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Community Newsletter: Q&A: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed
- 7/27/06 2:40 PM
memory prob
by djujecmaoseoionnn - 7/28/06 11:01 AM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
After looking at the specs on the HP Media Center PCs at HPs website. The specifications for the memory state all the different configurations of memory that will work. All of them are either pairs of 256, 512, 1024 x 533 or 667 MHz. Or 4 ofeach of the above. To me this says the mem must be run in matched pairs. This is the most likely problem. Adding a third chip (According to HP system was delivered with 2 x 512 chips.) screws it up. Try adding a 4th and make sure all are the same as stated by others in all aspects. Timing on memory is crucial. Things that have to happen at billionths of a second. Nano speed leaves no room for any errors at all. And furthermore,as a 30 year computer technician. I would actually get matched mem from HP allthough there are others I am sure that would work. This would eliminate and incompatibility issues caused by manufacturing differences however slight. At least call tech at HP and ask about, Crucial, Micron, Corsair and there are others. Compatibility cannot be overstated when it comes to HP computers. I work on them alot and they usually require a specific brand or type of mem not redily available at Comp UsA or Best BUy. \
Reply to 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM
by MakaiOokami - 7/28/06 11:36 AM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have the exact same computer, and upgraded the memory from 1 GB total to 2 GB total. There are four sim sockets, and the original memory was installed in two of them. The important thing is that whatever you install you must install two sims which are exactly the same -- certainly the same memory size, but preferably identical sims bought at the same time. I installed two more 512 MB sims filling the remaining two sockets, and the system came up fine with 2 GB of installed memory.
Unfortunately the video on this system is of the on-board type, using 512 MB of memory stolen from the total installed memory. This leaves the original system with only 512 MB of usable memory if you don't upgrate the total memory, which is why I installed the additional 1 GB of memory when I first bought the system.
I have now installed an nVidia dual monitor video adapter card, and have no use now for the original on-board video. But unfortunately again, the BIOS is very poor, in that it does not allow me to release the now unneeded memory stolen for use with the on-board video facility which I am no longer using. As a result, I am now faced with replacing at least two of the 512 MB memory sims with two 1 GB memory sims, leaving me with two unusable 512 MB sims for which I have no present or planned use. They'll just have to go in the box where I have all the other earlier and smaller memory sims that over the years were replaced by larger versions as they became available.
I have contacted HP's support system several times re the above problem, but they are no hope, and in fact twice have sent me very inappropriate instructions which did not and could not work. Obviously they do not understand their own computer line, or don't bother to read what they are sending out.
I would hope some day to upgrade the BIOS, but HP does not give me any information as to who made it, or if there are advanced versions of it available which could solve the memory release problem.
There is another problem with this system, which is not HP's fault. When used with XP Pro OS like I do, and maybe with other versions of the XP OS, there is a problem with the heap which causes the dual processor to lose potential performance to the point that it is no faster than a single core processor. I have heard that this can be fixed now, else you will have to wait for Vista which surely no longer has this problem.
Charles Wilkes
San Jose, CA
2nd Reply to 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM.
by MakaiOokami - 7/28/06 3:16 PM In reply to: Reply to 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM by MakaiOokamiAfter I wrote the original note, I had a further note from HP. They apologized for sending me wrong info. But they also said that I shouldn't install more than three gigabytes, since this computer wouldn't access more than that. Since I was just about ready to leave to buy four GB to replace the old memory, I appreciated that, and bought two one GB sims instead of four. I took out the two 1/2 GB sims I had put in earlier, replaced them with the 1 GB versions, and everything works fine. While I have only 3 GB of total memory, less the 1/2 GB wasted on the original on-board video which I no longer want but can't get to release the 1/2 GB, at least I ended up with 2.5 GB of usable memory, which was a lot better than the 1.5 GB I had before, or the 0.5 GB that came with the system when new.
