RAM install probs

[Raptor05121]

Hey all

I have a Gateway FX2800-01, 2.33GHz Intel Core2 Quad, 2x 2GB Samsung 1333MHz, 240-pin, DDR3 SDRAM, 500GB SATA HDD, and 1GB DDR3 Zotac nVidia GT430 video card running on Windows 7 SP1, 64-bit.

I tried installing a new Corsair 2GB RAM stick in my open memory slot, but I get one long, continuous beep from my BIOS. I checked gateway's website, no BIOS updates available and mine's dated from 09. If I remove the memory, she boots normally. Any help? I'm ready to call DOA and get my money back from NewEgg

[glc]

Welcome, Alex!

Wanna check that model again? Gateway doesn't list a "FX2800".

If you meant SX2800 - here you go:

Computer memory upgrades for Gateway SX2800 Series (DDR3) Desktop/PC from Crucial.com

For name brand machines, we recommend buying ram direct from Crucial to guarantee compatibility. It's also recommended you install ram in pairs for dual channel operation.

At that link, a 2x2gb pair of DDR3-1333 is $29.99. RMA the module to Newegg.

[Raptor05121]

Understood, thanks. Do you think this stick is DOA? I know two sticks is recommended but I thought at least one would work for now

Edit: I see two different models, DDR3 PC3-8500 CL-7 and PC3-10600 CL-9. The one I bought was 10600 CL-9, is it possible I'm trying to mix with 8500 sticks?

[glc]

It's either DOA, incompatible, or not seated correctly. It's possible, but not very likely, that you have a bad slot.

[Raptor05121]

Is there a difference between PC3 10600 with a CAS of 9 versus PC3 8500 with a CAS of 7?

[glc]

There's a considerable difference. You need to match what you have in there - it's only going to run as fast as the slowest module and it may not be stable with different speeds. If it's got 1333 in there now, get 1333, that's the native bus speed of your processor.

[larrymoencurly]

Did you have both Samsung modules in the same bank (i.e., in DIMM slots of the same color) and the Corsair in a different bank? If that's the only problem and the Corsair passes MemTest86/86+ and Gold Memory in overnight testing (without tweaking), then it's probably OK.

What happens when only the Corsair is installed in the computer? What about when only the Corsair and just one Samsung are installed (in different banks and the same bank)?

PC8500 CAS 7 should be capable of faster operation than PC10600 CAS 9 because 8500/7 > 10600/9

If I had a choice between Samsung and similarly priced Corsair, I'd choose the Samsung because Corsair is probably made from no-name or overclocked chips, while Samsung is definitely not. Also another major retail brand's PC17000 module was made with chips rated 20% slower than the chips on a Samsung PC12800 module.