RAM Problem I think

Hello,

Recently, I have been using all 4 RAM slots, and I wanted to see if I could use two to get Dual Channel benefits.

When I pulled them out I found they aren't the same brand, so anyway, I wanted to put them back in.

But now, everything's VERY slow, it uses 100% CPU to start up, and 500MB RAM as well. But it takes (to load windows), about 8 minutes. Then when in windows it takes about 10 minutes more to load.

Usually, it's only 2 minutes in total.

Sorry I can't give a good description, I'm just very confused.

PLEASE HELP!

 

remove all but 1 stick, boot, then replace the stick with another and repeat for all sticks until you find the bad one. Or, maybe just remove one, leave 3, boot, then try again removing a different stick each time.

 

Haha, thanks for the advice Tim!

Anyway.... I already went through the sticks.

I have a Hynix, Acer, PQI and Kingmax stick.

The computer beeps and sometimes shows some error message on the PQI one.

The computer is still unbareably slow when I put in the others.....

Btw, I left the computer on for 6 hours (so it could open up XP fully), and the CPU was still at 100% utilisation even though it wasn't being used.

 

4 different brands? I've heard that mixing RAM sticks in a PC is like mixing drinks in a human.
When the PC is loading and uses 100% CPU check the task manager and see the process that is consuming so much cycles. Maybe it is not still loading...

 

try this; start->run->msconfig->general->diagnostic startup

it will load only the basic drivers and services to allow you to troubleshoot. If this makes it run smoother then we know its services or background programs that are killing ya. maybe time for a trip to the malware forum...

 

yes, what process is the problem? (ctrl+shift+esc, sort by CPU)
I also suggest the diagnostic startup or safe mode and see if the same things happens. This isn't widely known, but Microsoft has released a software memory diagnostic tool. I used it myself when I had a bad stick (thanks, now I'm not the only one). http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp
check it out if you can and good job removing the PQI. You may also try simply rearranging the three you have into a different slot configuration.

 

another test for your ram: http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4226

 

I doubt it's the background services, because I'm fairly good at protecting against spyware.

However, I'm going to try and get this diagnostic thing done.

 

Okay, I started in diagnostic mode.... it was still extremely slow, but once it got into XP, it was SLIGHTLY faster.

But still damn slow.

 

I agree with this dude. get the same brand! i go with corsair

 

I'm not going out to buy new RAM.

1) I don't have the money.

2) I'd just go get a whole new pc.

 

Anyone?

 

It checks... so reformatt?

 

I reformatted, and it's still very slow...

 

Hey I fixed the problem! Thanks for your good luck.

But I still have a problem, my 3rd and 4th RAM Slots don't work. When I put anything in them, and boot it says I have a Memory Read/Write Error.

 

Okay, I have a Dell Dimension 4600. I'm not sure if it'd be RAM/Mobo incompatibility, because it's always worked.

*opens Everest*

No info:

Field Value
Motherboard ID <DMI>
Motherboard Name Dell Dimension 4600

 

nevermind

 

Hi,
I have come accross a problem where explorer.exe is running the CPU at 100%use.
I think it's a new trojan disguised as explorer.
I have made some inquiries but have not heard back yet.
Check in malware thread.
I hope this helps before you have to reformat.
Chris.

 

Wow,
while I typed in an answer a lot of replies came in.
This site is awsome!!
Chris.