RAM size detected is 50% actual RAM for one stick

[Joeybear23]

I have a 1GB stick and a 256MB stick in my home PC, and it is recognizing the 1GB stick as only 512MB.

Motherboard: K7VTA3 v6.0c
Processor: AMD Sempron 2200+

I would like to rule out everything but bad RAM before sending it back for a refund/replacement.

Everything RAM related in the BIOS is set to pull from SPD.

Any ideas?

SQL/SAP DBA

 

[Joeybear23]

Also, both sticks are DDR 333 PC2700

SQL/SAP DBA

 

[garebo]

If you could get a chance to check, say, a friends ram in your machine and see if the same thing happens, that would help.
Also, it may be possible that a bios upgrade might help you. Since bios upgrades are only advisable when needed i suggest you visit the motherboard mfgr website and check out the bios upgrades and see what errors are corrected and what improvements are being offered with the bios upgrade and see if there is mention of incorrect ram id being corrected.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[Joeybear23]

Thanks, garebo.
I checked the BIOS version, and I am running the most current.
The stick is having the same problem in another computer, so I have conluded it is either a bad stick or just labelled incorrectly.
I have contacted the vendor of the RAM and am working out a solution with them.

SQL/SAP DBA

 

[garebo]

yes, maybe just labelled incorrectly.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[temporello]

Trz to reseat it;on its own;in a different slot;different combination of slots.

 

[Joeybear23]

Actually, the correct answer is that it is "high density" x4 memory, which only certain chipsets can properly utilize.

SO, if you decide to buy memory for your computer, make sure you are either getting a standard x8 stick, or have a board that can use x4 RAM. The following AMD chipset boards work:

KT266/333
KT600
KT800

SQL/SAP DBA