RAM Installation Question

[Goober]

Hi Guys,

Ok, here is my newest computer problem.

I just bought some more RAM for my computer, another 512 stick. So I take it home, unplug everything from the back of my computer, open up the little slot thing, put it in, close the slots, close the computer up, and plug everything back in. And I am positive that I did everything right, because I specifically took my time, and made 100% that everything is happy.

But, then I crank on my computer, and it won't recognize the new stick of RAM. I had 768 Mb installed before, and, with the new 512 Mb stick, it should say 1.28 Gb. But it doesn't.

SO, what is wrong? Did I make a mistake? I have installed RAM before, and everything worked just fine. What is wrong this time? And how can I fix it?

 

[Zakharov]

Firstly you should try taking it out and putting it back in just to check the connection.

If that doesn't work then it could be a number of things, such as:
- Is this RAM the same brand/speed as the current RAM?
- What is the maximum amount your mobo will take?
- The RAM slot could be faulty.
- The new RAM stick could be faulty.

The best thing to do is to remove all of your old RAM and put in just the new one to test it. You may have bought a bad stick. If it works then try it with one of your old sticks and see if that is ok.

 

[CrackedCrystal]

One more thing to add to Zakharov's post. many motherboards have memory configurations that are invalid. For example, if you have two sticks, they will only work plugged into slot 1&3, if they are in 1&2 it won't work. of course this is a motherboard specific thing. Check the manual.

Another thing is you did not mention how much the computer did say. if it was 1024MB, then your sticks may be running in dual mode. The sticks must have the same size, so the larger one drops down to match the smaller one. Check you BIOS in that case. It may also be related to the slots as I mentioned earlier wether its in dual mode.

 

[Goober]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the response, I now have figured it out!

I did what Zakhorov did, turned the beast off, took out all the ram, took a little duster to it, and plugged everything back in, and everything works!

I now have 1.25 Gigs of Ram!

Thanks for the input! BTW, I knew for a fact that it was the right type of RAM, because I bought the RAM from the same store that i bought the computer, and I had them double check on their computer systems that it was the right RAM . . .

 

[rbis4rbb]

Where exactly do I install the RAm? And how do I open it without messing anything up?

 

[Zakharov]

Take a look at this site:

LINK

 

[rbis4rbb]

Take a look at this site:

LINK

Thanks!