How can I tell if my PC requires single or double sided RAM?

[Mike99]

I never realized using single sided RAM in my old PC might cause a problem until I contacted a manufacturer. I Googled quite extensively & confirmed this could be an issue. Problem is I cannot find out anything about my PC or mobo regarding which type it uses.

The RAM manufacturer websites either don't list my old PC in their databases or indicate to use 4GB (2GBx2) which it already uses. And so far no response from the HP support forum.

I used 4 different utilities hoping they would indicate what my system required but they didn't.

Is there some software or something within Windows 7 itself which might provide this information?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[AmericanPharaoh]

RAM modules may be single- or double-sided. Whether your computer will accept a double-sided RAM modules depends on the type of RAM slots available on your computer's motherboard.

 

[HAVOC]

What manufacturer/model number motherboard do you have?

 

[Mike99]

The mobo is a made by Foxconn and printed on it is H-ALVORIX_HF-RS880-uATX.

The HP online specs say it's a N-Alvorix-RS880-uATX (Alvorix). I don't know why the discrepancy.
From other things I've come across the "N" can use up to 8GB RAM and the "H" can use up to 16GB.

According to the HP online specs mine can use up to 4GBx4. I want to use 4GBx2.

My utility programs all state the mobo is a Foxconn 2AB1.

Currently it is using the factory installed 4GB (2GBx2) & these are single sided. I've read that does not automatically mean I can use single sided 4GB modules because the 4GB may use high density chips & won't work. Whereas the original 2GB modules may be using low density chips.

It would be nice to know that I could use single sided RAM because there's a lot more choices available.

Any information would be much appreciated.
Thanks again.

 

[AmericanPharaoh]

Your "System Specs" shown your Mobo manufacturer is Foxconn.

If your not sure which Mobo model number you have, download Belarc Advisory tool, run a scan, look for "Main Circuit Board" in the report.
Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit, for software, hardware and security configuration information on your computer. Software license management, IT asset management, cyber security audits, and more.

In addition: To find out what memory sticks fix you MCB, run this online memory scanner.
Welcome to Crucial USA

EDIT: Looks like we both posted about the same time.

John

 

[AmericanPharaoh]

Yes, your model does accept high and low density RAM.

The low density is going to be more expensive, which has chips on both sides.

Are you going to install new RAM with old RAM?

If you mix old and new, you will want to know what density the RAM is that is installed currently.

To ensure compatibility. The amount to upgrade to depends on how much RAM you think you will use. You can use the task manager to see what amount of RAM you use at any given moment.

Hope this helps,
John

 

[Mike99]

I did run the CrucialScan a couple days ago & it came up with several 1, 2 & 4GB modules. I read the details on several of them & it looked like they all used the same description & essentially explained DDR3 memory. Nothing regarding single or double sided.

Where did you find that my HP accepts high density RAM? I couldn't find it anywhere.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Post a link to the Crucial upgrade results page.

 

[AmericanPharaoh]

I did run the CrucialScan a couple days ago & it came up with several 1, 2 & 4GB modules. I read the details on several of them & it looked like they all used the same description & essentially explained DDR3 memory. Nothing regarding single or double sided.

Where did you find that my HP accepts high density RAM? I couldn't find it anywhere.

I contacted Crucial.com support. After giving them the Mobo information you supplied, they told me your Mobo supported both low and high density RAM. I didn't check any further, since I had no reason to disbelieve them. But, I'm sure it's possible the technician could of been wrong. Might give HP support a call since it is one of their Mobo's.

After you mentioned this, I looked up your Mobo, here is the link.
HP Support document - HP Support Center

No information there regarding high density Ram, either.

I remember reading somewhere that whether or not a Motherboard is capable of running high density Ram is determined by the DIMM slots and the limitations of the Motherboard's chipset.

That's about all I have for you. You might post a link to this thread in our VIP forum - "More help requested" sub forum.
http://www.sevenforums.com/vip/354187-more-help-requested-8-a-185.html

I'm sure one of our more experienced members there can clarify all this.


John

 

[Mike99]

AmericanPharaoh -

Thank you very much for all your help.

I did try to contact HP but the “Contact Us” link on the HP Support website just takes you to online support. I also went to the “Still Need Help” & filled out the form with all my data. But there is no “Submit” button to click on. Clicking on “Options” has to do with checking warranty status & that went nowhere. Clicking on “Search all support” takes me to online help. It makes no sense to fill out a form since it didn’t accomplish anything. There was no email or phone number listed. That being said I did find an option for paid support since my PC is out of warranty.

There were several comments on the Internet were people tried to get an HP or Foxconn manual & they all said they were told none were available.

I had contacted G.Skill and they said their double sided 4GB module may work & I would need to contact HP to see if a single sided module would work.

I saw some comments where people bought the same RAM part number that they previously used but the new modules didn’t work. Turns out that the manufacturer changed from double to single sided but the part number remained the same. I saw this on some Newegg > G.Skill reviews & also somewhere else with another manufacturer but I don’t recall who.

Thank you again.

 

[AmericanPharaoh]

Hello Mike,

Since your product is out of warranty, HP support will most likely charge $59.95 for help. So we can forget that...right?

I wouldn't know where to obtain the MCB manual for this board, either. I have searched.

"G.Skill said, it may work." Not much assurance there. Will they refund if it doesn't work?

Your only choice may be to buy what is recommended by the folks who sell RAM.

John