2gb of RAM only reading as 512mb

EVGA nForce 4 SLI x16 Mainboard
Part Number: 123-K8-NF47-AX
2 x 512mb Kingston DDR400
2 x 512mb Ampo DDR400

I have 4 sticks of 512mb of RAM each, for a total of 2GB. If I try to install anything more than a GB my windows xp (w/sp2) only reads 512mb. Each individual stick has been tested to work either alone or in dual channel 1GB. 1.5GB and 2GB configurations of any sort will only read as 512mb. Everest detects all 4 sticks installed properly but windows (and cacheman) only detects 512mb. Im at a loss for how to get it work.

 

Since Everest sees all four modules, it is not a problem with the motherboard, but rather incompatibility between the memory itself (Buffered, ECC/non-ECC). Look up both types of memory Kingston and Ampo by part number on respective manufacturer site and compare both in detail.

 

the two different types will work together in just a single dual channel set up, slots 1 & 3. One can be an Ampo and the other a Kingston. The problem is when i try to combine more than two then they stop working, and windows and the BIOS will only find one stick , although all four are found to be installed via Everest.

 

Maybe go to www.crucial.com for a free on-line scan of your PC.

Crucial will report on what RAM is best for your PC, what you have installed, and suggest alternatives.

Maybe run it 4 times with each stick in slot 1 only, then twice using Slots 1 & 3, then maybe once with all 4 slots filled.

Don't know what this may prove, but it may point you towards a solution. Bazza

 

I tried running all four sticks singularily and they worked fine and also did the set up multiple times in 1 &3, mixing and matching RAM types(kingston and *correction* infineon --both at same timings and latancies). Still no good with either all four installed or just three.

 

Still suggest giving Crucial.com a try.

It might point out something different with the 4 sticks.
Other than that, it looks like a new mobo is awaiting. Bazza

===

 

The Crucial check finds all 4 sticks @ 2048mb total. They recommend Corsairs... I dont have money for that, I just want the RAM I already bought and paired to work Thanks for the suggestion though, at least I know all the RAM works.

 

Someone else please jump in with more suggestions.
I cannot understand why crucial.com finds 4 sticks, but other programs don't.
Bazza

===

 

I'm still confused why Crucial would reccomend a competing company. (Corsair).

Can we get a screenshot of the Everest readings, and the ram readings in your system properties?

 

Incompatible RAM. Make sure that all RAM is Memory
http://www.evga.com/images/common/blt_subnav.gif4 x 184-pin DIMM sockets
http://www.evga.com/images/common/blt_subnav.gifDual Channel DDR
http://www.evga.com/images/common/blt_subnav.gifMaximum of 4GB of DDR266/DDR333/DDR400 SDRAM

http://www.evga.com/products/moreinfo.asp?pn=123-K8-NF47-AX&family=20

 

Perhaps it's a chip density issue. Are the sticks you have single-sided or double-sided, and does your mobo manual make any reference to such matters?

 

Also check that you have the latest mobo bios, old bios can lead to reporting errors (although sounds like a new board - shouldnt be a problem)
sounds like the ram could be working, its just not being recognised/reported by your bios properly.

I use pc wizard 2006
http://www.cpuid.com/pcwizard.php
to get stats/benchmark and it appears to report correctly, not just what the bios says.

Id imagine other users would know of possibly more suitable software

 

If the bios doesn't report it correctly, neither will any software application.

I'm not showing the poster even checked the BIOS reporting.

Something to look at, for sure.

 

My Asus A8N-E automatically resets the memory clock so that DDR400 is clocked as DDR333 IF ALL 4 MEMORY SLOTS ARE FILLED. This is allegedly to ensure stability. If your Mobo does not do this, it may be worth trying maually underclocking your RAM

 

Update:

A)I got a hold of 4 identical sticks of the Kingston RAM. Installing all four either does not boot the computer or still only shows as 512 in the BIOS.

B)If i put anything, any kind of RAM at all in slot 2, it will only post every once in a while. Ive determined the slot itself to be faulty, as if i shift the RAM a certain way it will POST, and then thereafter till it moves. As it attempts to POST it locks at error code 49 and the EVGA logo freezes on the screen. When it does post the BIOS will read the RAM correctlyat 1.5gb.

C)Ive come to the conclusion that slot 2 is broken, and if i fill out all four slots it wont read correctly, even if it POSTs

D)Im just gonna buy 2 one gigabyte sticks since only slots 1 and 3 work.

 

Bad Mem slot, RMA

Your Better off with running two sticks of memory, when 4 sticks are used it makes the CPU work much harder, The Memory controller is on the CPU chip.
Some MOBO's even with 4 good mem slots have trouble running 4 sticks because of the extra stress on the controller

2 x 1GB sticks, Less parts less trouble!

If you plan on OCing get PC4000

 

if the boards rated for pc3200 can i use pc4000?