Think I might be having trouble mixing high and low density ram

[PCXL-Fan]

first off (so i don't get flooded with wrong answers) ram density has to do with the memory capacity of each of the 8 or 16 chips on a memory module.


Was installing some new higher density 1gb ddr2 mem (128mb per chip) into a friends compaq 3.33ghz celeron D computer which already has a low density 512mb ddr2 module (64mb per chip).

When I put the new module in the original low density one goes undetected by bios and windows but the new one works perfectly. Taking the new module out and the old one start working again. Independently they both work perfectly. Ive tried reseating the memory and switching the dimm slots they are in to no effect.

Doing a google search I've read one comment that oem compaq mobos can be super finicky and this is the root of my problem.
Can anyone reconfirm this please?

Thanks. :)

[runawayprisoner]

Nope. Everything would be fine.

[PCXL-Fan]

Nope. Everything would be fine.

So whats your opinion of the root of my problems.

[runawayprisoner]

BIOS... or something like that. I have tried coupling 1GB with 256MB or 512MB in Dell and Compaq computers before, and sometimes, when they don't work, a BIOS update would do (this happened mostly with Compaq desktops that had ECS motherboards). I think it has something to do with the way BIOS handles new RAM modules or something like that.

Try a BIOS update if possible. :)

By the way, that's not to say this won't happen at all, because it happens, sometimes, but pretty rarely.

[PCXL-Fan]

But with bios update there is always the risk of bricking the computer... :X

[runawayprisoner]

Yeap... which is why... you might need professional tools like a chip flasher or reader in case of emergencies. :p Not that it'll come to that, though. Everything should be safe if you do it carefully.

[Squall-Leonhart]

don't be a ***** :P most computers have a recovery bootblock so that theres no such thing as bricked mainboards anymore.

unless its some pos from 2001 your using theres no risk at all.

anyway, if its dell/compaq you're screwed since they use ****ty oem parts and rarely provide bios updates... don't get me wrong, you can get them, but you have to work out the manufacturer of the mainboard and match it to one of their badged models.

[runawayprisoner]

don't be a ***** :P most computers have a recovery bootblock so that theres no such thing as bricked mainboards anymore.

Well, if it's a POS from 2001 (as you just said below), then the only way would be to pry the flash chip out of the motherboard, re-flash it outside, then re-solder the chip in. :p

unless its some pos from 2001 your using theres no risk at all.

anyway, if its dell/compaq you're screwed since they use ****ty oem parts and rarely provide bios updates...

But... that's what's happening. :lol: Pentium D from Compaq... ring a bell?

don't get me wrong, you can get them, but you have to work out the manufacturer of the mainboard and match it to one of their badged models.

Or... dump the current BIOS and hack the memory reader yourself. :p I know you can hack in CPUID so the motherboard will recognize some CPUs... and/or you can hack out CPUID so you know what CPUs you can put in. :lol: (Yeah, some BIOSes have CPUIDs built-in so they would recognize which CPU is there and make adjustments accordingly, or just simply display a name. :p If CPUID is not found, it'll give you that usual "Unknown CPU detected" message. We used this trick to make our customers think we "updated" their BIOSes... :evil:) Not sure what to do with RAM, though... My uncle did that part like once or twice, and I didn't pay any particular attention.

[PCXL-Fan]

There is a bios update but it makes no mention of improving ram compatability.

Searching google others have had no trouble adding generic ram to this model of compaq (the SR2150NX) and made no mention of needing a bios update.


I have tried coupling 1GB with 256MB or 512MB in Dell and Compaq computers before, and sometimes, when they don't work, a BIOS update would do (this happened mostly with Compaq desktops that had ECS motherboards).

On the other hand :
It is an ECS motherboard.

unless its some pos from 2001 your using theres no risk at all.

no its 3.33 Celeron D (SR2150NX) so its probably a 2007 model. It came with vista basic, thats why it desperately needed more than 512mb ram.


don't be a ***** :P

:cry:

you are what you eat.

