Memory Slot Issue

I have a gateway notebook computer (DS 450 X) and its original memory config was a single memory module of 256MB. When I installed 2 512MB, DDR PC-2100 memory modules, the machine would not boot up. Upon further analysis, I discoverd that only one memory module could be used and it did not matter which slot was used (or not used). The maximum memory for this machine is 1GB.

Is this a hardware issue or do I need to flash the bios?

 

It does boot with one of the 512 modules.

 

They are identical and were not ordered as a pair. They were ordered with a qty of 2.

Yes...I tried to reseat them.

I will run that program and post the results later today.

Thanks for your assistance so far.

 

Does it work with 1 x 512 and 1 x 256 installed?

How did you determine that? I don't see on Gateway, any mention of a DS 450 X. But I did find several motherboard software updates. Since the BIOS is all about establishing communications between the various "hardware" components on the motherboard, this could very easily be a BIOS issue.

That said, I do agree with Digitallocksmith that you need to verify your new RAM is compatible with THAT notebook - always a problem (and often a big hassle) when dealing with notebooks - they are very proprietary. You need to verify the model number of your notebook, then check the Gateway site.

These popular RAM makers have auto-scanning and/or manual entry RAM wizards to help you determine which RAM is compatible with your motherboard. For manual entry, enter/select the PC or motherboard make and model number and the wizard will list compatible RAM.

Crucial - Memory Advisor
Corsair - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
GeIL - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
Kingston - Memory Search (manual data entry only)
Mushkin - Advisor
OCZ - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
Patriot - Memory Search (manual data entry only)
PNY - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
SuperTalent - Memory Finder (manual data entry only)​

The following retailers have auto-scanners and manual wizards. They sell brand name and/or "house" brand (re-branded) RAM.

Newegg - Memory Configurator System Tool
MemoryStock - Upgrade Configurator
18004Memory - Configurator​

 

This laptop probably only provides hardware support at 512MB max per slot, since it is 1GB max. And I have seen the latest BIOS solve such issues on occasion.

I agree with Digerati, do some more research, because there are times when laptop memory can be manufacturer specific.

Have you switched the modules to confirm that both work individually? 50/50 shot here...

 

He said,

But, Mont, does it boot with just the other 512 module?

That should not matter. You only need matched modules when you want to take advantage of dual (or now triple) channel memory. But your motherboard must support that first, and I doubt yours, being a few years old, supports dual-channel. So ordering two of one model number is fine in your case.

 

Thanks for all of the insite. In short I have tried all of the suggestions and parings listed. Both of the new 512 modules do work (but only one at a time). Even comboed the original 256 with one of the 512s.

I used the autodetector from memory giant and it was not able to resolve the configuration. So I used the serial number of the NB at the gateway site to get the make and model. Got the memory from memory to go in CA since it was memory intended for this unit.

I am going to get that notebook today and see if there is something else I am forgetting.

 

But what happens when you do this? Does the computer see 768? Or only 512?