Cant add more RAM

[needhelp]

I got this computer, salvaged from the garbage dump believe it or not. Thought it might be okay for bits so I played around with it and actually got it to work. I installed Windows ME on it and it works just fine. Trouble is I cant upgrade the RAM I have tried several sticks (known working) and the computer starts POST and gets to the RAM count and then stops. It shows the new RAM as added to the original, which is only 64MB. and when I installed the second stick, also 64 MB, it showed up as it went through the POST but when it comes up on screen that it has 128MB RAM it just stops dead. I cant get into the BIOS setup at this stage, nothing works. As it starts up the POST I get the usual, normal single beep to say that all is well but it just freezes at the point where it counts the RAM. It just doesnt continue to boot.
I have tried several sticks in the computer, even took out the original one and replaced it but didnt work. It only works with the one, original stick of 64MB RAM. I checked the BIOS out in the windows system information tool and its Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG. if that means anything to anyone.
I am not sure if the RAM that works in the computer was in it when I got it or if I installed it from my own stock, but it works okay with the one stick. but only that particular stick.
I have tried the RAM in 2 other computers that I have and it works okay so dont know why it wont work in the other one, why does it show the RAM is installed in POST if it isnt the correct RAM. I get no other beeps only the one single short beep as usual.
The processor is an Intel 1 Ghz any ideas what is wrong or am I doing something wrong.

[minsonngo]

What is the brand and model of the motherboard?

[needhelp]

Okay just ran Everest and this is all I get for the MB name; DFI CS65-EC
Hope that helps it also states that there are 3 Dimm slots on the board.

[minsonngo]

Here is what Crucial's memory configurator comes up with for the board you posted:

Chipset: Intel 815E
Error Detection Support: Non-ECC only
Supported DRAM Types: SDR SDRAM only
Max Unbuffered SDR SDRAM: 512MB
Module Types Supported: Unbuffered only
Max Component Density: 256Mb
SDR SDRAM Frequencies: PC100 and PC133
Graphics Support: AGP 4X
USB Support: 1.x Compliant
168-pin DIMM Banking: 3 (3 banks of 1)
Although it is physically possible to install more memory, the system will only recognize the maximum listed. Installing more memory may cause major problems. Consult the system's manufacturer for more information.



***Did you install the correct type of memory?

[needhelp]

Just ran another diagnostic program and this came up with Motherboard : i815-W83627

As far as I know its the right kind of RAM SDRAM it works on the other older computers I have and it does recognise thatits installed in POST but it doesnt go any further.just stops.

[needhelp]

Thanks for that really appreciate the information.

[minsonngo]

I think the DFI board you posted first is correct.

I believe "i815-W83627" is the Award BIOS motherboard ID number.

[needhelp]

Thanks again. I have used up most of the RAM I had on hand but have one stick of SDRAM 128Mb/133 Would that make a difference if I been trying to install 133 instead of 100 RAM
I thought 133 will run on 100 bus anyway but would not run at the full 133 speed.
I looked it the BIOS and doesnt seem any adjustment that I can make in there.

[minsonngo]

You are right. The 133 will just run at 100.

Is the stick you want to install unbuffered and non-ECC?

[needhelp]

How do you tell ? Bought it secondhand from the computer market. works in other comps okay

[minsonngo]

There will usually be a label on the memory stick that will give you at least some of the information.


You can always take a picture of it... probably best if you use the "macro" setting on your camera... and upload it here and someone may be able to identify it.

[needhelp]

Sorry couldnt take pic, no camera. here is a strange thing I have now discovered. I removed the original 64MB stick of RAM and replaced it with another 64MB stick and it worked, The computer booted up with no problem. So now I have 2 sticks of 64MB RAm that the computer will boot up with okay, no problems, so now I thought at least I will be able to put the original stick back in the computer in the 2nd RAM slot and get 128MB of RAM but that didnt work. soon as I put the original stick in the 2nd bank, the computer boots up to the RAM count and then stops. wont go any further. Both sticks are 64MB PC 133 and either one on their own in the first memory bank will boot up the computer. but put both of them in the computer and it doesnt work. The POST still gives its short beep to indicate everything is okay but goes no further. The RAM shows up on screen telling me how much there is and says ok but still doesnt boot up.
I tried a stick of 128MB PC133 in the first bank of RAM thinking that the other banks might be stuffed but same thing the computer boots to the RAM count in POST and stops.
Okay given that the 128MB stick might not be the right kind of RAM, the 2 sticks of 64MB should work together shoudnt they. Does this give you any idea as to what might be wrong with the stupid thing or am I wasting my time on this one.

[minsonngo]

Try installing both 64mb sticks and then reset the CMOS and see if that works.

After it counts all of the memory when you install both sticks... how long do you leave it before you assume it just stops there?

[Panama Red]

You may be dealing with the issue of High Density PC133 vs Low Density PC100. High Density Chips won't run on many early mobo's, especially early Intel based boards. The system will often try to boot with the HD stick installed but only "see" 1/2 the normal capacity. I've read where Via chipset mobo's are more apt to run the PC133 HD.
Another possible issue is the memory stick design. Double sided vs single sided can be another issue causing incompatibilty. The link below will give you some idea of these features.

http://www.kingston.com/literature/p...46_2_556b8.pdf

[needhelp]

Thanks minsonngo will try that later today when I get home. I have waited for about 10 minutes but it doesnt come to life.

Hi Red thanks for replying , as far as I can see the memory sticks look the same, both are single sided, will work on their own but not together.