Adding RAM slowed pc down?

Question

My pc came with 512MB (2-256). After adding a 512MB memory module, my computer said I had 1 gig ram, but ran slower and would freeze. I have 4 dimm slots and tried to rearrange them in every conceivable configuration with no change.
The specs for my computer say:
Memory 512 MB DDR (400 Mhz), dual channel expandable to 4 GB
Memory Technology Four DIMM sockets on the motherboard that support the following:

* 2.5 V (only) DDR SDRAM DIMMs with gold-plated contacts
* Unbuffered, single-sided or double-sided DIMMs with the following restriction:
Double-sided DIMMS with ×16 organization are not supported.
* 4 GB maximum total addressable system memory.
* Minimum total system memory: 128 MB
* Non-ECC DIMMs
* Serial Presence Detect
* DDR 400 MHz and DDR 333 MHz SDRAM DIMMs
* Support for dual channel memory mode

The new memory is PC3200 DDR-400/333/266.

Any ideas on what I did wrong?

Answer 1

r u sure the two pieces of ram r in the same speed, same type?

Answer 2

Here's your problem: "Memory...dual channel...."

Dual Channel RAM works best when installed in pairs.

Here's a quote from a tech manual I have:
"Dual Channel memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched size, speed, and technology. If the memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance".

So what you should have installed would have been an additional 2 (256MB) sticks, or even better 2 (512MB) sticks.

This would give you a little more RAM with the 2 X 512 sticks and you'd end up with 1.5G or RAM.

Solution: Get one more matched stick of the 512MB RAM and install it. Check your manual. Normally, they must be installed in specific sequences or slots to be recognized as a "pair".

This should rectify you current performance problems.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

You should check the owners manual for your motherboard. I'm thinking that the two types of memory you have installed are not fully compatible. While your system might recognize the total amount of RAM available, because the type don't match properly, they are fighting for CPU time resulting in reduced processor speed and lockups.

Memory tends to want to be in either ones or twos, with three of four possible slots filled, you may have created a situation where the DIMMs are fighting for CPU time.

Answer 4

the problem I believe is that the combo of the sticks is wrong.
see the first 2 slots have to have memory in them but it has to be the larger of the memory modules.
EX: 512,512,then 256,256 all you can do is 512,256 the 256 then a continuity stick this will not work. you need to get another 512 stick for slot #2 to get a good configuration.
hope this helped you out.

Answer 5

It could be that your RAMwas working in dual channel mode which requires identical memory on each channel. If the new RAM is not identical manufacturer then it has gone to single channel.

Answer 6

remover the new ram stick check to make sure that the first ram stick is in the slot securly. then reboot the pc..most ram is plug n play so it should not slow the pc down do a good maintence session on the pc defrag and reg cleaner before trying to reinstall
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Answer 7

No es la primera vez que compra de aquí memorias RAM y siempre han cumplido mis expectativas, hace una semana he comprado una memoria RAM de 8Gb, en un solo modulo tengo la velocidad de respuesta que espero de mi ordenador, me he quedado impresionante de su rendimiento y todo por un excelente precio.

Answer 8

did you try removing the 256 chips. and make sure the seller did not slip in a pc3200ddr133 to you. I have had that happen to me on ebay.