PC133 RAM not compatible with 100FSB CPU or is it a mobo problem?

[ugh]

Hi all,

Posted this on Mobo w/o any response... Hopefully I'll get some here...

I'm having this rather odd problem with my mobo. Whenever I turn it on, I'm greeted with long intermittent beeps from the mobo. Having looked at the D-led, it says that the memory is either out damaged or not placed properly. I've tried testing the RAM (256MB Kingston PC133) with memtest86 and they can't find any error.

To get the system to boot up, I'll have to power up and down a number of times. It has gotten so bad that I've even switched the memory bank location; which seems to work the last time I tried. Haven't tried powering it up again though.

Anyone knows what's going on?

 

[AkumaBao]

What kind of motherboard, and what are your settings?

 

[WarCon]

Sounds like you have a bad connection in that memory slot if moving it stopped the problem. You could try cleaning the connection lans on the memory (I use a cotton swab with alcohol, but an eraser actually works really well too).

Was there any antecedent (something you did before this problem started)? Or did it start spontaneously?

Do you have another stick of memory you could test that slot out with just to be sure it isn't a bad solder joint on the memory that starts working after its warmed up a bit. (I have to replace my TV because of similar issue - actually I can throw things at it to make the connection work again....)

 

[techflyer]

If you're running an Intel processor, then it is possible that you [bought] DDR (Double Data Rate) ram. DDR is optimal for boards with AMD based chipsets but Intel based chipsets require SD Ram. If you put DDR on an Intel board, sometimes it will not even boot, and when it does it will usually only detect half of the ram (128 MB DDR=64 MB with Intel). Perhaps this is the problem?

 

[Warin]

Wow. That is so wrong.

DDR is keyed totally different from regular SDRAM. You cant actually install DDR in an SDRAM slot. And if someone sold you a stick of RAM that does fit an SDR mobo and told you it was DDR, then you were, bluntly, lied to.

I second the idea of testing with a different stick of RAM if you can. That will narrow it down to whether it is the RAM or the motherboard.

 

[techflyer]

Apologies for the lack of attention to my answer. . .it was spouted out referencing a combo of vague memories of a conversation I had about RAM with a coworker (we do tech support) and an article I read about DDR.


Here Is What I Meant To Say:

What you might have is High Density Ram which only select mobo chipsets accept. This problem presented itself to a group of my friends, where one guy bought a bunch of 256mb fast page ram and sold it to the others, where some worked and some didnt - - later found out those who had similar problems as yourself were using slightly older chipsets, mainly Intel-based. Symptoms include things like boot problems or only a portion of the memory being recognized.

When you shop for RAM, make sure you know whether it is low density or high density and which your mobo will support.

Sorry for the confusion earlier!

 

[ugh]

Sorry for the late response... Here are the replies to the questions that you've asked...



<< What kind of motherboard, and what are your settings? >>


MSI 815EPT-Pro



<< Sounds like you have a bad connection in that memory slot if moving it stopped the problem. You could try cleaning the connection lans on the memory (I use a cotton swab with alcohol, but an eraser actually works really well too). >>


I've actually tried all 4 of the mem slots, all with the same results.



<< Was there any antecedent (something you did before this problem started)? Or did it start spontaneously? >>


Happened after I removed a slot of 128MB RAM from the system. I'm now with 256MB RAM.



<< Do you have another stick of memory you could test that slot out with just to be sure it isn't a bad solder joint on the memory that starts working after its warmed up a bit. (I have to replace my TV because of similar issue - actually I can throw things at it to make the connection work again....) >>


I've actually placed the 128MB stick back, it's been working so far. Strange this is that I have to leave it off for a longer period b4 the problem starts occuring. Darn strange.



<< When you shop for RAM, make sure you know whether it is low density or high density and which your mobo will support. >>


That isn't a problem actually. The RAM has been working fine for the past week