CPU wont recognize added RAM?

I am trying to add 1GB RAM to my CPU but I can't get the CPU to recognize it. I currently have a 512 MB Kingston DDR DIMM in the first slot that is recognized with 2 other slots available up to 3GB. I purchased a Panasonic 1GB to add in hopes to help the sluggishness of my CPU but, the CPU wont recognize it. I tried placing it next to the 512 (not recognized), swapped the 512 and 1GB (not recognized) then removed the 512 and tried the 1GB alone. The CPU would not come on and emitted a series of single beeps. I've double checked that it is installed correctly and the tabs are locked. Right now I have the 512 in it's original position with the 1GB next to it but System Properties only show 512 MB RAM. Any suggestions?

 

Hi, Magman. Welcome to Windows BBS!

Sounds like you might have a timing issue with your RAM (set in the BIOS) and/or you need to reset your CMOS.

If you have a manual for your motherboard, check there for instructions about how to reset the CMOS.

If you can provide details about the exact make and model number of your motherboard, we might be able to locate specific instructions.


EDIT: BTW, I think some motherboards are picky about having matched RAM when multiple sticks are involved.

EDIT #2: Your new RAM might not be compatible with your motherboard. Did you investigate this before purchasing new RAM?

Please tell us the specifications of your RAM (both old and new RAM) along with specs about your CPU and the motherboard make/model information I requested above. The motherboard information should be printed on the motherboard.

 

Well I could certainly use your help. Nothing in my manual refers to "CMOS ". The motherboard is an ASUS A7V8X-X. Thanks in advance!

My motherboard has 3 slots to add RAM. In the Memory specs section it says: 3XDDR DIMM Sockets
Max. 3GB unbuffered PC2100/1600 non-ECC DDR SDRAM (Note: PC3200 maximum to banks only. PC2700 maximum to 4 banks only).

I purchased and installed a Panasonic 1GB PC2700 333MHz DDR Memory for AMD/Intel With Lifetime warranty.

 

I pulled (and re-installed) the old Kingston 512 MB chip, here's the info it has on it:
Kingston KVR 512 MB AEPE 1610502
9930269-DDY D00 KVR333X64C25/512
P752268-0713157 2.5V

Both chips look very similiar and I was pretty sure I bought the correct one with 184 pins and DDR DIMM. I intended to run both by adding the 1GB Panasonic with the 512 Kingston. Thanks again!

 

Here is a link to your motherboard manual (for the benefit of others who might offer help).

• A7V8X-X User Manual (English) E1198

Motherboard diagram is on page 1-7 (Chapter 1, Page 7). Note the "CLRTC" jumpers next to the CMOS battery. (The battery looks similar to a U.S./Canadian nickel.)

Page 1-14 shows instructions about how to reset the CMOS (Clear RTC RAM).

In the meantime, I'll do some more digging to see if I can find any motherboard/RAM compatibility information.

 

CAUTION: When you go to into the BIOS after clearing the CMOS memory, I suggest you stick to the Main menu and stay away from "advanced" setting changes for now. Changing settings in the BIOS is potentially dangerous. One could render a computer unbootable.

BIOS setup info starts on page 2-8 of the motherboard manual.


EDIT: If you are unsure about anything, then please ask ahead of time. I might not be knowledgeable enough to provide additional information/suggestions but I'm fairly certain someone here can.

 

Please read my cautions and suggestions above.

That is a BIOS beep code indicating what the possible problem is. It is usually a series of beeps followed by a pause and then the series of beeps occurs again.

If you continue to get a series of beeps if/when you have only the 1GB stick installed, please count the number of beeps and report that number to us.

EDIT:

• amptron.com: BIOS Beep Codes
  I found that via Google. I do not know for sure whether the information in that link is accurate or not.

• helpwithpcs.com: Post Beep Codes, AMI & Phoenix/Award BIOS error codes

EDIT #2: Apparently the beep code produced depends on the manufacturer and version of the BIOS. Therefore, it would be helpful to know that information. It may be displayed on one of the initial black screens during boot-up.

You can probably press the Pause/Break key when the information is displayed to halt the boot process (to give yourself time to write down the information). Then press the Enter key to continue the boot process.

 

I completed the CLRTC RAM/CMOS reset using the manual and that didn't fix it. It still shows 512 MB RAM.

From your above post, do you recommend I remove the 512 > restart > count beeps? I guess that's the only way to know....