[runawayprisoner]

There is a bios update but it makes no mention of improving ram compatability.

You don't know if it'll "miraculously" fix the problem. :p Reason: the team that does the BIOS sometimes doesn't list all improvements because some would be quite complicated. They want to keep the change logs simple. :p

Searching google others have had no trouble adding generic ram to this model of compaq (the SR2150NX) and made no mention of needing a bios update.

Because... they are themselves. :p

On the other hand :
It is an ECS motherboard.

Usual suspect... ;p I'd say good bye to the old BIOS as soon as possible.

no its 3.33 Celeron D (SR2150NX) so its probably a 2007 model.

Celeron D 3.33 was out at the same time as Pentium D. :innocent:

It came with vista basic, thats why it desperately needed more than 512mb ram.

No, it doesn't. The rules have changed with Vista. Just because you see you have 1MB of RAM free doesn't mean Vista is hogging your RAM. :p There are good articles about this. If you don't like that, turn off "SuperFetch."

P.S.: Quick explanation: Superfetch tends to utilize as much RAM as it can to prefetch things so they would run faster. People usually complain about it being a system hog... or that it wears out hard drive... but on the contrary: it keeps hard drive spinning down because things are already pre-fetched, and as soon as resources are needed, it'll free up RAM and everything it can. The only thing that may be of concern here is the Page File, which may get accessed more than it's usually needed thanks to "Superfetch." Just disable Page File. :p

[PCXL-Fan]

Because... they are themselves. :p

Doesn't look like it.

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Compaq Presario SR2150NX Desktop PC (Intel Celeron D Processor 356, 512 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Basic) (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B000M8MWII/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_summary?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending)

There were more customer reviews but i'm too lazy to link to them.

Celeron D 3.33 was out at the same time as Pentium D. :innocent:

I was referring to your words of caution in response to squall that it could be an old 2001 model computer. I was referring to the release of this particular model compaq that came out in 2007.

The processor was actually the newer 356 Celeron D with 512kb cache.


No, it doesn't. The rules have changed with Vista. Just because you see you have 1MB of RAM free doesn't mean Vista is hogging your RAM. :p There are good articles about this. If you don't like that, turn off "SuperFetch."


Even with 512mb of memory and superfetch off your going to see everyday improvements with an additional 512mb ram.

[Squall-Leonhart]

Vista runs like a ***** on 512mb. too much page shifting going on. i don't know why you don't install 2 x 1GB sticks and sell the 512.

[PCXL-Fan]

Vista runs like a ***** on 512mb. too much page shifting going on. i don't know why you just didn't buy a 1GB stick of DDR2, its cheap enough.

I did. for $16. 1gb stick of Buffalo ddr2-533 brand ram.

It wasn't my system and i wanted to keep costs low so i only got a single stick. Good thing i did, because if i had gotten an additional stick it might not have accepted the second purchased stick.

[Squall-Leonhart]

^edited post when brain caught up to fingers.

[runawayprisoner]

Doesn't look like it.

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Compaq Presario SR2150NX Desktop PC (Intel Celeron D Processor 356, 512 MB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, SuperMulti DVD Drive, Vista Basic) (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B000M8MWII/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_summary?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending)

There were more customer reviews but i'm too lazy to link to them.

Point taken. :p But not that I'm unaware of the fact that ECS motherboards have heaps of troubles in themselves.

I was referring to your words of caution in response to squall that it could be an old 2001 model computer. I was referring to the release of this particular model compaq that came out in 2007.

The processor was actually the newer 356 Celeron D with 512kb cache.

Hmm... actually, it's more like Compaq is selling old hardware as newer ones. Celeron D 356 has been out for a while IIRC... about 2006, I think. If the piece of hardware was to be in 2007, I'd think Compaq would choose the Celeron L series (420, etc...) since those perform a fair bit faster. :p Actually, Celeron L overclocked to 3GHz may even surpass E2140.

