need a pc memory expert!?

Question

I bought a second hand piece of memory DDR2 1GB 240pin DIMM PC2-4200, non-ECC which matches the requirements of my PC. Yet it does not work. The question is despite all these stats matching can the memory still be incompatible or is the memory broken?[ For info its Hypertec PV557AA-HY memory I'm trying to get into a Dell Dimension 8400.] Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Shouldn't the memory module you should have got be PC2-3200 & not PC2-4200?

Answer 2

Hi, well according to the specs for the PC, listed below, the memory that you are describing SHOULD work just fine. However, since the memory is used, there my be some unseen damage to it that may have made it inoperable. Or whom ever sold it to you may have mis-labeled it as well.

I have been in the PC industry for nearly 10+ years and have seen this happen quite frequently. People just sometimes don't realize just how fragile memory can be.

Answer 3

Most motherboard manufactures specifiy whose memory will and will not work with their boards.

Unless the source of the second-hand components are known, its usually best avoiding them. Having said that I suppose the memory from Dell is expensive.

On some older machines I have actually reduced the processor clock speed to get the memory to work.

Answer 4

memory on p.c,s is a science in itself,allthough you may think you have the right module it turns out to be incompatible
there are several factors you need to take into consideration when buying a memory module
first ,use a diagnostic software such as si-soft sandra(http://www.sisoftware.net/)which will give you exact description of your module which you can print out and take with you when you purchase a module
secondly,as newer memory comes out the older ddr,s become more expensive,so as memory is backward compatible,in other words if you have pc2100 you can buy pc4000 as this would be cheaper than a 2100 module ,however if your machine takes pc3200 modules you cant go lower,as this is what causes post crashes,but you may go higher,but remember the memory will only work as fast as the lowest module so if you stick a pc4000 into a pc3200 machine the 4000 will run at 3200
lastly,when buying memory ,allways insist that the modules are packaged,never buy a module when its just handed to you,as any pc vendor worth his or hers salt will never touch a module as this can wipe out the chips on the modules,this can be caused by static in your body,that is why we wear anti-static bands when doing p.c repairs,but if you havent got a band ,just touch a radiator to drain any static discharge from your body
in your case i think its because your p.c is a dell,you need to buy direct from them as their p.cs seem to be configured to only accept theirs and theirs sub-vendors parts
contact dell or visit their website to find a sutable module for your computer
good luck

Answer 5

Did you install it in pairs?
Each Bank of memory must be either full or empty.
It is not like other computers which have the two black slots and the two blue slots apart from each other. Install two next to each other. If you can read on the motherboard the bank numbers, start with the lowest. Don't put just one DIMM in a bank, it requires two.

Answer 6

some motherboards are designed to permit blended combos of RAM in the slots, others require matched instruments in the slots and could not see a wierd length reminiscence stick. overall performance clever, in the journey that your device does not require that lots RAM to function you will not see lots of a distinction. in case you have been working at or above 1Gb of RAM you will see a sparkling distinction in overall performance with the 2Gb in the device. you are able to set up the 512Mb and verify to be sure what the device and OS document, it won't harm it. If it accepts it and comments 2.5Gb in the OS, your solid to bypass.

Answer 7

I have an excellent memory I remember my first PC I built it myself in 1984 What was that question again lol

Memory is fragile and you have probably zapped it if you did not earth yourself when touching it

Answer 8

it is very diffucult to check based on module bougth from open market just nased on mdule specs...sugest that youcan go to a reputed memory configurator like the one availabe on Kingston website and choose the compatible unit

Answer 9

yes it can be incompatiblie it has to match what is currently in the system. take the other stick out first and see if it works.

Answer 10

Second hand already. There had to be something wrong with it.