Is Server RAM lower profile than Desktop RAM?

[GoodEnough]

I ordered some DDR2 RAM and it was the correct length (240pin)
but it sits way lower. It's like half the height of my existing RAM.
When I installed these 2 new low profile RAM sticks, I got the BIOS beep.

Only thing I can think of is that it's Server RAM?

 

[Blain]

Hit us with some label information from the DIMMs, so we can be better informed.
Posting a good (in focus), close up pic of the DIMMs would be good also.

Are there an even or odd number of chips on the DIMM?
How many beeps is your BIOS sounding?
What model is the MB?

 

[XavierMace]

No, server memory is the same size. I'm guessing you got some of those Kingston VLP modules like these: http://uk.hardware.info/news/12773/low-profile-ddr2-memory-by-kingston

 

[ArisVer]

Server RAM is usually EEC Buffered RAM. Your motherboard may not support these options so it's probably incompatibility. Post your motherboard model and your RAM modules.

 

[GoodEnough]

Nanya is the existing RAM.
Kingston is what I bought (and doesn't work)

These are different, aren't they? Here is a Google search on the Kingston RAM label
http://www.google.com/search?q=king...&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8&gws_rd=ssl

 

[Insert_Nickname]

Try resetting the BIOS. It might be loading speed and timings from the old kit that's incompatible with the new kit.

 

[GoodEnough]

I added the new RAM to the existing for an attempted 4GB total. Don't want to mess with BIOS. I removed and kept the original 2GB...Might just toss this RAM and buy another.

 

[Dahak]

the height profile does not really make any difference, kingston and i have seen crucial sticks to the same, as the ram packages are smaller they made the pcb stick shorter too

From what I can tell from the part numbers they are both standard DDR2-667 memory,

It could be a compatibility between the two vendors.

Have you tried the Kingston sticks by themselves

 

[Insert_Nickname]

I added the new RAM to the existing for an attempted 4GB total. Don't want to mess with BIOS. I removed and kept the original 2GB...Might just toss this RAM and buy another.

That will not help you if they have incompatible timings. What you need to do is set the frequency and timings of the lowest common denominator MANUALLY. F.x. if one DIMM has 6-6-6-16 and the other 5-5-5-15, then both will need to run at 6-6-6-16.

If you don't know what timings the original DIMM is capable of, use CPU-Z to read the SPD.

From what I can tell from the part numbers they are both standard DDR2-667 memory,

It could be a compatibility between the two vendors.

There is standard memory and then there is standard memory. Most compatibility issues boil down to incompatible (sub-)timings. As stated above both DIMMs need to run at the lowest common denominator. Higher specced memory should have no trouble running looser timings after all.

 

[ArisVer]

Just repeating the others.

You have to try the Kingston modules to check if they are working on your system.

If they work, you MIGHT be able to get them to work together by setting lower speeds in the BIOS (try auto setting if there is one).

They might also be incompatible together.

In such a case if you can send them for a refund, do it. And try to find the same Nanya sticks for memory expansion.

 

[GoodEnough]

I yanked the Nanya originals, and installed the Kingstons into slots 1 & 2.
First time, beeps. I pushed them in harder, and 2nd time, it booted!
Ok, so they work...

Wait, I then added the Nanya originals into slots 3 & 4, just to see.
First time, beeps. I pushed them ALL in harder, and 2nd time, it booted!
RAM slot order is so finicky!

With 2GB RAM, this ex-Vista PC would boot up with only 300kb free.
Now, I have a lot more breathing room.

Result:

 

[GoodEnough]

Unfortunately, resmon says 780MB is "Hardware reserved"
Ugh, the only way I fixed that on my laptop was to swap the order of the RAM sticks.

 

[ArisVer]

Well done. If I am correct you are running a 32-bit system. Installing the 64-bit version will get you the full 4 GB of RAM. I think you can use the same key for it.

 

[GoodEnough]

This is GoodEnough !
I have some more RAM coming that I will apply to some other PC's of the same config.

 

[GoodEnough]

Other PC's I upgraded from 2x1GB to 4x1GB all seem to reserve 780MB as "Hardware Reserved" Is it worth trying to free up this space? How do I troubleshoot?

 

[Insert_Nickname]

Other PC's I upgraded from 2x1GB to 4x1GB all seem to reserve 780MB as "Hardware Reserved" Is it worth trying to free up this space? How do I troubleshoot?

You're running a 32bit operating system. Unless you switch to an x64 version, you'll be limited to ~3GB RAM. There is no way around, its a hardware limitation of the x86 architecture.

 

[GoodEnough]

Ok, very good to know. I am not in a position to update the 32-bit OS image,
but even 3.3GB gives me more leeway than 2GB. For < $10/PC, it's worth the upgrade.