No video when added memory

[Boceefus]

I have an HP Pavilion model a6357c. I just installed Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit. There are 4 memory slots. Each is supposed to be able to hold 2G. I have 4x1G sticks. When I install all sticks the computer comes on with no video. The only way I can get it to boot up normal is with 1 stick only. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[whs]

Did you install a GPU (other than what came with the system)?

 

[Boceefus]

No, the only 2 things I did is clean install of Windows 7 64-bit and tried to add memory.

 

[Zomby88]

We`ll assume you have all the same type and speed memory so.
Having 1 stick in the pc add 1 more and boot up. If you have video take that stick out and install another stick and boot up. Do this to test all your memory and make sure it`s ok. Now add another stick ( repeating step 1 ) and boot up to see what happens. Make sure that the memory is firmly seated and the clips are fully engaged.

Post back your results.

 

[Boceefus]

I tried adding 1 at a time and no matter how I do it the computer still only works right when there is 1 stick. All sticks are good.

 

[Ztruker]

According to the product specifications:

Memory upgrade information

• Dual channel memory architecture
• Four 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets
• Supported DIMM types:
  • PC2-4200 (533 MHz)
  • PC2-5300 (667 MHz)
  • PC2-6400 (800 MHz)
• Non-ECC memory only, unbuffered
• Supports 2GB DDR2 DIMMs
• Supports up to 8 GB on 64 bit PCs
• Supports up to 4 GB* on 32 bit PCs
  • 32 bit PCs cannot address a full 4.0 GB of memory.

Does this match the memory you are using?

 

[Boceefus]

Yes. They are all PC2-5300. Is there a driver or something I need to enter in the bios to tell it to recognize 4? I searched the bios and can't find anything. Thank you for your help.

 

[Ztruker]

There is a BIOS update listed under Vista X64.



I know you are running Windows 7 X64 but this is applicable. I don't know if it will make any difference. Up to you if you think it's worth trying. Updating the BIOS is not something you should do unless there is something you need as there is always a chance the update will go bad, slim perhaps but still a chance.

 

[Boceefus]

I had a bios update go bad a while back. That was fun. lol I'll give it a go and let you know. Thanks again.

 

[Ztruker]

Looking at the picture of the motherboard, the memory sockets are two different colors. How are you/have you been putting them in? Is there a required method for this?

 

[Boceefus]

Problem found?

I may have found the problem. Decided to run some tests. Attached is a screenshot of partial results. Bad CPU?

 

[Ztruker]

What diagnostic are you running that gave this result?

 

[Dwarf]

It's unusual for a CPU to fail, but in your case I would say that it is highly probable that the cause is the on-chip memory controller going flakey. Did you try all memory slots with a single stick?