Trouble installing more ram

[varivar]

Hello,

Currently I am trying to add more RAM to my computer. My computer currently has 3gb ddr2 RAM. I want to add 1gb to this. My operating system is 64bit, so this should not be a problem.


However, when I add the 1gb to my system, my system become's very unstable. The graphics card and the integrated network card stop working properly and the sound doesn't work anymore. When I remove the 1gb everything works fine again.


I suspect that these problems are caused by an insuffisent power supply. My current power supply has only 250Watt. Can this be true? Can 1gb RAM make such a difference in power usage? This power supply was installed when I bought the computer.


System Specs:
Acer Aspire m3100
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core processor 5000+
graphics: Nvidia Geforce 8500gt with 1gb memory (wasn't originally in my system, original card card was an integrated Ati Radeon x1200)
RAM: currently 3gb ddr2 (originally: 2gb)


Thanks,
Ivar

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

In the BIOS look for Mapping {Remapping} -> Enabled ; this is needed for 64-bit OS.

Specs - > http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/desktop/0000/acer/aspirem3100/aspirem3100sp2.shtml

Also, if the RAM being added isn't the same Frequency, CAS Timings or Voltage this too could be a problem.

Try removing the old RAM and only boot with the new RAM to make certain the RAM is good. Then use CPU-z and look the the 'SPD' tab for the CAS and Voltage per the Frequency running in the 'Memory' tab. Replace only the old RAM and compare again. Post your findings.

 

[slcmike]

If in fact you do only have a 250W psu its time to upgrade, looks like you're already over your consumption limit. What are the RAM specs? Give us the model number of each stick if all are not the same.

 

[varivar]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

In the BIOS look for Mapping {Remapping} -> Enabled ; this is needed for 64-bit OS.

Specs - > http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/desktop/0000/acer/aspirem3100/aspirem3100sp2.shtml

Also, if the RAM being added isn't the same Frequency, CAS Timings or Voltage this too could be a problem.

Try removing the old RAM and only boot with the new RAM to make certain the RAM is good. Then use CPU-z and look the the 'SPD' tab for the CAS and Voltage per the Frequency running in the 'Memory' tab. Replace only the old RAM and compare again. Post your findings.

Thanks for you help. I can't find the memory Mapping option you're talking about. I can only find an option called "Memory Hole", which is currently enabled.


Here is a list of all RAM sticks. I exported the list from SIW:

Memory SummaryReported by BIOS
Maximum Capacity 8192 MBytes
Maximum Memory Module Size 2048 MBytes
Memory Slots 4
Error Correction None
DRAM Frequency 259.4 MHz
Memory Timings 4-4-4-12 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

Device Locator Slot 1
Manufacturer Dane-Elec
Part Number D2D533-064284T
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR2 (PC2-4300)
Speed 266 MHz (DDR2 533)
Supported Frequencies 200.0 MHz, 266.7 MHz, 266.7 MHz
Memory Timings 3-3-3-9-12 at 200.0 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 4-4-4-12-16 at 266.7 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 5-4-4-12-16 at 266.7 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
Manufacturing Date 2009, Week 48
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No

Device Locator Slot 2
Manufacturer Hyundai Electronics
Capacity 2048 MBytes
Memory Type DDR2 (PC2-5300)
Speed 333 MHz (DDR2 667)
Supported Frequencies 200.0 MHz, 266.7 MHz, 333.3 MHz
Memory Timings 3-3-3-9-12 at 200.0 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 4-4-4-12-16 at 266.7 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 5-5-5-15-20 at 333.3 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No

Device Locator Slot 3
Manufacturer Nanya Technology
Part Number NT1GT64U8HB0BY-3C
Serial Number CAD92AD5
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR2 (PC2-5300)
Speed 333 MHz (DDR2 667)
Supported Frequencies 200.0 MHz, 266.7 MHz, 333.3 MHz
Memory Timings 3-3-3-9-12 at 200.0 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 4-4-4-12-16 at 266.7 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 5-5-5-15-20 at 333.3 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
Manufacturing Date 2007, Week 12
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No

