My PC takes PC2100 266 memory sticks and theres two slots on the motherboard for them, i have inserted a 1gb and a 512mb memory in it and the bios is telling me that they have been recognised, however it seems unstable and keeps shutting down, is this usual? should i have the same memory capacity in each slot?
2007-07-08 21:21:19 · 8 answers · asked by rrr 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
I've been told you should try and have identical memory in each slot, however i have also been told that it should work with a 1gb and a 512mb together!
2007-07-08 21:23:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The electrical contacts on the memory sticks may be corroded and not making good contact with the bus. This happens all the time. Take both sticks out and take a piece of sand paper and sand down the contacts a little bit, then spray them with WD-40, which will prevent future corrosion. Spray the contacts in the computer as well, then reseat the RAM.
2007-07-09 04:25:51 · answer #2 · answered by Joe L 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
DDR memory should always be installed in identical pairs. This ensures identical timings and speed. Different manufacturers use different timings, sometimes even in different models. Best bet is to pair them ALWAYs. The instability issues you are having are more than likely the different memory fighting over which timings to use. Also, cheaper is definitely not better when it comes to DDR memory. Go with a well known brand and even check your mother board's manufacturer website to see what is recommended for your motherboard.
2007-07-09 04:32:33 · answer #3 · answered by scottybbadd 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you sure both 1gb and 512mb memory are both PC2100 266? Also i would check if the bigger 1gb go in the DIMM1 while the 512mb in the DIMM2. (See the tiny text in your mobo.) not the other way around.
2007-07-09 04:40:43 · answer #4 · answered by wayne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on your motherboard. Either look at the mobo manufactures website for memory info or go to http://www.crucial.com and do a System Scan, this will tell you what memory is being reported and what the motherboard restrictions are then it will make recommedations.
Whatever you do, don't use sandpaper or WD40 on your DIMMS or sockets.
2007-07-09 04:29:44 · answer #5 · answered by Mike C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
shouldn't matter really but some ram can be dodgey if you have differnet makes together. try taking out the 512 and see if its stable without it. if it is you know what the problem is. i would then go and buy another 1gig stick same as the other one you bought
2007-07-09 04:25:12 · answer #6 · answered by tommy d 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try one at a time and see if the problem occurs with only one of them. Sometimes one is flaky but not two.
2007-07-09 04:25:05 · answer #7 · answered by Jim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you do not have to, can your machine take that much memory?
rcthomas32
www.buymemory.com
2007-07-10 15:31:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