Solved Ram Problem.

[JumpinJellybean]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone could help me with a problem I'm having with some ddr2 ram I just got. It's 512x4 but it will only register as 512 at the bios load screen and once Windows loads too.

So far I've scoured the net and have eliminated msconfig - boot - advanced options as the problem. Also looked in the bios settings but not very sure as to what I should be tinkering with. I've updated the bios but still no joy.

There was 2 other sticks of 1 gig in which I've tried removing so it was only the 512x4 in the comp. still same result.

The problematic ram is 800mhz if that helps any and the mobo is an Asus M2N-SLI Deluxe.

Hopefuly someone can offer some suggestions/pointers to remedy this. Thanks for reading, any help is appreciated.

 

[richc46]

If you did not buy all at once (mix and match, which is a no-no), that is most likely a problems. I know, they are compatible etc, but I stick to my answer.

 

[JumpinJellybean]

Thing is though I've tried with just the one I'm having probs with installed, I was going to replace the current 2 working gig with 2 of the 512x4 ones but even when the single 512x4 is in it only shows 512 of ram.

 

[seavixen32]

You might be having trouble with the RAM sockets on your motherboard.

Take all your RAM out, and then try each stick in each socket - one at a time. A bit time-consuming I know, but it will tell you whether its your RAM sticks or your motherboard that is playing up.

 

[richc46]

Take this test, for both slots and sticks
Download memtest86 and test RAM
www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html
Run for 8 passes
If it passes try a good stick in each slot for 3 passes
If it fails do the same for 8 passes.

 

[essenbe]

richc46 suggestion is the best way to test it. I would suggest to reseat the ram and make sure there is no dust or or trash in the ram slots.

 

[alphanumeric]

What is the make and model number of the RAM in question?

 

[JumpinJellybean]

Thanks for replies all. I think the guy has either sold me the wrong ram or has tried to pull a fast one or made a genuine mistake.

The ram is Vitesta - Extreme Edition - DDR2 800+ (4) 512MX8. The shopkeeper told me the (4) meant it was actually 2 gig, I assumed he knew what he was talking about running a computer shop. Then when I was trying to find a link to a page with the ram on it for you alphanumeric I noticed the 1 gig sticks also had this (4) in front of 1G, oh dear.

On top of that I tried what you said seavixen32 and this ram froze my comp twice when it was the only one in 2 of the slots

 

[DocBrown]

Have you tested your MB to see what is the maximum ram memory it can hold.

SIW is good to check this.

 

[JumpinJellybean]

I've still got the box, says on the side it can hold 8 gig.

 

[DocBrown]

Thanks for replies all. I think the guy has either sold me the wrong ram or has tried to pull a fast one or made a genuine mistake.

The ram is Vitesta - Extreme Edition - DDR2 800+ (4) 512MX8. The shopkeeper told me the (4) meant it was actually 2 gig, I assumed he knew what he was talking about running a computer shop. Then when I was trying to find a link to a page with the ram on it for you alphanumeric I noticed the 1 gig sticks also had this (4) in front of 1G, oh dear.

On top of that I tried what you said seavixen32 and this ram froze my comp twice when it was the only one in 2 of the slots

My best guess is the the shopkeeper is wrong

 

[seavixen32]

Try Crucial's memory scanner for a guide of what RAM you can install and in what configuration: Use the Crucial System Scanner software to find out what type of memory is in your computer

 

[richc46]

Best advice, dont mix and match. Test results not withstanding, dont mix and match.

 

[essenbe]

If you will install SIW as Doc suggested and CPUz They will tell you a lot of info about your system.

 

[alphanumeric]

I think I would look at the actual part number on one stick of that RAM and look it up to see what size it actually is. CPUz "should" tell you too, but if the BIOS is reporting it wrong CPUz may read it wrong too. If it is what the seller said it was, then it could be that its just not compatible with your motherboard. Some RAM modules just don't work with some motherboards, even if that size is supported.

 

[essenbe]

On the stick of ram there should be a sticker that lists the voltage and timings. Try going into bios and making sure the ram voltage and timings are the same as listed on the stick. If you still have problems, I would think alphanumeric is correct.

 

[Phone Man]

From what I can find this is made by Adata. The 4 is the CL (Cas Latency) and the 512MX8 means it is 512Mb built with 8 memory chips. So you supplier is wrong.

Jim

 

[Dwarf]

Don't overlook the possibility that the wrong label has been applied to the module(s). Both the BIOS and CPUID (and other similar software) get the information about the modules directly from the SPD chip.

 

[Phone Man]

His sticker says 512MX8 and shows as 512Mb in his system so the label is correct. His supplier is wrong.

Jim

 

[JumpinJellybean]

Thanks again for the replies folks.

I've spoken to the shop who said I can change it on Monday. Also found a qualified vendor list for my motherboard on the asus site so I'll probably take a print of that along and try to get one of the brands listed.