Computer won't boot with DIMM in slot 4

[milo44]

I have an Hp a1440n with xp media center, ASUS (emery) P5LP-LE mother board, pentium D 820 cpu. Computer came with 1 GB PC2-4200 memory in each of blue slots 1 & 3 (total 2 GB). I installed (2) 1GB sticks PNY PC2-6400 in slots 2 & 4. This memory is supposed to be backward compatible with 667 & 533 MHz. Computer started and all cards showed up in CPU-Z and in computer properties. Everything ran fine. In order to increase speed from 533 to 667 MHz, I decided to test new memory before buying more to replace original. I removed original memory from slots 1 & 3 and replaced with new memory from slots 2 & 4. Computer would not boot. Went back to configuration that just worked and computer still would not boot. Through trial and error found that computer would boot with original memory in slots 1 & 3 and new memory in slot 2 only (both new memory sticks worked in slot 2). Will not boot with DIMM installed in slot 4. Could get into BIOS and see all 4 slots filled but could not advance in BIOS - locked up. Tried clear jumper on CMOS and reset defaults in BIOS, slot 4 still not working. Is slot 4 fried even though you can see it in BIOS when it is filled?
Thanks for any assistance.

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

Generally I don't recommend mix-matching RAM; it's best to find RAM with the same exact: Frequency, CAS Timings, Voltage and on older systems Type (IC's aka brand) and Densities.

That said, look at CPU-z and the 'SPD' tab then note the CAS Timings and Voltages. The problem with OEM (PC's and Notebooks or etc) is the BIOS locks-out Frequency, CAS Timings and Voltage settings. However, if your BIOS offers: DRAM/Memory Frequency, CAS Timing settings, and DRAM Voltage it might work using the 'LCD' method; worst of each set.

The BIOS reads the JEDEC 'SPD' information on the first DIMM of each Channel and sets it accordingly. Furhter, assuming DIMM slots 1 + 3 are the first then the BIOS had nothing to read -- you experienced the aftermath and often this requires a Clear CMOS procedure to correct.

If you post the JEDEC info on JUST THE RAM ie not all the 'stuff' (see the About tab for saving) I'll look at it. Before even seeing it IMO RMA the RAM for PC2-4200 with the SAME CAS and Voltage.

 

[kyhillbilly2184]

had similar same problem, had a dimm go bad, put a new 1 in mouse, monitor, or keyboard wouldnt work but pc would come on

 

[milo44]

Best answer selected by milo44.

 

[milo44]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

Generally I don't recommend mix-matching RAM; it's best to find RAM with the same exact: Frequency, CAS Timings, Voltage and on older systems Type (IC's aka brand) and Densities.

That said, look at CPU-z and the 'SPD' tab then note the CAS Timings and Voltages. The problem with OEM (PC's and Notebooks or etc) is the BIOS locks-out Frequency, CAS Timings and Voltage settings. However, if your BIOS offers: DRAM/Memory Frequency, CAS Timing settings, and DRAM Voltage it might work using the 'LCD' method; worst of each set.

The BIOS reads the JEDEC 'SPD' information on the first DIMM of each Channel and sets it accordingly. Furhter, assuming DIMM slots 1 + 3 are the first then the BIOS had nothing to read -- you experienced the aftermath and often this requires a Clear CMOS procedure to correct.

If you post the JEDEC info on JUST THE RAM ie not all the 'stuff' (see the About tab for saving) I'll look at it. Before even seeing it IMO RMA the RAM for PC2-4200 with the SAME CAS and Voltage.

Ordered matched memory from Crucial, installed and everything works fine. Thanks for your help.

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr.