Static-killed RAM ?

[Ivan Novakov]

Yesterday I changed my PSU and installed another HDD in the PC. I had to remove one of the RAM sticks while installing the HDD. After I assembled everything and started my PC I got 3 beeps.
It was RAM problem. I've been getting this problem more than 20 times since I have this PC, but I've always been dealing with it by switching RAM sticks. But this time this doesn't work. Finally I removed one of the sticks and my PC started. They were 2x2GB Kingston 800. Now I'm with 2GB Kingston and 1GB Super talent (DDR2). So did I killed the ram with static electricity? I will try to run the stick in another PC.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Static electricity will indeed kill a RAM module if you don't discharge static from your body prior to handling it.

 

[GhislainG]

If you already had issues before, then there was something wrong and it may have failed completely. You should know if you got a static discharge when removing or installing the module; it's possible only if you were careful enough not to touch the case, etc. In other words, killing a memory module with a static discharge isn't that easy.

 

[kingstonhq]

Hi, I'm Jewel with Kingston Technical Support. Considering you had issues with the memory prior to removing it last than there may have been a latent issue and it just finally quit. It is best to discharge yourself prior to touching any equipment inside a computer. You can easily do so by touching the metal inside of the case. Also, be sure not to be standing on carpet and have the computer on a flat dry surface, like a wooden table, not on carpet or any other fabric surface. Please note that you may not feel static discharge unless it is a minimum of 1500-4000 Volts, depending on your sensitivity. That does sound like a lot and I didn't believe it myself either when getting ESD training but check out the information here: http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Computer_Science/static.aspor or Google it and you will find similar information. As little as 10 Volts can cause damage to a chip which may not appear at first but graudually cause a memory module to fail. Although, this type of damage is hard to pinpoint and we can work with you on a warranty replacement of the memory. As it is DDR2 memory we would need to receive it in for repair as most DDR2 memory has been discontinued and we may not have exact modules to replace them. Please call us at 1-800-435-0640 (USA and Canada only) M - F 6am - 6pm PT and I or another available Technician will assist you. Please be sure to have the part in question on hand when you call.

Thank you for selecting Kingston as your upgrade partner.

 

[Ivan Novakov]

Unfortunately I'm in Europe and I can't do anything. The RAM is 5 years old and I don't have anything about the warranty.