Memory Musical Chairs

Have 2x – 256 MB memory sticks. When computer is cold and powerup, system info, ADIA32, and MR.Tech all report 256 MB of memory. If I immediately reboot, no change… if I let in run for 30 minutes, then softboot or powerdown / restart, the memory will report correctly at 512 MB. This would appear a heat value is affecting one of the chips. Have ruled out fast BIOS memory count(s) since same counting speed process is in effect when computer is COLD or WARM. Now this is where it starts getting strange.
Using ADIA32 views, MotherBoard category and the following sub-categories…….

Cold Computer
Memory......256
SPD...........Displays BOTH Chips
Chipset......Slot#1=256, Slot#2 is not displayed

Warm Computer
Memory......512
SPD...........Displays BOTH Chips
Chipset......Slot#1 = 256 and Slot#2 = 256

The SPD view ALLWAYS displays both chips, correctly ID to brand and specs for COLD and WARM views.
One view was yesterday. Today I REVERSED chips in Slot 1 and Slot 2 on cold computer and repeated above tests.
Everything repeated as above, including SPD correctly following the brand shifts in slot 1 and 2.
Hmmm, this is giving the appearance of NOT a chip problem, but possible a slot# 2 heat issue.
Tomorrows test (computer must be cold)
Before I start computer up, pull BOTH chips, put one chip in “Slot# 2â€, since it never reports memory numeric values in chipset/memory views when cold….. But does in SPD presence, ID, and specs. If computer fails to boot, problem would appear to be a heat issue for slot#2. BUT if it does boot, then this is purely a false positive in “reporting valuesâ€. Slot#2 is always reporting in SPD views (cold and warm)... but is providing incorrect information for “Memory and Chipset†views. If I have not confused you with this musical chairs, any comments on my conclusions… although premature until tomorrows “single chip / slot# 2" test.

 

Hmm,
Sounds hardware related, but wonder if it could possibly be BIOS related. Maybe a BIOS update

 

Are the two memory sticks from the same manufacturer? Look identical?

I am curious as to why the comp recognizes the second stick after it has been running awhile. The fact that it does eventually sort itself out rules out a lot of suppositions.

Keep us posted!
Johanna
ps Time to fire the builder

 

Johanna
Are the two memory sticks from the same manufacturer? Look identical?

No,they are two different brands. In ADIA32 / SPD view, all specs between the 2 chips are the same.. 256 MB/1 row/4 banks/PC2700/166MHz/DDR SDRAM.....

Todays test -- Starting with a cold computer. (read 1st post for details)
Since I did not know "which" chip was Slot#2, I pulled the "left side" chip, leaving the remaing chip (right side) in the computer. Powered computer up, did it's normal +-30 second post to windows. Opened ADIA, "Chipset" view said "Slot #1" has 256 MB memory... no Slot#2 in reporting view. Shut down, moved same chip from "Right Side to Left Side" slot. Powered up, opened ADIA/Chipset view, "Slot#1 has 256 MB memory... no Slot#2 in reporting view... Darn, ADIA/Syntax 266A Mobo does not provide a true mapped memory slots in the reporting views. My old ECS K7S5A / ADIA displayed 4 slots and reported how much memory was present in each slot... current mobo does not. So I shut down, added 2nd chip, powered up, ADIA reported 256 MB in Slot#1 AND Slot#2 for a total of 512. Since it had been 10 minutes of run time with 3 shutdowns / powerups, was not surprised it now reported 512, since computer should have been warm. Unfortunately, today's test was meaningless. My first post conclusions were based on "Slot#2" not reporting when BOTH chips (and reversed) were installed. Today I find out when either slot has memory (with one chip installed), it always reports as Slot#1.
So this could be a heat issue with one of the chips. The only solution I can come up with... In "Left Slot ", run ONE stick for a couple of days, then the other for a couple of days. If no problems, repeat same test in "Right Slot ". If still no problem, my only conclusion would be a "false reporting" issue.
What has me worried, this mobo has reports of garbage information for "sensor outputs "... which on mine are all over the ballpark. The voltage values are so far out of range the computer should NOT even run. Motherboard temperature readings range from 70-138 (F) in 5 minutes of view time. So can this carry into memory outputs? Other than the above problems, the computer is very fast and rock solid with bootup / powerdowns at +- 30 seconds.

Johanna ..... ps Time to fire the builder
Are you setting up a 2nd shop in central Wisconsin??

 

I think that if the sticks matched, you would not be having a problem. I know the builder knew he was potentially creating a problem when he used two different brands of sticks. If the comp runs well, you may not care. If you have the inclination, you could buy two matching sticks and see if the problem cures itself, if it is indeed, a problem.

But if those temps are real, there may be something else going on. MotherboardMonitor reports the temps from the mobo, too, and lets you keep an eye on temps (you can set the refresh rate) in the notification area without having AIDA open.

Johanna
(What does he get an hour?)

 

Hi Johanna

Just came back from builder, needless to say our relationship is past stressed. He sticks to hs guns, all of the previous problems were due to not keeping the computer clean. I keep reminding him how dirty can it get in 8 months.. says I must have a very dusty house and because I smoke... anyway, life is to short, will have to find a different builder.
Thanks for your suggestion for MBM, unfortunately it also gives the same false readings as ADIA32. Actually my builder gave me the same suggestion today (never heard of ADIA32). When I told him it did not work, he said it was not his problem... and why the H E L L did I need that type of info, and all you want is another motherboard and on and on. Like I said, life is to short.
Will keep monitoring the memory, add to my "wish list" match memory.

 

Dennis L,
Obviously the mobo is reporting those temps. Whether they are accurate is hard to tell. You pointed out the mobo was reporting incorrect voltages as well. Check and see if you have the latest "flash" for that board, and you may want to clear CMOS just to see if the board resets itself.

I can understand why your relationship with the builder is strained- if he doesn't know what AIDA32 is, or to match mem sticks, he's prob not competent in other areas as well. This is the man who "mistakenly" put the wrong OS on your comp, too? And blew of the ECS problems as dirt? Puh-leeze!

You've had to do so much troubleshooting and homework after this guy that you might as well do like MartinR121 and me, and build your comps yourself. Then, at least, when you fix it, or break it, you won't have to argue about it, and you will know why, and how it got that way, and how to repair it. This guy's tech support is sorry- you're better off on the BBS.

Johanna

 

Thanks for the moral support Johanna, very much appreciated. I value the exchanged of knowledge wBBS forums offers. Would like to find, start a local group devoted to learning / teaching / building systems for ourselves and others. Nothing like "hands on" to get past the intimidation. Learning from our mistakes, sharing our successes. Again, thanks for your posts Johanna and Paul.