Having trouble with new memory...

MrCalavera · 29 Aug 2009 at 11:31

Hi all,

A few days ago one of my RAM cards died. I did a system scan using both the Crucial scanner and system information for windows and found the following information:

* Maximum Memory Capacity: 2097152 MB
* Currently Installed Memory: 1024 MB
* Available Memory Slots: 3
* Total Memory Slots: 4
* Dual Channel Support: N.A.
* CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
* CPU Family: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz Model 15, Stepping 6
* CPU Speed: 2835 MHz

I also checked the order from when I bought the RAM and found out it was called:

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 PC2-5300C3 667MHz Dual Channel Kit (BL2KIT12864AA663)

So I bought 2 of these: Link Removed to replace both the broken one and the one that was still working.

However when I boot up the PC with these two installed, nothing happens. Much like when the original RAM card died.

Are these 2 RAM cards not compatible or am I doing something wrong?

My motherboard is an abit Fatality FP-IN9 SLI if it helps.

Plec · 29 Aug 2009 at 12:58

MrCalavera said:
However when I boot up the PC with these two installed, nothing happens. Much like when the original RAM card died.

The memory is compatible.

When you say 'nothing happens' - could you describe in more detail what that means? e.g. any light, fan activity, beebs etc...

Try installing just the one stick (of the new memory) - and see if you can get to post/boot. Try both sticks and in different slots, if your first attempt doesn't work.

If you mangage to get into the BIOS using one stick - check the settings. And then run memtest on each stick - if you're able to run the system or get into the BIOS with 1 stick.

If you do have a faulty stick consider replacing them with a this Corsair set link - if money is tight or if you can afford it a 4 gig set of Kingston link

MrCalavera · 29 Aug 2009 at 14:34

Plec said:
The memory is compatible.

When you say 'nothing happens' - could you describe in more detail what that means? e.g. any light, fan activity, beebs etc...

Try installing just the one stick (of the new memory) - and see if you can get to post/boot. Try both sticks and in different slots, if your first attempt doesn't work.

If you mangage to get into the BIOS using one stick - check the settings. And then run memtest on each stick - if you're able to run the system or get into the BIOS with 1 stick.

If you do have a faulty stick consider replacing them with a this Corsair set link - if money is tight or if you can afford it a 4 gig set of Kingston link

I've tried your suggestions and still nothing.
And by nothing I mean the fans start up, the computer starts whiring but it doesn't post. Theres no beeps but I dont think I have a built in speaker anyway.

Plec · 29 Aug 2009 at 14:43

Have you tried inserting your known working stick, from your last set, back into the system?

If you get the same problem it may not be the memory that's the problem.

MrCalavera · 29 Aug 2009 at 14:44

Plec said:
Have you tried inserting your known working stick, from your last set, back into the system?

If you get the same problem it may not be the memory that's the problem.

Yeah i'm using my computer now with the old still working stick.

Plec · 29 Aug 2009 at 14:55

Before we go on you need to remove the crucial link - as it's classed as a competitor. (otherwise the mods will edit your post)

I've just gone to the 'above' UK site and entered your MB details and it doesn't list that memory - so it may be that it has issues with your MB even though the spec on paper is compatible.

I would return it via the DSR (distance selling regulations) and go through the compatibilty order process or order some of the above memory that i mentioned above - as it's faster (PC2 6400 - 800MHz) and better quality.

What is your full system spec?

EDIT: Another option would be flashing the BIOS - using the single stick - as this sometimes can resolve compatibilty issues. But if you're within your 7 days i would be tempted to return the memory for some faster/quality memory or at least the 'recommended crucial' for your MB.

MrCalavera · 4 Sep 2009 at 20:08

Plec said:
Before we go on you need to remove the crucial link - as it's classed as a competitor. (otherwise the mods will edit your post)

I've just gone to the 'above' UK site and entered your MB details and it doesn't list that memory - so it may be that it has issues with your MB even though the spec on paper is compatible.

I would return it via the DSR (distance selling regulations) and go through the compatibilty order process or order some of the above memory that i mentioned above - as it's faster (PC2 6400 - 800MHz) and better quality.

What is your full system spec?

EDIT: Another option would be flashing the BIOS - using the single stick - as this sometimes can resolve compatibilty issues. But if you're within your 7 days i would be tempted to return the memory for some faster/quality memory or at least the 'recommended crucial' for your MB.

Well I sent the memory back and since the corsair ones you suggested were out of stock I bought Corsair 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400 XMS2 Memory Kit Non-ECC Unbuffered CL5 1.9V.
I'm still having the same problem. No matter which slot I put them in I get nothing. Are they not compatible with the aBit FP-IN9 SLI?

Plec · 5 Sep 2009 at 12:50

Sorry to see you're still having problems.

I suggested the other memory as it's 'pretty slutty' i.e. it's been tried and tested in a lot of different boards.

The memory you have bought i've never used - but you would have been very unlucky to have bought 2 sets of memory that is incompatible with your MB - but, unfortunately, not impossible.

We should work on the theory, at first, that it is compatible - I would suggest that you flash your BIOS with your 'one known working stick' - remember to clear rhe CMOS after the flash. Then try the memory again.

Additional: Trying to find your MB manual...

Plec · 5 Sep 2009 at 13:02

Downloaded manual...

For now, before you try the flash - again insert your known working stick and manually change the BIOS settings for the memory.

Up the 'DDR2 voltage' to 1.9v and enter slacker timings - e.g. 6 6 6 18. Also, up your NB Voltage voltage a couple of increments - this is below the DDR2 voltage settings. Save and exit - try your new memory.

If this fails return all the settings to 'auto' again, with your known working stick, and try the BIOS flash.