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Thread ID: 33109	2003-05-07 07:31:00	PC133 SDRAM not working in HP motherboard	jaredh (3749)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
142089	2003-05-07 07:31:00	Hi all, I recently purchased some PC133 SDRAM (256MB) after I was encouraged reading archived posts about 133mhz memory dropping down to 100mhz which is what my system supports. However, the reality is that it doesn't work; the BIOS checks the memory then the screen flashes at 256mb and the POST diagnostic screen disappears, it counts to 320mb, says a few more things about the mouse etc then reports an extended RAM failure (at offset 1A). Here is my system configuration: HP Pavilion 8831 Celeron 766 Motherboard is described at this page: www.hp.com running a newly updated Phoenix Bios 64mb installed RAM (PC100) Windows XP Professional The brand of SDRAM I purchased is AM1. The maximum installable memory is 512mb so I am still well below. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to do? Obviously my system needs more RAM but it just doesn't seem to know what's good for it. :) Any help would be appreciated.	jaredh (3749)
142090	2003-05-07 07:33:00	Ram might be faulty, try it in another motherboard.	whiskeytangofoxtrot (438)
142091	2003-05-07 07:48:00	what about swapping the ram into different slots (have heard before that it could make a difference!)	Trev0 (1995)
142092	2003-05-07 08:44:00	first thing you should do is try, try again. as mentioned, swap sticks around to different dimm slots. In all of my experience fixing hp's, they've all used high quality components - Asus mobos, name brand ram (microntech, siemens etc)... and are normally picky when adding ram.. at least as far as the older amd based ones are concerned. A little wiggle of the stick in the slot with the computer off was sometimes enough. I think it was a matter of buildup on the conductors in the slot, so it wasnt making complete contact on all golden fingers with the ram installed...	whetu (237)
142093	2003-05-07 08:53:00	Maybe you could try booting up with just your old RAM installed, make sure that that still works OK, then replace it with the new stick of RAM (by itself) and see how that goes. If that works put your new RAM in another slot and try that. If the new RAM still won't work on its own and you are sure it is inserted correctly then you will know the RAM is faulty. And if it still won't play nicely with your old RAM, well..... cross that bridge when you come to it.	Susan B (19)
142094	2003-05-07 08:56:00	Damn, got a typo. > then replace it with the new stick of RAM (by itself) and see how that goes. If that works put your new RAM in another slot and try that. should be: then replace it with the new stick of RAM (by itself) and see how that goes. If that works put your old RAM in another slot and try that.	Susan B (19)
142095	2003-05-07 09:32:00	> The maximum installable memory is 512mb assumeing you have 2 ram slots then max ram per slot is 256. this ussually means max ram per side is 128. is your 256meg stick of ram single or dual sided? otherwise the to modules may just be incompatible with each other. might be better to remove the 64 permantly.	tweak'e (174)
142096	2003-05-07 10:51:00	On a HP 8426 (667 P3) motherboard it would not work with a 256 stick . It did work with 2 x 128 though . Motherboard specs said 512, but the original HP data said 256 max On the link you gave there is a conflict as it says 512 MB, and then The memory subsystem is designed to support up to 512 MB of SDRAM (for improved performance) in the form of two DIMM sockets that support 16-128 MB 168-pin 3 . 3 Volt SDRAM memory modules . HP use a proprietary version of the BIOS, which means it sometimes differs from the mobo makers site .	godfather (25)
142097	2003-05-07 12:31:00	Thank you all for your help - I have already tried various configurations - with both DIMMs in, just one, both in different slots, the new one in a different slot etc. When I leave it in by itself the BIOS counter gets up to 64mb in the RAM check and then freezes. I haven't tried cleaning the contacts yet, will give it a go but doubt it's that as the 64mb one works fine in both slots. I've also tried clearing the CMOS and even taking the battery out - no results. Perhaps it's just completely incompatible? :S I'll gladly listen if you can think of anything else! Thanks	jaredh (3749)
142098	2003-05-07 12:48:00	If you study my response, that site says that the mobo can accept 2 sticks It then says the size can be from 16 - 128 Mb per stick. Nowhere on the site you gave does it say you can use a 256 Mb stick. I don't know then how they can also state 512, as 2 x 128 is not 512. And this was the exact situation with an 8624 model. needed 2 x 128 sticks to get maximum ram, one or two 256 sticks would not work.	godfather (25)
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