Dear All,

Problem: Trying to upgrade RAM on home PC from 512Mb to 2Gb, when putting new RAM in and starting up it just gives me a screen as though it is starting (i.e. I hear the HDD starting up) and then I get a 'No Signal' message and a black screen!

I am trying to find out whether it is because the RAM is damaged/bad or it is incompatible. I'll be p i s s e d if it is because I checked everything before I bought (from the US too :x )

I've tried putting 1 stick in only and get the same error. If I put the old RAM back in in works normal again. Wish I had some more RAM to test it against but I don't and I don't have another desktop to try it against either

System:

Before it was using 2x 256Mb Infineon PC2700 DDR333Mhz SDRAM 184 pin

I am trying to use 2x 1Gb Samsung PC3200 DDR400Mhz SDRAM 184 pin

This 'should' according to Elonex (PC Manufacturer) and Intel work as the chipset (Intel Springdale i865G - http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/865g/index.htm) says that it can use any of the DDR SDRAM speeds or a combination of. Apart from the speed/size change the only difference is the CL which is 3 instead of previous 2.5 with the PC2700.

So, any ideas? Is there something I have to set in the Bios or is the RAM knackered or something else? Gutted really after waiting 3 weeks for it too Would it be worth taking it to a PC shop to check the RAM? (Not PC World obviously )

Ta

Dave

 

As far as i know mate it has to be EXACTLY the same spec of RAM module your using so id say it not working has something to do with the fact that its 1. not pc2700 and 2. its not 333MHz

Not the answer you were hoping for but i think im correct

Out of interest, apart from the obvious is there any other reason why you didnt match your RAM exactly? maybe they didnt stock pc2700 in 1 gig sticks?

 

No reason other than a) Intel says I could use 400Mhz (PC3200) and b) it's faster that's all.

I wouldn't have even tried it if my manufacturers support team said I couldn't use it...but they said I could

I don't know, you can't rely on anyone these days!

Still, as I said, the Intel site says I 'can' use it...so I'm still confused why it's not working!

Dave

 

well if you have unpacked the ram carfully and not been full of static and seated it properly but it doesnt work then its either faulty goods or because i was right.

Have you made sure its firmly seated? they can be a right bitch and take a good hard press until they click into place, i dout your that stupid though!

 

Cheers for the advice.

Just been on LiveChat with Crucial.com and they reckon as it's not even booting it must be knackered. Will send it back...just typical it has to go all the way back to the states at my expense!

Ta

Dave

 

Id have just got it from the uk because to be honest your not going to notice the difference really but hey ho send it back and get a new lot