I inherited an Acer Veriton M661 pc it came with a 1 gigabyte stick of ram and windows xp. However it currently has windows 7 and 2 gigs of ram pc2 5300. I tried to add more ram to the second channel but the pc would not start as a result. So I put it back the way it was, and no problem. Then I thought, what if I update the bios that might help. I have not been able to though so I'm stuck and would really appreciate some help
Nope updating the BIOS has nothing to do with RAM.
Here's a tool from Crucial that will scan your computer and recommend compatible RAM. You don't have to use CRUCIAL RAM, just make sure whatever RAM you purchase is the same type, preferably a matched pair to insure compatibility. Download, install, and run.
Crucial Scanner
What is the BIOS?
It acts as an interface between the computer's hardware and its operating system, e.g. Windows, allowing the software to control the PC's hardware. The BIOS also contains instructions that the PC uses to perform basic instructions, such as whether to Boot from Network or Hard drive, which drive to Boot from first.
BIOS updates aren’t big software upgrades that add new features, security patches, or performance improvements. BIOS updates typically have very short change logs – they may fix a bug with an obscure piece of hardware or add support for a new model of CPU.
Nic
Thanks for the speedy reply. I admit I don't know much about bios. the thing is the ram I have are all identical, every spec, not every brand. So I don't understand why it can't just get along. What am I missing
Brand usually doesn't make a difference, providing the specs are the same, or in some cases, very similar (I don't recommend the latter however). You may have a defective RAM module. Have you tried them individually to determine if one is bad? If the computer boots with a single RAM module installed, you could run MemTest to thoroughly test it.
Yes, they can be defective right out of the box. Experience speaking here!
My laptop has to identical spec RAM modules, different brands and work as they are intended.
To run MemTest
- Click
, type mdsched.exe in the Search box, and then press Enter.
- Choose whether to restart the computer and run the tool immediately or schedule the tool to run at the next restart.
- Windows Memory Diagnostics runs automatically after the computer restarts and performs a standard memory test automatically. If you want to perform fewer or more tests, press F1, use the Up and Down arrow keys to set the Test Mix as Basic, Standard, or Extended, and then press F10 to apply the desired settings and resume testing.
- When testing is completed, the computer restarts automatically. You’ll see the test results when you log on.
Nic
Hi knucklehead, welcome to Seven Forums,
Just to add to Snick's excellent advice, if you look at the Motherboards specifications it should also be able to tell you how much RAM it can accommodate!
I hope this helps!
Thank you for the input Paul Black!
Crucial scanner will determine that without having to do more than click the link, click the download and it scans. Crucial webpage will open shortly thereafter and on the left side you will see your system specs, rams slots, ram installed, total ram you can install, etc. On the right side you will see a list of compatible ram, you will have a choice to see more options. You do not have to use Crucial RAM, you can choose whatever brand you wish, (providing they are identical specs) you should be good to go.
As a general rule, I don't install a 2GB RAM module with a 4GB module, or similar set
I made this mistake tried installing 4GB module.Thank you for the input Paul Black!
Crucial scanner will determine that without having to do more than click the link, click the download and it scans. Crucial webpage will open shortly thereafter and on the left side you will see your system specs, rams slots, ram installed, total ram you can install, etc. On the right side you will see a list of compatible ram, you will have a choice to see more reviews of crazy bulk options. You do not have to use Crucial RAM, you can choose whatever brand you wish, (providing they are identical specs) you should be good to go.
As a general rule, I don't install a 2GB RAM module with a 4GB module, or similar set
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