Trying to install new ram, conflict with video card

[muellator]

I purchased a new stick of ram to put into my computer (motherboard is ASRock AM2NF4G-SATA2) as I only had 2gb in before (bought another 1gb...there are 4 slots). I plugged it in, it read it just fine (said 3gb), but there seems to be some issue with the video card, it would no longer recognize my video card, and I couldn`t select the proper resolution, I tried reinstalling drivers for it, but it said it was the wrong hardware (video card is PNY GeForce 210 PCIe 2.0). I shut my computer down and removed one of the sticks, and I turned it back on and it was fine. What is this issue here?

 

[bassfisher6522]

Sounds like your dimm slots need to have matched pairs of RAM installed in each slot. In my case with my old 32 bit system I had 4 slots as well. I had two 1 GB and 2 512 GB sticks installed to achieve my 3 GB total. Check with your mobo maker and see what there recommendations are for installing RAM.

 

[profdlp]

I think bassfisher6522 has probably nailed it. Tell us the brand and model of your motherboard and RAM and we can probably tell you for sure.

 

[DocBrown]

Use Software Information for Windows to see your MB Mfg & Memory MFG

:ar: SIW | System Information for Windows by Gabriel Topala

 

[muellator]

Here is a screenshot of the ram:

I have another of the Kingston RAM (same as the one in there), but I pulled it and it's working fine, not sure if it matters or not.

Here is the motherboard:

 

[thefabe]

That's your problem is your trying to run different speeds and timing Ram. Mixing and mismatching Ram will only cause you problems.

Your much better off buying matched pairs that are tested to run together.
You should also check with your Mb manufacturer site and download the manual and look up the QVL (Qualified Vendors List) for Ram that has been tested to run at their rated speeds without any problems on your board.

Please also take the time to fill in in your entire system specs here

This way we can look in the lower left hand corner and know what your hardware is.
Thanks. Fabe

 

[profdlp]

That's your problem is your trying to run different speeds and timing Ram. Mixing and mismatching Ram will only cause you problems...

Fortunately, RAM is dirt cheap these days. If you can't get another stick exactly like the one you just added, I would replace them both. Even though it looks like your board has four slots I would not try to leave the old stick in there - you'll just end up with the same problem.

I'd check with the motherboard manufacturer to be sure about compatibility, but something like this looks like it would do the trick. (Assuming SIW is accurate.)

Newegg.com - Kingston 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 400 (PC2 3200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR400D2N3K2/2G

 

[muellator]

That's your problem is your trying to run different speeds and timing Ram. Mixing and mismatching Ram will only cause you problems...

Fortunately, RAM is dirt cheap these days. If you can't get another stick exactly like the one you just added, I would replace them both. Even though it looks like your board has four slots I would not try to leave the old stick in there - you'll just end up with the same problem.

I'd check with the motherboard manufacturer to be sure about compatibility, but something like this looks like it would do the trick. (Assuming SIW is accurate.)

Newegg.com - Kingston 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 400 (PC2 3200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR400D2N3K2/2G

Well I already had 2 of the Kingstons (the one in the screen shot) and just purchased one of the PNY. When I put any combination of 2 sticks in, it works fine, when all 3 are in, that's when I get my problem.

 

[profdlp]

It's a dual-channel board, so that third stick doesn't have a partner for the other channel. That's why thefabe was referring to "matched pairs".

 

[thefabe]

You can usually get away with 2 sticks that are mismatched speed wise anyways Windows will just default t the slower ram.

But like stated with the cost of Ram being where it's at and if you want trouble free and the best performance buying a matched pair is your best bet
.
You can re-coop some of the cost on ebay if you do that kind of thing.
Fabe

 

[muellator]

So basically I can only have 2 or 4 sticks of RAM? I can go grab another stick tomorrow if that's the case.

 

[muellator]

Just purchased another stick of RAM (same as the PNY) with no luck, having the same issue...

 

[DeaconFrost]

Are you sure you aren't bumping the video card slightly out of it's slot when you are adding this memory?

 

[bassfisher6522]

List your mobo? Then some of us can find out what kind of RAM excatly you can use, which will include the timings and voltages. These are key when purchasing more Ram. Read this info from these two links and it should give you the basics on RAM.

[PS. for advanced users, you can sometimes alter the voltages to get ones PC stable]

Memory effect - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Memory timings - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia