SDRAM problems presario

[chadroeder]

Hi...I'm attempting to install a 256 MB strip of SDRAM in a Presario 7470...during bootup, (in a configuration with the existing 128 MB strip) the compaq screen shows a count-up of RAM, then freezes at 128...with the 256 strip alone, it counts to about 119, then the screen goes crazy with scrolling blocks of flashing junk...both strips are PC 133, and the MAX RAM for the motherboard is 512. This is the second strip of the same (crucial) brand, after sending back the first thinking it was defective. So. Ideas? Answers? Cup of tea? Any help is, of course, welcome.

Thanks,

CR

 

[chadroeder]

A bit more info from compaq:





printable version
Compaq Presario 7470 Desktop PC - Product Specifications

Technical specifications

Part number Series

163881-xx3

Form Factor


Classic Microtower

Processor Type:


AMD K6-2 533

Memory (SDRAM)


128 MB

L2 Pipeline Burst Cache


512 kb

Video Memory


8 MB Shared

3D Display Cache


N/A

Hard Drive Capacity (GB)


10G

Primary Optical Drive


8x DVD

Secondary Optical Drive


No

Removable Storage; Zip Drive


No

Modem Type


56 K ITU V.90

Creativity Action Center


Yes

Digital Creativity Imaging Center


No

Digital Flat Panel port (DFPp)


No

Ethernet NIC (RJ-45) (Mfg. option)


No

Processor (CPU)




Processor Speed (MHz)


475/500/533/550

Implementation


Socket 7

Planar Clock Speed


95 MHz on 475, 97 MHz on 533, 100 MHz on 500, 550

Max Clock Speed


100 MHz

Clocking Options


475/500/533/550

System Bus Speed


95 MHz on 475, 97 MHz on 533, 100 MHz on 500, 550

System Bus Speed Max


100 MHz

Selectable Voltage


Y

Upgradable Processor


Y

Processor Upgrade Options


AMD K6-2, K6-2+

Chipset


Via MVP4/686A

Math co-processor


Built-In

Cache




Internal L1 Primary Cache


64 KB

L2 Cache


512 KB (128 KB on K6-2+)

L3 Cache


None (512 KB on K6-2+)

Cache Upgrade Options


N/A

Memory




Memory Max*


512 MB

DIMM Memory Speed**


100 MHz CL3

Speed of Memory Down on Board


N/A

Memory Type


Non-Parity

Dimm Module Type


Gold Contact

Number of of Pins


168

Max DIMM Capacity


256 MB

Ram Type***


100 MHz SDRAM

Memory - On Board


None

Memory - In Slots


128

Memory - Max No Discard


384 MB

Memory - Max with Discard


512 MB

Total Memory Slots


Two

Memory Slots Used


One

Memory Slots Free


One

**Note: CL2 Memory may also be used.

***Note: All DIMMs must support Serial Presence Detect (SPD) Revision 1 or Greater

 

[zeitghost]

I seem to vaguely recall that some of the specs changed on SDRAM regarding row/column addressing a while ago.

Perhaps you might try PC100 memory instead of PC133?

This may be total nonsense though.

I have a FIC VA-503+ kt6-2 motherboard that gets upset with two memory sticks in it. With just the one, it's fine, with two it's the random BSOD scenario.

Just a thought.

rgds
Zeit.

 

[chadroeder]

Well, the thing is the comp. doesn't react poorly to 2 sticks (previously had a 64 and 128 stick together), just the new one. thanks for the reply.

CR

 

[chadroeder]

Might have figured out the problem...seems the refresh rate is too high (8K)...what i need is 4K. So i'll try it, see what happens.

CR

 

[chadroeder]

Yes, the density was too high for this old mobo...problem solved!

CR

 

[cdogg]

Good for you! I was just going to recommend getting a dual-sided stick of PC133 which is usually less dense.


~cdogg
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