Can't add RAM

[minxca]

Hi,
I have PC 2.4/512 (kingston). The motherboard is Asus P4B533.
I wanted to add memory because my pc is too slow while I'm running VMware. I bought Kingston 512.

When I add the second memory, I couldn't boot it stuck on the Asus display, I couldn't go into the bios also.
I took off the old one and replace with the new one, it boots fine and I see a warning: "During the last bootup your system hung for an improper CPU speed setting. YOur system is now working in safe mode. To optimize the system performance & reability, ......"

I checked the cpu speed is 2400 (auto), Cpu Freq multiple 18x (greyed out) and Cpu External Freq (133). I try to changed to manual but the samething is happened again.

Usually if the RAM is not compatible, the OS couldn't see it but I never seen like this before.
Any Idea?

Thanks,
Winoto

 

[ski]

See if resetting CMOS with a MB jumper gets rid of the warning.

Also, if you're using Win 98, then you're limited to 512MB of RAM max.
If you're using Win ME, XP, or 2000, then install just 512MB of RAM, go into BIOS, increase the memory's voltage setting a notch, and install the add'l. 512MB.
If no luck, then try installing the 2 modules in different slots.

 

[cdogg]

ski,
WinME has the same memory limitations as Windows 98 - shouldn't use more than 512MB.


winoto,
How many times have you tried to reboot your system? If more than once, does the warning message appear every time? The reason why I ask is because when bootup failed the first time when you had both sticks in, the OS may have started to load although it was stuck on the ASUS POST display. That would explain why it tried to go into safe mode on the next boot.

What happens when you put the old memory stick back in - does the error go away?





~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
[tab][tab]- Aristotle

 

[ski]

Thanks for the correction, cdogg.
Never really paid that much attention to that junk O/S.

 

[minxca]

Hi,
Sorry, I didn't give enough information.
The OS is XP-Pro

When I put 2pcs RAM (I swap the order also), it hung on Asus display.

The bios goes to safe mode every time after I remove one RAM, but the second time is OK.


Thanks,

 

[cdogg]

So, what you're saying is that both RAM sticks work fine individually, but not when they're both in at the same time?

That is strange. Could you perhaps provide us with the model of both RAM sticks and their rated speed (i.e. PC2100, PC2700, etc)?

~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
[tab][tab]- Aristotle

 

[minxca]

Kingston Value RAM
KVR266X64c25/512
Desc: 512 MB 266MHz DDR PC2100 DIMM CL2.5

The only different between the RAM is The old one Assy in China and the newer one is Assy in USA

Thanks,

 

[cdogg]

You possibly have a bad memory slot in your PC. What I would try next is upgrade the BIOS by "flashing" it to the latest revision. The download and step-by-step directions should be out on the motherboard manufacturer's website.

~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
[tab][tab]- Aristotle

 

[praziquantum]

Thanks everyone ... after having the same problems mentioned above, I discovered that I had a defective RAM chip. It's been working fine for 2 years ... I think the dust fried it. I replaced the bad RAM chip with a good one and all is back to normal.