BTW, some posts said that HP said that only their memory works on their systems. This is pure hogwash designed to increase their sales through deception. In fact all HP systems use a DDR PC3200 speed of 400, and I bought memory by Kingston at $89.99 each from Fry's Electronics here in San Jose, Calif. where I live. Since you have to install these in pairs, it cost me double that for the added 2 GB of memory. They had DDR2 memory on sale, but HP doesn't accept DDR2 sims. So the above was not on sale, and there is no rebates either. I suspect they could be bought cheaper from sources on the web, but I was in a hurry.
Charles Wilkes
Whitout any problem: Upgrading
by POBSTAR - 7/28/06 11:41 AM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I first bought in 1999 an IBM Aptiva 350Mghz PC. I found out when I want to Upgrade that PC that manufacturers built their machine with their own specifications technology understanding.
If I want to upgrade I have to buy the same parts brand and model of what I want to upgrade that are in that PC. I also learn reading tech Pros review and post that similarity doesn’t mean compatibility.
Out of that research of many and lots of hours spend to understand the how and comes of computing technology I realized that standard manufacturers casing and hardware’s pieces, plus the OS (operating system) used by them, are customised according to low cost and specific engineering design purpose to fit with the benefit needed (profits) while at the same time offering the minimum stable performances.
The problem with that way of doing things is that after few years some parts aren’t available in the general market, if it is a standard generic brand name part, or if it is a specific brand name manufacturer parts, the parts department of the PC you bought will tell you that what you’re looking for is back order or not anymore supported. If they have it in stock it will cost you lots of money to get it.
What I learn for myself: It is better to build my own PC. For some hardware parts it is better to select standard hardware’s part material that have been test by pros and that you could find their test reviews on the net. EX: Affordable Maxtor’s hard drive that fit in all machine. Generic good or best quality OCZ memory, for example, with Heat spreader protection that fit in the mother board you select. A good roomed ventilated PC case that will give you the possibility to work in with facility and let you change or add hardware’s part or software that are required by new tasks or new needs.
Or buy a computer from a good trusty recognised Brand manufacturer, like Dell, that will give you almost the same possibility in terms of upgrading capability.
In my opinion and experience if you want to avoid problems it is better to upgrade right away or within the year the amount of memory that the mother board and the CPU can handle with the same identical memory brand name sticks and tech specifications, even if you build your own PC. It is also known that good quality pre-test Dual Channel balance memory Kit is better for many good reasons. They are more expensive at start, but they long last with more tech capacity and offer also a real good upgrading hardware’s possibility’s in the future.
Why? Because it is the second parts important on a PC with the CPU. The graphic card and the mother board will be chose for specific needs like general multimedia or specialise workstation like graphic video, 3D design or gaming.
Some people will say that it is not necessary to buy expensive memory. They are right if you do only simple task with your PC like word processor or surfing the net. But in reality, how many of new hand user will stick to that in a PC life time actually?
That’s why it is a wise decision to buy high proof quality memory product at start because it is cheaper in the long run and offer better performances from the software’s including the OS ( I chose Windows XP Pro SP2). Same logic here with processor speed if you consider that upgrading a PC is cheaper than changing for a new one in short term. Chose a second or third generation CPU (central processor unit) include in PC’s available among what Brand Manufacturers offers through stores.
The life time of a PC actually, according to the market technology evolution practice, is around 5 years and within those 5 years that’s include upgrading software’s and hardware’s possibility with products that follow that evolution. My experience when I built my first PC with 1 set of 1GB (512+512) memory stick and want to upgrade two years later was that I had a hard time to find the exact and identical match with an other 1GB set. That’s why I bought at the start of building my second PC (giving the first one to my wife replacing the Aptiva) the maximum memory that the motherboard offer in term of possibility.
In another word good or high quality memory will be beneficial to all the other hardware’s components of the PC system and that includes running software’s also.
Also in my opinion don’t hesitate to buy the manufacturer Brand Name product PC memory at start if you want to upgrade other needs (hardware’s or software’s) in the future because it is less gambling and it’s offering a good investment in long run, even if it is more expensive, if you keep in mind what was mentioned above concerning the way that they built their PC’s.