Even with 512mb of memory and superfetch off your going to see everyday improvements with an additional 512mb ram.

True... though... if you don't run Firefox with 30 tabs open or so, you won't "feel" a difference. ;) I think I had this discussion with someone else a while ago. Conserve every last bit of your money for better hardwares elsewhere! :p (say... if a Q9450 drops to $219.99, and you have exactly $215.00 to spend, how would it feel? :p)

[PCXL-Fan]

Yeah I saw you editted, and added the second sentence
It wasn't my system and i wanted to keep costs low so i only got a single stick. Good thing i did, because if i had gotten an additional stick it might not have accepted the second purchased stick.

I found this though

Business support forums - Presario SR2150NX Memory Upgrade (http://forums12.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/bizsupport/questionanswer.do?admit=109447627+1221240931061+28 353475&threadId=1244923)

Crucial 512mb RAM not recognized on SR2150NX - FixYa (http://www.fixya.com/support/t171856-crucial_512mb_ram_not_recognized)

Aug 11, 2008 08:26:47 GMT Unassigned
About a year ago I added a 512MB memory from Crucial.
the new memory will work on any bank, but only by itself never with the other 512Mb that came with the computer. Bios will not reconized both 512MB's.I updated the Bios, spent hours with HP support and I was told that the problem was with the bios. HP was working on a solution, and it could be fixed with the Bios update of June 07. That did not happend, or with the Vista SP1. Meanwhile the computer runs so slow that my kids fall sleep before it loads up.

Aug 18, 2008 23:12:30 GMT N/A: Question Author
Hello, everybody. Your advices did not work in my situation. Finally I replaced memory set for new one from manufacture and this turn solved the problem, Thanks anyway for your participation. Best Regards.

So it seems that the latest june 2007 bios update doesn't work =/



RAM difficulties (http://help.lockergnome.com/general/RAM-difficulties-ftopict52300.html)

Post subject: Re: RAM difficulties [Login to view extended thread Info.]
I have read this entire thread (again) and there is one theme that constantly runs through threads like this about system ram.
I work closely with a professional RAM seller and am familiar with the problems people have with trying to mix ram.

One, for best operation NEVER mix speeds or chip densities.
Why anyone would even want to do this is totally beyond me.

You wouldn't dream of mixing a Clydesdale draft horse and a Mexican Burro on the same wagon. They will NEVER pull together.

Multiple ram sticks should be as closely matched as humanly possible.

In the case of DDR-II ram, chips should be from the same maker and should be as identical as possible.

Crucial and several other ram sellers, will even sell you matched pairs if you ask for it.

My advise in this case.....get another stick of ram identical to the one you just purchased and leave the old 512 stick OUT. Sell it to someone who can use that speed and density.
Your computer will run much better with the two faster chips installed.

Cheers and Good Luck!

Shadow

Yup! That's the fix!

that computer should run like a scalded dog!!!

Cheers!
Shadow
So it seems my initial though about mixing memory densities with these shoddy cheap compaq boards was right. =/

[runawayprisoner]

Then too bad... :p Well... wait... you were matching RAM of different speeds (different timing settings), different brands (different chip placements), and even different densities (different capacity per chip)? Or at least the speeds match? :p Because... you might be running into timing problems.

[PCXL-Fan]

you made no mention of that earlier when i was talking about generic ram, and when you were talking about your own experience coupling modules of different ram densities.

I made sure its the same speed, just in case the board is particularily finicky. But the brands are different.

the motherboard should default them to the jedec standard, and they each work independently and the new one can achieve the voltage and cas ras standard for pc2-4200.

[runawayprisoner]

Hmm... seems like we have a case with different internal set timings. Sorry... didn't remember that earlier.

Anyway, uhh... see if you can force one the sticks to run at a lower speed then plug the other one in. Chances are it'll work if the timings at lower speed match. Sometimes at higher speed, RAM sticks have different timings, and not just CAS.

[Squall-Leonhart]

heh, precharge timing, prewrite timing, etc.