Ram troubles

i started upgradeing my computer parts, and i had 2 dimms 512mb each, installed a 1gb and kept the 2nd 512mb.

here is my prob, task manager shows only 1gb of ram still, yet cpu-z AND SiSoftware Sandra shows the 1gb and the 512mb ram.

for a total of 1536mb

system properties shows 1gb too.

the timings for the 512mb are

CAS - 2.5
RAS to CAS - 4
RAS percharge - 4
tRAS 8

but the 1gb is

CAS - 3.0
RAS to CAS - 3
RAS pre - 3
tRAS 8

the 512mb is at 200mhz, the 1gb shows 133, 166 and 200... is there something i need to set? for it to show the full ammount?

mb is P4m80-M4 Biostar p4 series, can have up to 2gb installed

 

First, welcome to Major Geeks!

Second, if you don't mind, answer these questions please, and we'll try to figure out your memory issue.

* How much RAM does your BIOS show?
* Does your computer recognize the 512MB module if you install it alone? (Same with the 1GB module.)
*Do you have the 1GB module in the first or second memory slot? Whichever one it is in, switch them around and see if the amount of memory in System Properties changes.
*How many components do you have on each module? (Component = The small black things that look like little fridge magnets ) Do NOT peel off any stickers that might make counting difficult. Peeling off stickers is a bad idea, since the warranty tends to come off with them, not to mention, the components do too.

 

* How much RAM does your BIOS show?

old and cheap mb dont show that info, sadly...


* Does your computer recognize the 512MB module if you install it alone? (Same with the 1GB module.)

yes to both

*Do you have the 1GB module in the first or second memory slot? Whichever one it is in, switch them around and see if the amount of memory in System Properties changes.

comp wouldn't start unless i put the 512mb in the first slot and the 1gb in the 2nd


*How many components do you have on each module?

1gb has 8 on each side, just like the 512mb

both are pc3200 DDR SDRAM

 

Thanks for the detailed answers!

This is most likely your problem. You have a high-density 1GB part,and a low-density 512MB module. Simply put (and keep in mind that this is grossly over-simplified), with 16 chips per module, the 1GB part has twice as many bits per chip as the 512MB modules does. Now, your motherboard can use either high- or low-density parts, as evidenced by the fact that either module works by itself, but it looks like it can't handle mixing them.

BIOS updates fix density problems, however, BIOS updates are like brain surgery: Dangerous, complex, and should never be attempted except as a last resort because when things go wrong, they go really wrong.

Your first and probably easiest solution is to go back to the store that sold you the 1GB update and exchange it for a different build. If possible, try to match the low density of your 512MB part. If the store can't help you, the manufacturer may have a warranty service that you can contact, depending on the brand you purchased.

Absolutely worst case scenario, see f you can return it for a refund. If a BIOS update won't fix the situation, the 1GB will probably never work together with your 512MB.

Alternatively... Well... This is where I would suggest buying another 1GB module, if I was on the clock right now. :innocent

 

Manually set your memory speed in BIOS, the slower settings have the best chance to play nice togather ( I'd try first, the setting's in the Quote)

Best bet always to buy memory of the same exact type/speed/timings to avoid compatibility issues

 

that fixed it, shows 1.5gb now

i forced the timings to the 512mb ones, seems fine now.

thx for all that have posted here.