Ram problem?

Question

I just got a new ram; a Kingston ValueRam 1GB DDR PC3200 333MHz/400MHz. After I got back on the computer, I checked to see the ram was installed properly. And yes, I saw the correct ram upgrade. A few hours later, my system would reboot on its own, and after that I disabled the "reboot on error" option, and got an error message the next time my system crashed. I did some research and obviously, the problem was the ram. I am currently testing the ram, working on it alone (which is working great so far), and I am hoping to see if anyone had any answers for this. Is it the socket's problem? I read on a forum that the socket might be a faulty. Others say its the ram's fault, and I don't know what to believe. Ram is working, it shows on "My Computer" properties, but my computer crashes! Please, some advice, tips, anything I didn't mention here.

I mean, when I have two sticks in, (one 256MB and one 1GB) it crashes. I had no problems whatsoever with the 256 alone. Now its crashing, and I want to use both.

Nope, I got it from Circuit City. I would like any solution that won't result in me wasting more money.

Nope, I got it from Circuit City. I would like any solution that won't result in me wasting more money. Also, I'm sure its compatible. I did a scan on my computer to see what type of ram i needed before I bought it.

I'm very upset. I tried running the system with 1GB only, and it still crashed. I am using my sister's computer because mine always crashes when I try to add more details. Just now, I tried putting the 1GB in the first slot, and the 256 MB in the third, and now the computer will refuse to start! >:O!! It just makes beeps, trying to start, and then it just goes blank on me! What exactly IS faulty ram? A ram that will never be able to run? Do I have to get a refund? Will I even be able to? I really want to punch the next person I meet. :(

Answer 1

Hi. If it a single stick I would doubt that the RAM is the problem. Usually they work or they don't. If two sticks of 512 at 400 MHz try dual mode. Kingston is supposed to be pretty good memory.

Answer 2

I have had this problem happen before. Once it was a bad RAM stick, it happens, another time it was the socket that was bad.
Have you tried putting the 1GB into the first slot?
Also, a great tool for running a diagnostic on your system to see if it is the RAM or possibly the slot is ultimate boot cd. You can download it here for free.

http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/

Read the directions carefully, do the download and make it so you create a bootable CD. Once done insert the CD and restart the comp, let it do the scans and see what it says.

Hope this helps.


Read your latest update, with the beeps and such it would suggest that the 1GB stick is bad or you bought the wrong speed of RAM and it won't work. Either way just tell them that the machine beeps with the RAM in it thus noting it is faulty. They should give you a replacement stick free of charge. You may also want to consider either getting another 1GB stick or 2 512 sticks of RAM instead of 1GB and 1 256 stick.

Answer 3

Check the bios of your pc and make sure the memory voltage and timing parameters are set to what your new memory requires.
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If you added this RAM to what you already have there may be a compatibility problem between your old and new ram.
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Are you sure you put the new stick in the correct slot - you may want to try a different slot ; the worst thing that will happen is that is simply won't work.
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BTW, King stone value ram is not exactly the best out there. Did you by chance get it from B By ? If so, take it back and get something better and cheaper from newegg.com.

Answer 4

Ram for the most part is cut and dry....it either works or it does not work...not too much inbetweens...(not always, but for the most part) so chances are there is something else going on. It would help to know the make and model of the computer your installing this ram on...there are a lot of things to consider...depending on the mobo, some may require having twin ram...ie....512 in slot 0 and 512 in slot 1 to reach the 1 gb total, or it might be as simple as checking the manuf. website for an update for your bios...especially if it's a couple of years old the bios might post well on a larger amount of ram, but when it comes to cache'n it can have problems, generally there are flash upgrades to fix this problem.

Thanks and good luck.

Answer 5

I read your additional details and the problem is so simple, Many computer on market are manufactured to work with similar amount of Ram, example, If your computer has two slots each should have the same amount of Ram according of your computer's requirements. So if there's a stick of 256mb of ram and you want to upgrade you must add a stick of 256mb of ram, this is similar, You can't use both 256mb and 1gb at the same time. I suggest 1gb be used while you buy another stick.

Answer 6

You can download ccleaner for free here: http://bit.ly/1Bk5V5C

First open CCleaner
Go to the Cleaner tab and you will be confronted by a very confusing lineup of checkboxes.
To make this brief, below is my recommended setup:
Under internet explorer check temporary internet files, cookies, and last download location. Most users don't really need this stuff. keep history and bookmarks unchecked, history is a maybe, but you don't want to lose bookmarked sites. You can normally leave Windows Explorer, System, and Advanced alone.
Run CCleaner and it will start deleting files.
afterward it will present you with a list of the files deleted, you really don't need to go through it as it will be several pages long.
The registry cleaner is recommended for slightly more advanced users. Use it after uninstalling programs as they will often leave behind incorrect registry entries.
If you decide to run Registry cleaner then review the items detected and always back up the registry (I keep a folder aside for this)
The Tools tab lets you uninstall programs and set startup programs. Why do you need this if Windows has all of these features? Especially with Vista Home Ed. The windows defender software explorer( startup programs) doesn't pick up some entries (however software explorer is easier to use).
Using CCleaner to uninstall programs and then check for leftover registry entries takes less time.
Under Options you can determine how CCleaner cleans your files. I leave this alone.

Answer 7

you have surpassed the utmost ammount of ram that the mummy board will settle for. considering the undeniable fact that's an older pc your max is probable 768MB or maybe even 1GB extra effective than probably in case you have 3 slots yor max is 768 3 x 256. or the different configuration including as much as 768. a million x 512 + a million x 256 leaving the third economic corporation empty etc. if that's the case i might reccomend utilising 3 x 256MB modules. i'm hoping this permits solid success

Answer 8

if this is a different ram to what you had in there then you could have it in the wrong slot. Also if you have a book that came with you mobo check for jumpers that may need moving? you can have a particular ram in your pc but NOT two different types, as the can work of different voltages, hence the jumper need moving, basically all it does if your mobo supports two different ram the jumpers will open circuit old slots and activate new slots

Answer 9

it could be because of conflict between both old n new.one must take precation when installing more than one ram stick,that they must be with same configuration.if u want to go for i gb, well have only that 1gb stick on board.remove the other old one.i read this in our local computer magazine,by an expert.

Answer 10

Go to http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp#quick#quick and download
Windows Memory Diagnostic and its Users Guide, then use the program to create a bootable CD, which will be used to boot your PC and test your RAM. It would be a good idea to remove the old RAM and test the new one alone.
Good luck