Additional memory installed not showing in system

[geramar31]

I have a Gateway GM5442 with 2 1024 MB DIMMs memory originally installed and just upgraded it with two additional DDR2 PC2-4200 1 GB Samsung memory cards. The computer works as before, but the additional memory does not show in system. I use Windows 7 with 64-bit OS. I already checked that the cards are quite in place and rebooted. I already checked as per your instructions msconfig Advance options. Maximum memory was already unchecked and then checked to "Make all boot settings permanent". Rebooted, and still shows 2.00 GB installed memory (RAM) in System info and 2037 Total Physical Memory in Task Manager.

 

[TVeblen]

Two thoughts:

Enter the BIOS settings and see if all the RAM is recognized there.

All 4 sticks should be the same voltage. Look on the original sticks and see if there is a sticker with the voltage marked on it, then compare that to the voltage of the new sticks.

 

[Layback Bear]

After you check your ram as TVeblen has suggested.

This is what works for me.

 

[geramar31]

I believe they are the same voltage because the RAM cards received description: GENERIC DDR2-4200 1gb SAMSUNG 533 MHZ 128X72 DDR2 240 ECC REG.

The ones previously installed in my Gateway GM5442 are described by Gateway Support specifications as 2048 MB DDR2, 533 MHz (PC4200) dual channel memory (two 1024 MB DIMMs) Expandable to 4 GB (4DDR2 DIMM slots).

In addition, I enterred the BIOS settings and found that:
Memory Channel A slot 0 1024 MB
Memory Channel A slot 1 Not installed
Memory Channel B slot 0 1024 MB
Memory Channel B slot 1 Not installed

The new RAM I installed in slots 1 A & B that were empty. I placed them the same way the other two were installed. Is it possible that I should have placed them inverted?

 

[TVeblen]

No. there is a key (notch) in the card that prevents that. You can see the plastic ridge inside the slot that is to line up with that key. The key is off-center just for that reason.

Unfortunately the design voltage of memory sticks is not a part of that generic description. And many sellers do not list it in their specs. You have to look. Very annoying considering how important that spec is.

But you now know the problem: the sticks are not recognized by the system. So forget about the OS for now, it has nothing to do with it. You've got to figure out why the new RAM is not recognized at the BIOS level.

You could try this:
Take the original 2 sticks out (carefully note their orientation in terms of that key notch). The put the 2 new sticks in those same 2 slots and see if they are recognized by the system.

 

[geramar31]

Thank you! I'll follow your instructions. First, look at the voltage. If it is the same, replace the old with the new and see what happens! I'll let you know whatever the results may be.

 

[geramar31]

I could not find indication of voltage (perhaps I did not know where to look), but when I removed the two original RAM sticks and replaced them with the two new ones in the same 0 slots in Channels A & B, and turned on the computer, it started wistling. Clearly they are either incompatible or defective. I'll try to get a refund.:sarc:

Thank you for all your help. I've learned a lot in the process!!

 

[TVeblen]

Whistling? Do you think it might have been beeping? Never heard Whistling before!

Yes, they "sound" like defective parts for sure.

 

[geramar31]

Yeah! Of course! I meant beeping!! I already asked to return the sticks and get a refund.

 

[TVeblen]

Good call. You didn't mention the brand of RAM those were. I find that if you stick to the better known brands the likelihood of bad sticks is reduced.

 

[Layback Bear]

I have never had any luck trying to matched O.E. ram. I would get all new matching ram of the proper specs. As TVeblen has recommend, a quality brand is a must.
TVeblen uses Corsair and I use Kingston. Both are quality.