laptop memory problem

the editor · 16 Mar 2012 at 17:18

I have an old Acer 5040 and I am having issues upgrading the RAM. It previously had a 512mb and a 256mb which worked fine, but I bought another 512mb to replace the 256mb one.

When I put the new 512mb in on its own, I can hear it boot up, but nothing is displayed on the screen. The same thing happens if I put it in with the old 512mb. If I put it in with the 256mb one, it works but only the 256mb is recognised. If I put both the old ones in it works fine and I get all the RAM.

Both of the old ones are 333MHz and the new one is 400MHz, but it says that 400MHz is compatible.

What is happening?! :confused:

Purgatory · 16 Mar 2012 at 17:34

You must be using the wrong memory mate, some laptops are strange and will only work with a certain amount of ram chips on the ram cards. Go to one of the memory company sites and use their Ram finder for your laptop and they will tell you exactly which ones will work or contact Acer and they will tell you too the correct model numbers that will work. What you have said is a classic memory not right situation for laptops or a damaged memory slot or controller, but almost 100% sure you have the wrong Ram for it.

the editor · 16 Mar 2012 at 17:47

I though they were all the same? The look the same and why does it work with the 256mb and not the 512mb?

MagicBoy · 16 Mar 2012 at 17:53

Incompatible/faulty RAM.

the editor · 16 Mar 2012 at 17:55

Is there anyway to tell which one?

the editor · 17 Mar 2012 at 09:24

What are my rights to send it back as it has been used?

MagicBoy · 17 Mar 2012 at 17:49

Depends where you bought it from.

If you want to test the individual sticks download Memtest86+ .

honosuseri · 17 Mar 2012 at 18:07

MagicBoy said:
Depends where you bought it from.

If you want to test the individual sticks download Memtest86+ .

The laptop wont post to run the memtest so that's a bit pointless fella.

The guys have already nailed the problem. If this new RAM module doesnt work on its own....it is either faulty or incompatible with the laptops mobo.

If the OP was to download anything I would suggest ultimatebootcd. It has memtest included on it with many other handy diagnostic tools....no need for it in this case but still handy to have (it's free after all)

Swordfish · 17 Mar 2012 at 18:13

MagicBoy said:
Depends where you bought it from.

If you want to test the individual sticks download Memtest86+ .

Have you tested the stick you bought on its own?

the editor · 17 Mar 2012 at 18:36

I don't think I'm allowed to name competitors? It is quite a good place I think, it is orange and doesn't just sell computer parts.

Anyway, I tried the stick on its own and nothing came on the screen.

I'll run memtest with the 256mb one because it boots with that and see what I get.

honosuseri · 17 Mar 2012 at 18:48

the editor said:
I don't think I'm allowed to name competitors? It is quite a good place I think, it is orange and doesn't just sell computer parts.

Anyway, I tried the stick on its own and nothing came on the screen.

I'll run memtest with the 256mb one because it boots with that and see what I get.

No point mate. As i said if the laptop doesnt boot with that RAM by itself, it's either knackered or not compatible.

If you want to test your old RAM modules fair enough fella

the editor · 17 Mar 2012 at 18:51

Oh okay, so if it is completely broke, will memtest not be able to find errors?

Could a BIOS update help possibly?

honosuseri · 17 Mar 2012 at 19:05

the editor said:
Oh okay, so if it is completely broke, will memtest not be able to find errors?

Could a BIOS update help possibly?

The laptop needs to be able to post (power on self test) to then boot to run memtest. Even if you add the old RAM aswell to get it to boot I doubt this new module would be detected to test it......so it's pointless running memtest unless you want to check the health of your old kit.

A BIOS update could help....however do NOT update the BIOS in windows, it's safer in DOS. If something goes wrong it will screw the laptop. There is often a description saying what the BIOS update adds so you can see if it's worth the hassle of downloading then flashing it.

the editor · 17 Mar 2012 at 19:18

Do I just burn the the BIOS to a disc and boot from it?

I'm a bit worried about doing this, is there any way to back up the current BIOS?

honosuseri · 17 Mar 2012 at 19:35

the editor said:
Do I just burn the the BIOS to a disc and boot from it?

I'm a bit worried about doing this, is there any way to back up the current BIOS?

The latest BIOS appears to be version 1.06 (what is yours?). The only ammended feature was refering to the wifi. Doesn't sound like it's worth the worry doing it.

Laptop mobos are funny things. I had a laptop in once that was capped at 2GB, the client had bought more RAM and wondered why it didn't work. Ironically the intel version of the laptop would have taken the RAM.

Is there another laptop you could test your new RAM in? It is like a 5 minute job to switch them.

Jordan97 · 17 Mar 2012 at 20:10

EggCustard · 17 Mar 2012 at 22:27

the editor said:
I have an old Acer 5040 and I am having issues upgrading the RAM. It previously had a 512mb and a 256mb which worked fine, but I bought another 512mb to replace the 256mb one.

When I put the new 512mb in on its own, I can hear it boot up, but nothing is displayed on the screen. The same thing happens if I put it in with the old 512mb. If I put it in with the 256mb one, it works but only the 256mb is recognised. If I put both the old ones in it works fine and I get all the RAM.

Both of the old ones are 333MHz and the new one is 400MHz, but it says that 400MHz is compatible.

What is happening?!

I've had this with a Sony GRT laptop. Basically while your PC3200 SODIMM has a JEDEC standard SPD profile for PC2700 operation, your laptop's BIOS seems to not be able to initialise it correctly thus forcing the 400MHz spec. As this required a 2.6V Vs 2.5V voltage you have two forces at work that are limiting it from working: a) the BIOS issue I mentioned and also b) your laptop is probably only able to supply 2.5V. If the latter is true then it could be there isn't even enough power passing through the PC3200 for the BIOS to read its SPD and set PC2700 mode.

The only way to get out of this one is to install PC2700 SODIMM's, aka 333MHz by definition, not PC3200 SODIMM's that have the SPD profile for PC2700 operation.