Doesn't POST with RAM Upgrade

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MiAmasSienco

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Jul 15, 2014
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So, I just replaced a PSU in a computer for my friend's kids. While I was at it, I also decided to upgrade the CPU and RAM with some old spare parts that I had. The CPU upgrade worked, but the computer will not POST with the "new" RAM. I tried 3 different sticks DDR3-1333 2GB 1.5v Non-ECC RAM in both RAM slots and the thing just will not POST. In fact, it gives me an error beep, which according to Compaq's site, is due to a bad memory configuration. Anyway, the RAM I'm trying to add has all the same specs as the old RAM (size, speed, type, voltage, & non-ecc) except for different latency speeds. The old RAM was CAS 9 while the new RAM is CAS 7. So, I guess the first thing I want to know is why doesn't the new RAM work (is it due to different latency speeds, possible Mobo damage from the bad PSU, proprietary engineering, or what?). Second, what do I need to look for (besides the specs I've already considered) should we decide to purchase another stick online in order to bump up the RAM to 4GB. I did already go to Compaq's site and download the Parts and Service Map. Unfortunately, even though it lists umpteen different compatible processors, it only lists two sticks of RAM. The one that is in there now and a 1GB version. I found the 2GB stick on Amazon, but it seems kind of silly to have to pay 45 bucks for one 2GB DDR3-1333 CAS 9 stick of RAM. Oh, and the computer is a Compaq 505B Microtower PC (P/N: nv519ut#aba) and the mobo is a M2N68-LE. Thanks.
 
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clarkjd

clarkjd

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Dec 7, 2005
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When you say the CPU upgrade worked, do you mean that the new CPU posts and runs with the old RAM? Usually, upgrading the CPU requires a BIOS update to the motherboard to support the new CPU.

A COMPLETE hardware list would help us help you diagnose the issue.
 
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MiAmasSienco

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Jul 15, 2014
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Oh sorry, here's a hardware list.
Mobo (Correction)- M2N68-LA
CPU (Old/Working)- Athlon II X2 245
CPU (New/Working- Athlon II X3 445
RAM (Old/Working)- Samsung 2GB DDR3-1333 1.5v CAS 9 - M378B5673EH1-CH9
RAM (New/Not Working)- GSkill 2GB DDR3-1333 1.5v CAS7 - F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH
PSU (Just Replaced)- Antec Earthwats 380w - EA-380D

I didn't have to do a BIOS update in order to get the new CPU to work.
 
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clarkjd

clarkjd

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The ASUS website for that motherboard does not show specifically, that it supports the new CPU. It only lists the A II X3 415 and AII X3 450, nor does it have a BIOS version that does support the 445. It is possible that that is the reason that the new RAM does not work.:heink::??:

 
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MiAmasSienco

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Jul 15, 2014
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Well, the Parts and Service Map from Compaq actually lists the CPU, so I wonder what's up with the discrepancy. Regardless, I have nothing else to go on, so I'll go ahead and try the new RAM with the old CPU in order to see what happens. I'm kind of busy today, but I'll try to test it out and report back tonight. If I don't, however, I'll definitely have an update tomorrow.
 
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MiAmasSienco

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Jul 15, 2014
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I tried the new RAM with the old CPU and it still didn't work. I've also been trying to scrounge up some other RAM to try out, but have been unsuccessful at finding RAM of the right specs. I may also try a BIOS update tonight as well. I've never heard of a BIOS update impacting supported RAM, but I figure it wouldn't hurt anything to try. Sweet, I just found out about a stick of DDR3-1333 in an HP all-in-one. Getting at it might be an adventure, but I'm looking forward to giving it a shot. I'll be working until at least noon; hopefully I'll be able to try it out and report back this afternoon.
 
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MiAmasSienco

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Jul 15, 2014
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Sorry it took so long to post. I got slammed with work, and had to put this project aside. Anyway, the all-in-one actually had laptop memory in it, so I was foiled again. Thus, I've decided just to go with 2 gigs of RAM. That should be enough for now, as the kids are supposed to be using it for schoolwork (i.e. word processing & web browsing). One day they may need more than 2 gigs of RAM, but I'll suppose I'll deal with it then. And, of course, if anyone could tell me why I had this problem, I would still like to know.
 
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norsestar

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Apr 8, 2014
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Without all the part numbers and details of the BIOS I can't be sure, but I'd suspect the BIOS is expecting a a particular arrangement of the memory on the DIMM: some specific number of RAM chips, each with a specific number of banks, rows, and columns. If the memory doesn't match what's expected, it will end up failing the memory test and the machine will fail to boot.

Crucial offers memory they guarantee will work with a particular machine.
 
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clarkjd

clarkjd

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As does Kingston and Corsair.:D

 
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