Many people know that it is a practice among Brand Name Manufacturers to load their PC with minimum memory that don’t suite the overall component and software capability that it is offer so that people will have to buy it when they purchase their PC or later on. Just think that Windows XP is using for minimum function 512mb of Ram memory. If you want to do something more you need more memory specially if you want to work with burning software in DVD or video production that require minimum 1GB of memory. So 512mb+1GB= 1.5GB, and like it is mention in a previous post here, installing impair sticks it is not recommended. So if you want to work easily with graphic, music and video be wise and start with the right size of memory needed, you will be worry’s free.
Hp Ram and Systems
by Shantj - 7/28/06 12:22 PM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I just wanted to make a comment about HP memary and sytems.
I have an older HP Pentium 3 system that my son is using now for WOW it works ok but not as good as my new one.
It had 2-256meg SDRAM and I wanted to put it to a full gig so I took one of the chips with me to make sure I had the right kind of ram and since there were to lots I got 2-512's.
But this maybe where the prossor chip sets types come into play, had I known this I may not have bought the computer. So when I got home I installed the ram I only had a total of 512 and a gig. Thinking I had installed it wrong I checked and checked again. I even took on out and put it first one slot then the other, and it worked fine.
So being very upset I called HP support here in town and they told me that, this system could only run a total of 512 no more. I was angery, had they given me more information when I bought I would have gotten a differt system.
One last note here though, I have since built my own system and it works great, it's full streaming system with 2gigs of DDR 400mhz up gradeable to 3 gigs since is only has 3 slots, with a 64 bit 2.2 ghz prosseor.
I just wanted to let people know you have to watch out HP systems, because they don't tell you everything you need or want to know about their systems if you don't ask.
Thankyou Shantj
Try swapping
by tenkof - 7/28/06 1:23 PM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This happened to me with my thinkpad laptop. Someone on Cnet advised that I swapped my rams, and it worked. Why don't you try this. It doesn't cost a thing.
First, replace one of the old rams with the new. Then check to see whether it is recognized. If it is, then instal the old ram to see what happens. Let us know what happens.
Good luck.
Explanation by Barry W. of North Canton, Ohio
by sotomavi - 7/28/06 2:00 PM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
YOU ROCK!!! Best explanation I have ever seen, even though I don't understand most of what you said.
Simple Fix; dumb but works!
by JayScott - 7/28/06 2:31 PM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I wouldn't believe this if I hadn't seen it twice in the past 2 weeks. BTW, both were HP notebooks.
Try switching the RAM sticks. If you had stick A in socket 1 and stick B in socket 2, put A in 2 and B in 1. It only takes a minute, and it worked for me twice in 2 different HP Pavilions, in the past 2 weeks. One had two identical sticks (same part number) and 1 had different ones (different speeds, though compatible). In both cases, the memory didn't work when I installed it. I checked everything there was to check, and it all looked kosher. On a hunch, I tried switching the physical locations, and voila!
Couldn't hurt. I can't dream up any reason why this should be the case, but it obviously is. Twice.
Recognition of new memory modules.
by john smiler - 7/28/06 4:18 PM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Jake,
First of all i have a trick that almost always resolve this problem when i find it. (i supose your are installing a compatible module of memory with your PC and the other memory you have installed).
Sometimes, the BIOS of some PC's do not recognize other modules, then i try to take out the original, to install the new module and i see if then it is recognized, if ok i install all modules and that's all. If not, then you must take out the 2032 battery (with your PC turned off, of course)to reset your bios, then you can place all your memory modules and to turn on your computer and configure your bios again if needed. I hope this may be helpful for you.
Regards,
JosepDF
Barcelona, Spain.
Amazing info but...
by One_Eyed_Pony - 7/28/06 4:40 PM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
first, .- Congratulation Barry for your deep knownlegde in this matter.
