Odd RAM Problem

[BTilson]

I recently spent quite a chunk of money upgrading the RAM in a lot of computers on our network. Everything went smoothly on every box except one.

Box Specs:

Dell Dimension DIMC521
Athlon 64 x2 Dual Core 3600+

Running XP Pro SP2, automatic updates enabled.

I bought 2 1 gig sticks of 800mhz Kingston DDR2 SDRAM and put them in. Computer booted up, gave me the usual "System memory has changed" message and went on into Windows. However, after opening certain programs (4D Client (our network database client) and Internet Explorer, specifically) the program would hang up and the mouse movement would become very jerky. Any clicks on the mouse or keyboard input would freeze the computer completely.

I tried installing one stick with no problems at all. Stick in other slot, no problem. Tried the OTHER stick in each slot, all with no problems. In fact, that box is clicking along just fine right now with just one of the 1 gig sticks in. So I think I have eliminated the possibility of bad ram, since alone, each stick works perfectly fine. The ram was bought in a pack, and they are both identical sticks, so I don't think it's a compatibility issue between the two sticks.

There seems to be some sort of issue or conflict when using both sticks at once. I'm really at a loss as to what could be causing this, but it does seem to point to some sort of memory problem.

Does anyone have any input or suggestions? If you need more information about the RAM or the box itself, please let me know and I'll be happy to oblige.

Thanks in advance!

Brooks Tilson
Database Development
Tilson Machine, Inc.

 

[tf1]

I presume that you have 2 sticks of PC2-6400 (DDR2-800) RAM? Are you inserting them in the correct slots? If you are, it seems a bizzare problem.

Try connecting to Crucial.com and running their on line configurator to make sure that the case really has the guts of what it is suppose to be.

Regards: tf1

 

[BTilson]

Yes, I double checked just to be absolutely sure, and it is PC2-6400.

Also, as far as I know, I am putting them in the correct slots. The mobo has two sets of two slots. They all accept the ram, it's just each set of two has different clips to keep the RAM in place. However, the individual sticks seem to work fine regardless of what slot they're in. When I did pairs, I made sure to have them in matching slots. (IE, I didn't put one stick in one type of slot, and the other in the other type of slot)

I unfortunately cannot run the scanner from crucial.com until in the morning, because the guy using the computer is pretty busy for the rest of the day. I will try that in the morning and post another update.

Thanks!

Brooks Tilson
Database Development
Tilson Machine, Inc.

 

[BadBigBen]

Could be a BIOS issue, where it does not recognize the RAM correctly...

so I would suggest that the BIOS be updated to the latest version...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[tf1]

Good point about BIOS. Try connecting to the Dell support site: it wil be able to examine your system and report if any updates are required.


Regards: tf1

 

[wahnula]

I say fiddle with the box a little so the owner's happy, put the remaining stick in a static-free bag and keep it for a spare. I have noticed VERY little difference on a Windows business box between 1 GB and 2 GB. This falls under the heading of "choose your battles".

You could spend the next two weeks troubleshooting, or you could move on to a more important project, keeping this one alive on the back of your head for solution later.

Tony

Users helping Users...

 

[tf1]

You're wise beyond your years Tony. <g>


Regards: tf1