THis is so freakin weak

[Matt2]

So I bought some RAM for my mom's computer and my step-dad's parent's computer.

This RAM for my step-dad's parent's computer. Generic 512mb sticks (1GB) just so they could do multitasking and not have to live with 256mb memory.

I throw it in the comp and find out that the system doesnt even boot with the RAM in. DOA? I throw it in my P4 2.4/Abit IC7-G system to see if it was DOA, same thing, no boot. Right when I thought both sticks were DOA (tried individually) I decided to throw them into my A64 rig in sig. Booted up perfectly.

WTF? Compatibility issue? On the GearXS website it says "compatible with most DDR systems".

my step-dad's parents computer is a:

Compaq 6019WM
P4 1.6

I checked the Kingston website and used the compatibility thing and it said it was compatible with all DDR memory up to 1GB (512mb per stick).

I bought this RAM for my mom's AXP 1800+/KT333 system, 2x1GB. I havent tried it in my mom's computer yet, but I stuck these sticks into my P4 2.4/IC7-G system and these didnt boot either. I stuck them in my A64 rig and they booted perfectly fine as well. I'm not optimistic about them working in my mom's computer because if they dont work with the IC7-G, I dont think the story will be any different with the KT333.

The worst part is that GearXS has only a 7 day return policy on memory from the date of receipt. I sent in the request form tonight, but they are not open on the weekend and Monday will be the seventh day! I'm pretty sure they're gonna deny my refund request.

Is there anything I can do to get this RAM working? I might be able to try to flash the BIOS on my mom's computer to see if that does the trick if they dont work, but I'm pretty sure the Compaq doesnt have a BIOS update.

BTW- I have 2x512mb sticks of memory that boot with the compaq, so I know that it can handle 1GB of RAM.

Do you guys have any ideas?

 

[songokussm]

i have had bad, very bad issues with generic ram. so i personally only go name brand..... Normally.

However for cheap systems i have found that asus/msi boards have a very large compatibility.

One item to try is on older computers you can raise the ddr voltage on the mb it self instead of in bois. I have had some sucess bumping the ram up from 2.5 to 2.7 and lowering the cas to 3.0.

gl

 

[Matt2]

Originally posted by: songokussm
i have had bad, very bad issues with generic ram. so i personally only go name brand..... Normally.

However for cheap systems i have found that asus/msi boards have a very large compatibility.

One item to try is on older computers you can raise the ddr voltage on the mb it self instead of in bois. I have had some sucess bumping the ram up from 2.5 to 2.7 and lowering the cas to 3.0.

gl

Well, my mom's KT333 mobo is an MSI so I'll cross my fingers on that one, but the Compaq I highly doubt has any option to boost the DDR voltage, so I dont know what I'm gonna do about that. I really dont wanna have to eat the $200 this RAM cost me and have to buy more expensive RAM for these systems out of my own pocket.

 

[Gatt]

I too avoid the generic/value ram. IMO, you get what you pay for. Not taking a poke at you, it's just always been my mantra that there's a direct correlation between price and performace/quality.

Ony thing I can suggest, back off the timings in bios if you can. Might decrease the power req's enough to run.

Since it's parents computers, they're probably not playing Doom 3, so it shouldn't hurt and it'll save you cash.

 

[Matt2]

Originally posted by: Gatt
I too avoid the generic/value ram. IMO, you get what you pay for. Not taking a poke at you, it's just always been my mantra that there's a direct correlation between price and performace/quality.

Ony thing I can suggest, back off the timings in bios if you can. Might decrease the power req's enough to run.

Since it's parents computers, they're probably not playing Doom 3, so it shouldn't hurt and it'll save you cash.

I just want the memory to run.

Why will all four of these generic sticks run perfectly fine on my NF4 at SPD, but wont even boot in the two other platforms running SPD?

 

[Matt2]

None of the 4 sticks boot in my AXP 1700+/Epox 8rda+ system either.

*sigh*

As picky as this DFI motherboard is about the RAM I put in it, I cant believe these generic sticks of memory work fine with it, but not in the 3 other systems I've tried.

 

[unmerited]

Is it possible to set the ram timings (with working memory) manually before you shut down? Set them to something compatible with the motherboard and processor so that it won't use the SPD on the new memory. Sometimes manual settings are preferable to the SPD.



unmerited

 

[Ike0069]

If it won't even boot into the BIOS, then there is really nothing you can do.

I think there two lessons here:
Buy from a company that has a good return policy (Newegg, ZZF, etc.)
For cheap RAM, Corsair VS is the way too go

 

[Nick5324]

Originally posted by: Ike0069
If it won't even boot into the BIOS, then there is really nothing you can do.

I think there two lessons here:
Buy from a company that has a good return policy (Newegg, ZZF, etc.)
For cheap RAM, Corsair VS is the way too go

:thumbsup: OP, print Ike0069's response and keep it in your wallet for future reference.
I think they will do your return, Monday being the 7th day, you just made it.

 

[Blain]

If I buy memory for ANY Intel based PC, I always make sure the DIMMs are "low density".
Heck, if I buy memory for ANY PC, I make sure it's "low density". I do this as added insurance that I can swap it out in the future and not have any problems.

Bottom Line: If the vendor specifically states that it is compatible with Intel based chipsets or they specifically state that it's low density... Buy It.
If not... pass and move on to the next vendor.