Second.- If you read you got the real problem come up.
Dual Core systems of HP Media Center comes with Chipset that require DUAL-CHANNEL to operate. Jake K has a problem because he buy only one module (which also could have all the problems in timing, be defective or incompatible) but it seems that with only 2 Memory modules (256 or 512MB each) he could get this fixed. Also could work with one module of 1GB that works too in dual channel mode (the 2 512MB must be placed in the first 2 sockets and not interlived, and the one of 1GB must be in the first place of the second 2 sockets).
To probe if the memory module could work or not with your system, only change it for one of the already installed memory modules (in the same place pick up the original memory module (one) and replace it with the new one) and start your PC. If it works the PC will start without a problem, if not then the new memory module it's defective or incompatible. I recomended you to buy the same DDR2 as it use your actual system (maybe 533MHz) the timming is not an issue here.
See:http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_series.do?series_name=m7560y_series&seeAllSpec=true&tab_switch=true&tab=specs&catLevel=2&category=desktops/media_center&storeName=computer_store
And check the memory recomendations (come in pairs).
Regards,
Andres Camargo
RAM Compatibility Issues
by achittineni - 7/28/06 4:55 PM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have had this problem multiple times before with various HP computers. Generally speaking, the issue is a compatibility problem. Before purchasing RAM, go to the website of the manufacturer to ensure the RAM you want to purchase has been tested on the specific HP model computer you purchased. You'll often find that the version is incorrect, so you'll need to make sure you get the correct version in stored.
An alternative for when you have already bought the RAM and it doesn't work, simply contact the manufacturer and tell them. They will give you an RMA number for you to return the RAM to them, then they will send you the correct version for your computer (without additional charges). I hope this will help!
Adding RAM made a big performance improvement in XP Pro
by bonbon53 - 7/28/06 5:36 PM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Your reply to Jake's message about his memory recognition problem was excellent.
This is a bit off-topic, but I added 1 GB of DDR-2 RAM to my Windows XP Pro SP 2 system this week. The system had 1 GB to start with, in the form of two 512MB modules from Crucial. I ordered two more of the exact same modules.
I've been amazed at the performance improvement in going from 1 GB to 2 GB, which I had expected to be a bit of overkill. Programs load much faster and windows open much faster, even with a good Matrox video card. I sometimes work with very large files but I haven't done so since installing the new RAM.
FYI, I ordered the new RAM because I was concerned that there might be a problem with the existing modules. Subsequent testing for about eight hours with MemTest86 did not show up any problems, however.
Test for Dual Channel Operation?
by DRxDON - 7/28/06 6:15 PM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have a MB with three memory slots for DDR. It has a GeForce chipset that supports dual channel. I have a matched pair of 512MB Corsair memory strips but since it has a third slot, I figured I'd add another 512MB strip. Did I do a bad thing? 
Does the third strip automatically cut it down to single channel operation? Will my compter run faster if I remove the third strip?
Thanks,
Don H
Hp media center memory problem
by sudongyue - 7/28/06 6:37 PM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Last month I have upgrade my memory to do the upgrade First i go to Kingston web site on that site you can begin a reasearch you choose what kind or what compagnie build your PC what model and you have the good memory number to upgrade your PC after that go to HP website and look if the BIOS of your PC have an UPGRADE and download the BIOS from HP. When I have Upgrade my old HP and upgrade to 512mg it doesn`t run when I upgrade the BIOS everything works fine after that Kingston and HP have A very good support on line and very helpfull Good luck and have a nice day
Memory not recognized
by bluffarmer - 7/30/06 7:41 AM In reply to: 7/28/06 Computer doesn't recognize the new RAM I installed by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
In systems with Dual Core processors my computer Guru says you must always install memory chips with the same size and speed!! I.E. two DDR Pc 3200 512's or two DDr Pc 3200 1G as is your systems requirement. Never install a 1 G chip with a 512 etc. Hope this helps.
Jim
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