RAM install gone bad

You'd think RAM would be simpler...


so ok, I bought a 1gig stick of PC3200 400Mhz DDR, good deal too, and just got it today. I plugged it in, turned on the computer, it loads up, yay. the system properties say 1.25 gigs total, which it SHOULD be. however when I started the computer up, when it flashes all the hardware checks on screen, it only sees 256 MB. my 256 stick is PC2700 though, not sure of the mhz.


so I tried to plug in JUST the 1 gig stick, computer won't start. with just the 256, it does. tried them both together again, and it comes up with this ESCD (or something like that) successful, checking DMI pool....... and then sits there. for like, a half hour so I tried again, same thing, so now I only have my 256 in.

the question, is A) is there a way to see if my motherboard can only handle PC2700 and a lower Mhz on RAM? B) even if there were, wouldnt the 1 gig stick just run at the 2700 and lower mhz speed? and finally C) any ideas on how to make it work?

 

if its any help, the mother board is an MSI MS 6734


which when I looked it up, says it only supports PC 2100 memory....but it CAME with 2700....

 

boot with the ram that works and update your bios and drivers through msi live update, also be sure you put the sticks 512x2 in slot dimm 1/2 and not 3/4 as it can cause boot problems.

 

Also forgot to mention, if you ever get the 1gb working, and you insert that 256mb in there too your ram is gonna run at PC2700 and not PC3200. Also believe that it will run as single channel because there are 3 sticks in there.

 

actually I found some stuff about the RAM and mobo, they aren't compatible. /shoots self for not doing earlier homework/ so now I'm mobo shopping.