New RAM stick = system crash

Discussion in 'CPU, Motherboards and Memory' started by Narcisse, Jan 17, 2008.

  1. Narcisse

    Narcisse Geek Trainee

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    Hi, thank you in advance for your help

    I have just bought a new 512 MB RAM stick for. The manufacturer is Kingston, model is KTM0055/512.

    This is PC133 SDRAM.

    My motherboard is a Asus CUV4X. It has 3 RAM slots. Each RAM slot can contain 512 MB max RAM. One slot has 256 MB, one slot has 256 MB, and the new slot contains 512 MB.

    Here are the specs of the motherboard concerning the RAM:

    DIMM
    3.3V
    168-pin
    Unbuffered

    Now the stick I bought is compatible with these standards.

    When I put the new stick in the machine, the memory stick reads the correct amount of RAM (1024 MB = 256 + 256 + the new 512)

    The BIOS reads "Installed Memory 1024 MB".

    But when I try to start Windows, it impossible, even in Safe Mode, it just reboots

    What can I do ?
     
  2. rockaway

    rockaway Guest

    It could be possible that your windows might be corrupt. So you re-install your windows and reboot your system.
     
  3. Narcisse

    Narcisse Geek Trainee

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    If i reinstall Windows, will I lose Program Files Documents and Settings etc ?
     
  4. RHochstenbach

    RHochstenbach Administrator

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    Pull out all RAM chips, except the new one. Now boot the system. If it doesn't boot, then the RAM chip is faulty.
     
  5. donkey42

    donkey42 plank

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    if you reinstall Windoze over the top of itself. then, no, all program and document will remain, however, you will need to make a backup of your current registry and import that backup into your new install

    BTW: which Windoze do you have ? (assuming XP SP2)

    BTW: there are many items of software which can help you diagnose the problem like PCWizard, Fresh Diagnose, Everest & Tech facts XP and probably loads more including Belarc these brilliant utilities are free,

    just download & install them & obviously run them with only your new memory inserted & then with only your old memory inserted and compare the results of both sets of DIMMS
     
  6. Narcisse

    Narcisse Geek Trainee

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    Thanks for your answers !

    But when I install only the new 512 MB RAM, it simply doesnt work, nothing, just the pre-BIOS screen, no memory test

    But when I use the 512 MB RAM + 1 x 256 MB stick, half the time I get 768, half I get 256...
     
  7. RHochstenbach

    RHochstenbach Administrator

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    That means that the 512 MB stick is faulty. If the stick wasn't compatible with the mobo, it shouldn't display the correct amount sometimes.
     
  8. Narcisse

    Narcisse Geek Trainee

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  9. RHochstenbach

    RHochstenbach Administrator

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    The RAM chip is compatible with the motherboard. So the RAM chip is malfunctioning. I'd suggest having the 512 MB chip replaced.
     
  10. Narcisse

    Narcisse Geek Trainee

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    By 512 MB chip you mean the 512 MB stick?
     
  11. RHochstenbach

    RHochstenbach Administrator

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    Yeah that's right. I'm sorry :)
     
  12. Narcisse

    Narcisse Geek Trainee

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    Thank you very much :)
     
  13. RHochstenbach

    RHochstenbach Administrator

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    you're welcome :)
     
  14. donkey42

    donkey42 plank

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    download Memtest86+ CD image and burn it to a CDr and set the boot priority in the BIOS to boot from the CD & leave it running for about 12 hours

    just to be sure
     

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