New RAM Problem

Just installed Windows 7 Ultimate (64) Yesterday. I have 2 ram slots, one with a 2gb stick and one with a 1gb stick. I bought another stick yesterday at 2gb to replace my 1gb.

My computer mouse started freezing, and my computer altogether then freezes after this. (Windows did detect all 4gb of ram)
I thought the ram may not be compatible even though it is the same specs.. Took out my old 2gb and put the new 2gb in with my old 1gb. (So still an old and a new 1)

My computer has seemed to stop freezing..

Any suggestions why the 2gb and 2gb together are causing problems? Any advice welcome : )

 

My guess is that the ram is bad. I would try to put in only the 2gb chip that you bought and see if it freezes or not.

If it does it could be bad ram and I would run memetest86+

 

Or not compatible with each other - this would be especially important if running in Dual-Channel memory mode. I agree to test your memory.

You can test RAM using one of the following programs. Both require you to create and boot to a bootable floppy disk or CD to run the diagnostics. Allow the diagnostics to run for several passes or even overnight. You should have no reported errors.

Windows Memory Diagnostic - see the easy to follow instructions under Quick Start Information.
or
MemTest86+ (for more advanced users) - an excellent how-to guide is available here.​

Alternatively, you could install a single RAM module and try running with that to see if it fails. Repeat process with remaining modules, hopefully identifying the bad stick through a process of elimination.

 

Just to let you know it turned out that my new stick of ram (although same specs) was incompatible with my old ones.

So my upgrade cost 40 quid more than planned as I have just bought a NEW new stick but atleast everything is working fine now : )

Thanks for your help

 

Right, looks as though I am wrong. The new 2 identical sticks of ram are now in together. And the mouse does not freeze when the second stick starts to get utilised, but my programs do and my wireless connection cuts off until I restart.

Any help greatly appreciated. All ram sticks tested and working fine

 

Some motherboards can't see more than 3G (or even less) of RAM properly.

Check your motherboard website for compatibility with your modules.

 

It is not a matter of "properly" or not - it has to do with system overhead on 32-bit systems with the graphics solution playing a big part of it - assuming there is nothing wrong with the motherboard.

My guess is a driver problem running with 64-bit version of Windows, or the RAM just does not play well together. It happens.

Are you sure the RAM is right for your system? 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
4AllMemory - Memory advisor (automatic and manual)
TigerDirect - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)​