1 RAM stick stopped working, came in a pair, can you just purchase one?

[hoggy522]

Noob here again,
Whilst installing windows 7 64bit from windows 7 32bit I noticed once trying a game after installation that the game crashed. Then my computer only registered 4gb RAM when I had 2 4gb sticks of RAM in the system.
The RAM sticks aren't that old, maybe a year and a half, just wondered can RAM sticks suddenly stop working or is there a hardware issue behind it?

Also would I be able to purchase another 4gb RAM stick to replace the one that's stopped working or do you have to buy them in pairs?
So long as I buy the same brand?

 

[Nathan Willis]

Make sure your RAM sticks are on the same channel.
The Dimm slots should be color coded.
Also, check and see if you have Dual Channel enabled.
Pull the RAM and make sure it is seated right.
Also, clean the contacts and slot.
You can buy single sticks of RAM.
Just go on Amazon or Neweeg.
Make sure you have 64-Bit installed.

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows7/ht/windows-7-32-bit-64-bit.htm

 

[swifty_morgan]

and don't forget to pull both ram sticks. put one of those back. see if machine runs right. then pull that ram and stick it in the other slot. does it still work?,....... now do the same thing with the other stick. this will either eliminate the ram as being bad or a slot on the board.

 

[Nathan Willis]

Run MemTest to check the RAM.

http://www.memtest.org/

Go into BIOS/CMOS and see if is sees all of your RAM.
Like above swap the RAM in the slots too.

 

[hoggy522]

Thank you all for your responses.
I will try all the above when I get home from work.

 

[Nathan Willis]

Ok, Do it and tell me how it goes.

 

[swifty_morgan]

Ok, Do it and tell me how it goes.

tell "ME" or let "US" know how it goes....??? stop pandering.

 

[Tradesman1]

Will also want the latest BIOS....and contray to Nathans comment, want 1 stick in each channel not both in the same channel (that's single channel), would help to know what mobo, CPU and DRAM (model #)...if the DRAM is from a reputable manufacturer it prob has a lifetime warranty and can be RMAed if bad

 

[Nathan Willis]

Sometimes single channel will work and others dual channel.

 

[Nathan Willis]

Ok, Do it and tell me how it goes.

tell "ME" or let "US" know how it goes....??? stop pandering.

What is wrong? I just want to know if it worked or I need to get more answers.

 

[swifty_morgan]

sounds like you're pandering for best answer. kind of annoying. this forum is here for all of us to participate in and learn from and to help. "WE" all want to know.............. "the truth is out there"

 

[Nathan Willis]

Well, I'm not pandering. I just want to know if it works, so I can give more answers if it does not.
Just trying to help.

 

[Saga Lout]

Why don't we settle on "please post back with the result".

 

[Nathan Willis]

Whatever works...