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1GB yes, 2 x 2GB no, DDR2, is it the motherboard?

Tags:
  • DDR2
  • Compaq
  • Motherboards
  • Memory
Last response: in Memory
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August 9, 2014 1:35:26 PM

I have an old compaq that I am trouble shooting. The motherboard is an MCP61PM-HM (Iris). Documentation states that it can use both 5300 & 6400 speeds. It states that it can support up to 4GB. It works fine with a single 1GB stick of either speeds. It refuses to work with 2 x 1GB stick of any configuration. Both slots work independently. With 2 sticks: most of the time it doesn't POST or show the logo. Sometimes it shows the logo. Sometimes it posts then freezes immediately. I can sometimes press the button to access cmos settings, but they never load. The display will also be distorted (I want to say artifacting?)

I think it it must be something with the Front Side Bus or the whole north bridge, but something with the motherboard in general.

But, would trying 1 x 2 of DDR2 be worth the price? Do you think I'd get the stick and find the same or similar problems and have to replace the motherboard anyway?

Should this be posted in the motherboard section?

More about : 1gb 2gb ddr2 motherboard

a b V Motherboard
August 9, 2014 2:06:07 PM

According to the HP (who bought out Compaq) web site, that motherboard is a dual channel board with four memory slots. If you try and run two modules in the same channel (colored memory socket), they must be modules with identical timings and size - ideally manufactured from the same batch. Even when going in different channels, the slowest memory (worst timings and speed, should be in the lowest numbered bank - so that all of the memory runs at that speed and timings.

HP web site on that motherboard:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00...

You may want to purchase a pair of 2GB DDR2 800 modules (6400 speed) and use them.

For maximum compatibility, Crucial ( http://www.crucial.com/ ) guarantees compatibility of modules found on their site if you use their memory selector tool. For your purposes, you would just need the series and model number of the machine and you can look up compatible modules there.

Of course, this assumes that there is not a hardware problem with the computer.
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a b V Motherboard
August 9, 2014 3:39:47 PM

Ah, that does make it slightly more difficult. In that case you should use two matched modules if you want the computer to run correctly.
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