 Problem with new RAM |
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 Jul 3 2009, 01:18 PM
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New Member  Group: Members Posts: 1 Joined: 3-July 09 Member No.: 347,934  |
I have Windows XP Home Edition SP2 with 1GB RAM, Pentium 4 3.2GHz I recently discovered that my 1GB RAM had errors after running a Memory Diagnostic Tool. The RAM my computer takes is DDR PC3200 DDR400. I decided to buy a new 1gb stick of RAM as the current defective RAM caused corrupt downloads and system instability. I bought a new stick of Transcend 1GB PC-3200 DDR400 RAM but I managed to get into a few problems. I removed the old RAM module and placed the new module into one of the two free slots however when I switched on the PC the sound of the fan was louder than usual as it was spinning faster and I heard a long beep followed by a short pause. This continued so I switched off the PC and put my old RAM back in. With my old RAM the system booted into Windows normally. I then decided to clear the cmos and then try the new RAM once again. I resetted the cmos by switching the jumper on the motherboard. With the new RAM in, I then started the PC again and just as before the sound of the fan was louder than usual and was spinning faster, however the system booted into windows and I ran a memory diagnostic tool which showed me no errors at all. I tested some downloads and no downloads were coming out corrupt. I was then hoping that once I restart the system the annoying louder than usual sound of the fan will go back to normal as the RAM was working perfectly however when I did restart the system started its annoying beeping once again. The same happens with both my RAM slots. I manage to get one use from the new RAM only after I clear the cmos each time until its next restart. And when it does work with it's "one use" it is always with the louder than usual sound of the fan. I am completely confused and do not know how to get the RAM to work at all! What I do know is that the RAM is compatible and is not defective however it still is reluctant to work properly. Could someone please suggest any solutions to this annoying problem? Thank you very much. This post has been edited by nextman: Jul 3 2009, 01:32 PM |
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Jul 3 2009, 02:27 PM
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Forum Addict Group: BC Advisor Posts: 14,291 Joined: 3-September 05 From: Killeen, TX Member No.: 33,068 |
<<What I do know is that the RAM is compatible and is not defective however it still is reluctant to work properly.>>
That's a strange statement...consider the title of your post. I don't believe in ignoring the obvious, no matter how unpleasant it might be. Everything you posted says "I bought RAM my system doesn't like." I suggest you face that fact...and then concern yourself with how to go about acquiring RAM that is compatible and causes no problems with your system. System manufacturer and model (e.g., Presario 1234)? How did you decide that you needed the memory module you bought? FWIW: Some motherboards are somewhat finicky with RAM modules they will work with, there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to RAM and motherboards/systems. There used to be but that era is over in computing. Before you bought this RAM...did you ask the seller if it was compatible/functional with your specific system? Louis |
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Jul 3 2009, 02:55 PM
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 Forum Regular Group: HJT Junior Classmen Posts: 155 Joined: 25-August 08 Member No.: 233,250 |
i agree with hamlius, whether your RAM speed/form factor matches with what your system is supposed to be compatible with, sometimes mobo's are just WAY to picky and won't accept certain modules. However, you may want to check a few other things first...
what make/model of RAM did you replace? it looks like the new stick should have timings of 3-3-3 and latency of 3 as well. how about the old stick? it may have been the same speed, but timing/latency may be slightly different... see here for more info: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/26 are you ever able to boot into windows? if so, does windows recognize all installed RAM (minus shared video memory?) what make/model of mobo do you have? |
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Jul 3 2009, 05:50 PM
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 Forum Addict Group: BC Advisor Posts: 2,697 Joined: 23-September 05 From: Michigan, USA Member No.: 34,941 |
Run your RAM test for a longer period of time. I can't count all of the times after running a RAM test for a couple of minutes I later find out that the RAM was indeed defective. Sometimes running a RAM test for a half hour or more will reveal the flaw.
Good luck. -------------------- ALBERT FRANKENSTEIN
I'M SO SMART IT'S SCARY! Currently home chillin' with the fam and my two dogs! |
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