Switched To DDR from SDRAM, NOT working

[cybergecko]

ok, so my motherboard is an ECS K7AMA. It has both SDRAM and DDR compatability, with the changing of a ton of jumpers. The board supports up to pc 2100. So we bought some Kingston Valueram, DDR400 pc3200, 2.6v. The board says it needs 2.5v. Anyways, so after switching all the jumpers over and taking out the old ram, I tried booting up, but as soon as it tried to start windows it just reset, or turned off. It only shows 15MB, its a 512 chip though. So now i'm left wondering what the problem is. My theory is that its because the chip is 2.6v and the board is set for 2.5v. But I called the store to see about a return, and he said that all ddr is universal, and that it should work fine. Anyways, any ideas of what the problem is? could someone clarify to me about the voltage thing and if it matters? thanks.

 

[CrispyFried]

the board may only supports 128 or 256 mb sticks. what does the manual say?

the 2.5 vs 2.6 bit shouldnt make a difference as far as it showing 15 megs instead of 512.

btw ddr isnt quite universal, some are single sided some are double sided. some mobos dont like double sided or only take double sided in certain configurations. the single vs double sided is an electrical spec, not the actual physical layout of the stick, although they sometimes match.

the way the chips are organized makes a difference also. 128 mb x 4 chips and 64 mb x 8 chips (for example) are both 512 meg sticks, but are different layouts electrically. your mobo may not like the way your 512 is organized.

 

[Stonesoldier]

that Motherboard only supports pc1600 or pc2100 DDR
Exchange the pc3200 memory for for pc2100

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: Stonesoldier
that Motherboard only supports pc1600 or pc2100 DDR
Exchange the pc3200 memory for for pc2100

No, DDR is universal, you can run 3200 at any speed you want.

 

[stevty2889]

Sounds like the stick is just incompatible with your motherboard. According to the Crucial Configurator it should be able to take up to 1gb sticks of DDR, including 2.6v PC3200(which it will run at PC2100 speeds).