problem with new memory in a new laptop

[kyzen]

bought my mom a Compaq v2000 for Christmas. Since HP wanted a lot more to upgrade from 256 to 512 megs of RAM then it would cost me to just flat out buy a 512 meg stick for a total of 768, thats what I went with.

After looking around HPs side for awhile I was pretty sure that the machine used PC2100 RAM, so that's what I bought. I got the RAM like a week before I got the machine (got the machine today).

When I pop open the memory compartment, I discover the memory already in there is PC2700. I figure it would just clock down to 2100 speeds, so I put in the 512 meg stick, and try to turn on the computer. The screen remains black, I get 3 system beeps, and the power light slowly flashes.

I tried every combination of sticks in there, and the system never boots with the 512, regardless of the which slot it's in, and whether or not the 256 is in there as well.

So what's going on? Do I need 2700 RAM? Is there some BIOS setting I'm missing here?

Any help would rock.

 

[montag451]

www.crucial.com
Go through the system menu - it will tell you what RAM you need for your specific system.
You don't have to buy it there, they are expensive - but I never have had a prob with Crucial - or Kingston.
Some systems are a little less forgiving about different RAM modules.

 

[slyedog]

compaqs are kind of fussy abt ram. tried to put in a 2100 and a 2700. no go

 

[kyzen]

Well I put the new stick into my Dell, took a 256 meg stick out of there and put it in the Compaq, and both work fine.

Go figure.

Oh well, 512 megs ought to be enough for a woman who's not likely to do anything more intensive than open an email with a dozen pictures.