACT!..........and, I might add that most modern OSes.........like XP & Vista 32bit can take up to 4GB of Ram, but it all denpens on if your Motherboard & Chipset can handle it?
isn't is interesting just what you can find out, if your GAME enough to try it out on your own............and that's only the FUN Part!

Are all laptops memory specific or just gateways?

That question, I can't answer

You don't have to buy it from Gateway, a lot of On-Line- Memory stores sell
(Hynix, Samsung, Infineon DDR2-SODIMM PC4300 200-pin SODIMM Notebook Memory) at a discount price, if you are willing to Surf, Google, and do the research to find it (do you even know what type Ram Sticks are even in your MX3231 notebook?) have you taken out the original stick and looked at what Type/Brand it is? that would be a very good place the start!

OK, not to resurrect an old thread, but I too have the same problem. I bought a Kingston stick (M12864E40 - 1Gb PC4200 -533MHz SODIMM) based on their memory configurator which states it's the only one compatible. Install and get HD spinup, quick flash of system LEDs then nothing but black screen.

I have worked in computers my entire life and never had a compatibility issue like this - ever. Even worked on Macs... lol but this Gateway puts them all to shame.