Also, the 512 RAM was in position #3 when I opened the CPU. Shouldn't it be in position #1 if it's the primary RAM? It's setup like this right now:
pos#1 - EMPTY
pos#2 - Panasonic 1GB RAM (newly added and not detected)
pos#3 - Kingston 512 MB RAM (original and detected)

 

Here's the results of the test:
1. I removed the 512 and inserted the 1GB into slot #1. The CPU would not come on, black screen with no beeps whatsoever, the fan came on and that's about it.
2. 512 still removed, I placed the 1GB into slot #3. Received 1 second beeps followed by 1 second pauses through 15 cycles of each (Endless loop), then turned off.

I read this as "Bad memory ".

I tried to identify the version of the BIOS as you suggested but it just listed 3.5 floppy and other system info, nothing about BIOS. I now have the 512 in slot #3 and the 1GB in its ESD package it shipped in.

 

Before I call it quits on this chip, with your experience, does this appear to be the right type RAM I need? I'd like to get another one but just want to make sure I am purchasing the right RAM to plug in next to my 512 RAM.

1GB, DDR DIMM, 184 Pin

I see some say ECC but, my manual calls for non-ECC, what is this?
Also, what is the difference with PC 3200/2700/2100/1600? Should I be concerned with this when deciding what RAM to buy?

Sorry for so many questions but I do appreciate your help!

 

Hi,

Looks like it is incompatible RAM, Asus will have a RAM compatibility chart for your model at their website.

It appears to work fine with the Kingston RAM. Look up your motherboard model at the the Kingston website and get a 1GB (or even a similar 512MB module if it will fulfil your needs).
http://www.kingston.com/

The old module is 333Mhz/PC2700, although PC3200 should be backwards compatible, especially if they are a similar type from the same manufacturer.

As I said in another thread, mixing and matching RAM only works sometimes.

My Asus A7V133C is quite fussy about RAM.

Matt

 

I was not successful in locating a "Qualified Vendors List" (QVL) for the A7V8X-X motherboard.

However, I did locate the following from the ASUS FAQs for the A7V8X-X which may relate to Magman's issue.

EDIT: Found another Q/A related to RAM.

 

Sorry Ive been away for a little while but my CPU finally died. Not sure what happened to it but it was approx. 4 years old and kept getting slower and slower. After returning to the original configuration yesterday the CPU worked for about 3 hours then locked up and would not re-boot. All I could get was the fan to come on, pwr light at front on with a black screen. Guess it had seen it's better days. I'm just now finishing the setup of my new CPU with Vista. Thanks again for all your help!

 

I'm sorry to read that news, Magman. Perhaps mattman will have some ideas. He's much more knowledgeable about computer hardware than me.

Anyway, good luck with your new CPU and Vista!

 

After 4 years I don't get surprised if something breaks down, although I tend to see Asus motherboards lasting longer than most others.

I always run basic tests to check, especially because I am interested in finding the cause.

If the problem is the motherboard, it is somewhat of a major task to replace.

The system needs all the basic hardware working to start up, so disconnect anything except the main processor (CPU), RAM, graphics, keyboard and mouse. You don't need the drives connected to check startup.

Check all the fans are spinning freely. (Is there a fan on the graphics card?)

Something that could be a simple check is to try running another power supply.

It is worth trying a different graphics card.

"Slower and slower" might indicate to me that a part was getting overheated and burnt-out.


I expect you are getting your new system set up, so these might be something to try if you are interested in the future. The motherboard manual will tell you how it is built.


Good research at the Asus website mailman. Specific requirements for the higher rated RAM modules is something I have not come across before.

Matt

 

Thanks, Matt.

BTW, Magman, if you have never replaced your CMOS battery in the last 4 years, I would be inclined to replace it with a new one. Probably has the number 2032 on it. If so, then you can probably find a new one just about anywhere flashlight/watch batteries are sold.

Ensuring your CMOS battery has sufficient voltage for the next few years will help prevent start-up issues you might encounter sooner if you do not replace it.

 

Thanks for the replies and suggestions guys, as always your help and support is appreciated! To be honest though, I'm not all that interested in working on it. I don't have any use for two CPU's nor the space so, I'll look into how to get rid of it or maybe pass it off to a CPU savvy friend who may be able to resurrect it and put it to use. This new one that I now have is an over the counter HP that seems to be lightning fast compared to my old one. Much happier now!