Question RAM upgrade causes black screen, but dmidecode command indicates RAM upgrade is possible ?

[Manuel Jordan]

Hello Friends

I did a RAM upgrade on 3 laptops , 2 of them have Linux (Ubuntu and Peppermint) and was executed the dmidecode command, for a HP according to its official specs the max capacity is 8GB but the dmidecode command indicated 16GB, so with that information I upgraded it to 16GB

Now for an old Acer Aspire One:

• KAV60 LO3 (according with the slot for the RAM)

The same dmidecode command indicates the following:

sudo dmidecode -t memory
# dmidecode 3.3
Getting SMBIOS data from sysfs.
SMBIOS 2.4 present.

Handle 0x0004, DMI type 5, 20 bytes
Memory Controller Information
Error Detecting Method: None
Error Correcting Capabilities:
None
Supported Interleave: One-way Interleave
Current Interleave: One-way Interleave
Maximum Memory Module Size: 2048 MB
Maximum Total Memory Size: 4096 MB
Supported Speeds:
Other
Supported Memory Types:
Other
Memory Module Voltage: Unknown
Associated Memory Slots: 2
0x0000
0x0000
Enabled Error Correcting Capabilities:
None

Handle 0x0016, DMI type 16, 15 bytes
Physical Memory Array
Location: System Board Or Motherboard
Use: System Memory
Error Correction Type: None
Maximum Capacity: 4 GB
Error Information Handle: Not Provided
Number Of Devices: 1

Handle 0x0017, DMI type 6, 12 bytes
Memory Module Information
Socket Designation: J2
Bank Connections: 0 0
Current Speed: 1 ns
Type: DIMM
Installed Size: 2048 MB (Single-bank Connection)
Enabled Size: 2048 MB (Single-bank Connection)
Error Status: OK

Handle 0x0018, DMI type 17, 27 bytes
Memory Device
Array Handle: 0x0016
Error Information Handle: Not Provided
Total Width: 64 bits
Data Width: 64 bits
Size: 2 GB
Form Factor: DIMM
Set: None
Locator: J2
Bank Locator: CHAN A DIMM 0
Type: DDR2
Type Detail: Synchronous
Speed: 533 MT/s
Manufacturer: 0x0000000000000000
Serial Number: 0x00000000
Asset Tag: Unknown
Part Number: 0x000000000000000000000000000000000000

Well I bought this RAM

* A-Tech 4GB DDR2 800MHz SODIMM PC2-6400 1.8V CL6 200-Pin Non-ECC Unbuffered Laptop RAM Memory Upgrade Module

But sadly when the laptop is started it remains with the black screen.

The removed stick is:

#
# Box
#
Golden Memory
GM800D2S6/2G
2GB PC2-6400 CL6 200-Pin SODIMM

#
# Sticker in the RAM itself
#
GM800D2S6/2G
DDR2 200 PIN SODIMM 1.8V

What would be possible to do to get working this 4GB in peace?

 

[Lutfij]

for a HP according to its official specs the max capacity is 8GB
This is where you follow the support page/manual for the laptop to avoid compatibility issues.

To also add, A-tech are a generic brand of ram, they can and will exhibit issue whereby compatibility might be flaky across some laptops while they work without a hitch on other laptops/systems.

I would advise on picking up a ram kit from Elpida, Kingston, Corsair, G.Skill or Crucial. You won't run into issue with those brands.

 

[Manuel Jordan]

for a HP according to its official specs the max capacity is 8GB
This is where you follow the support page/manual for the laptop to avoid compatibility issues.

To also add, A-tech are a generic brand of ram, they can and will exhibit issue whereby compatibility might be flaky across some laptops while they work without a hitch on other laptops/systems.

I would advise on picking up a ram kit from Elpida, Kingston, Corsair, G.Skill or Crucial. You won't run into issue with those brands.

Thanks the suggestion, but sadly they do not make DDR2 anymore. I did do a research on Amazon and newegg and appears others manufactures as A-tech but with practically zero customer reviews, that's why I selected A-tech. Sadly now I have this situation.