Computer will only see 256mb of RAM

[TeaDoggy]

Hello all,

A few days ago I thought it would be a good idea to put some more RAM in my computer, since certain programs were getting a bit slow. To see if the lack of RAM (I had 512mb, which all of a sudden wasn't enough anymore for, say, World of Warcraft to run smoothly) was indeed the problem, I borrowed 2 modules of 256mb each from a friend and installed them. Only 256mb was recognized. So now I had 1 module of 512mb pc3200 RAM and 2 modules of 256mb pc3200 RAM in my computer, of which only 256mb got recognized. However, when I changed them around a bit, suddenly the full 1024mb showed up. Problem solved you say? No...
Next start-up, again only 256mb shows up. After I removed the modules and put them back again in exactly the same way the 1024mb shows up again. A few start-ups later, again only 256mb and this time removing and re-inserting them doesn't work.
Now even when I put just the one 512mb module in it still only shows up as 256mb. Or when I put in 2 modules of 256mb, or 1 of 512mb and 1 of 256mb, still only 256mb show up.
So I put all 3 modules in again, downloaded CPU-Z, and guess what? It says 1024mb of RAM installed, while Windows keeps saying 256mb.
I have been searching every forum, and can't seem to find any solutions.
Could you help me please?

Thanks in advance,

Joris

PS> I am new here, so hello everyone, hopefully I can be of some help to people, and you to me of course.

 

[penguinusaf]

first off what windows are you using, and second my advice is getting another stick of 512Mb may fix your problem which both will be running on dual channel.

 

[Pain]

Computer specs will be helpful.

Check your motherboard manual for memory installation instructions and memory configuration information.

What is probably happening is that the machine doesn't official support some configuration of memory sticks you are attempting to use. A bios update may help, but it may not.

 

[TeaDoggy]

Hey, thx for the replies.

penguinusaf, I am using windows xp with service pack 2 installed.
Also, if my computer, even with just the one 512 mb stick inserted, still gives only 256 mb, why should 2 512's be any different? At the moment I can only get a reading of 256mb ram...

Pain, my comuter specs are:
MB: Asus A7N8X-X
CPU: AMD ATHLON XP 2600+
RAM before: 1 Corsair 512mb pc3200
RAM now: 1 Corsair 512mb pc 3200
1 Apacer 256mb pc3200
1 TwinMOS 256mb pc3200

Maybe it's because of all the different companies, but then it strange that they first did work two times, and now don't. Why have they stopped working, and why doesn't my original setup (with just the one 512 stick) work anymore? I have checked all the BIOS settings, seems nothing has changed...
I don't have the money to go and try buying another 512 stick and see if it works... except if I can return it if it doesn't work, which I'm not sure my computer shop does...

thanks again for any help...

Joris