Device Locator Slot 4
Manufacturer Nanya Technology
Part Number NT1GT64U8HB0BY-3C
Serial Number 8FD92AD1
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR2 (PC2-5300)
Speed 333 MHz (DDR2 667)
Supported Frequencies 200.0 MHz, 266.7 MHz, 333.3 MHz
Memory Timings 3-3-3-9-12 at 200.0 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 4-4-4-12-16 at 266.7 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 5-5-5-15-20 at 333.3 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
Manufacturing Date 2007, Week 12
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No

So I have 4 RAM sticks in total, 3 with 1gb RAM and 1 with 2gb RAM.

The computer starts fine with only the newly bought RAM stick installed (the one with 2gb)

If I insert 3gb RAM, everything is still fine. It doesn't matter which sticks I use, so 1+1+1 gives the same result as 2+1.

If insert 4 or 5gb RAM, the computer still starts and Windows detects all 5gb RAM and is able to use it. However, the graphics card, network card and other hardware stops functioning.


Since there's probably nothing wrong with my RAM, I guess I should buy a stronger power suply. Would 350-400Watt be enough or should I buy something stronger?


Btw, I will run Memtest86 tomorrow morning to be totally sure if all RAM is good.

 

[slcmike]

yes...400W would be sufficient, doesnt leave much for the future but it will work. 500w psu's are pretty standard now so maybe consider it.

Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W Continuous Power ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371029

OCZ ModXStream Pro 500W Modular High Performance Power Supply compatible with Intel Sandybridge Core i3 i5 i7 and AMD Phenom
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016

Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

Not suggesting this is all there is, but it will give you a good idea of what you should look for. Quality is EVERYTHING in a psu which means you pay more for a better built psu. So dont go cheap but dont break the bank on it either. Look for Bronze, Silver or Gold efficiency rating as well.

 

[varivar]

Thank, I will have a look at those power supplies and see what I need.

I did a quick test with CPU-Z:

Only the new RAM installed:
SPD-tab:
Frequency: 200 266 266mhz
Latency: 3.0 4.0 5.0

Voltage: 1.8V

With only the old RAM installed I get the same results.

 

[jaquith]

Yes, Memory (Hole) Remapping -> Enabled for 64-bit is required.

I did note, and all are 1.80v:
1GB / (PC2-4300) / 5-4-4-12-16 / 4-4-4-12-16
2GB / (PC2-5300) / 4-4-4-12-16
1GB / (PC2-5300) / 4-4-4-12-16
1GB / (PC2-5300) / 4-4-4-12-16

So 533 MHz is the fastest you can go and the CAS is 4-4-4-12.

---

Here's the problem, particularly in older MOBO's - The Channels should be EQUAL in SIZE. The BIOS can easily turn-off 1 or 2 DIMM slots.

You seem to have:

CPU: | 1GB | 2GB | 1GB | 1GB |

So Chanel A = 3GB and Channel B = 2GB, not to mention the Frequency mixing, etc. This is the problem.

 

[varivar]

Thanks for your help. I did a test with some memory from my brother's comp. His computer has the same RAM as mine, namely:
1GB / (PC2-5300) / 4-4-4-12-16
1GB / (PC2-5300) / 4-4-4-12-16


So I combined these two with the two 1gb PC2-5300 sticks in my computer. This way I have 4 identical sticks. However, I am still experiencing problems with my graphics card and network card not working well. If I remove one stick (back to 3gb), my computer works fine again.


It doesn't seem to matter in which slots I put the RAM sticks. Slot 1 and 2 are colored blue, slot 3 and 4 are colored yellow. Do these colors represent the different channels?

 

[jaquith]

Besides the '2GB' stick issue you ALSO have (PC2-4300) and (PC2-5300) aka Mix-Matching Frequency.

EDIT: You can try manually setting: 1. DRAM Frequency -> 667MHz, 2. CAS Timings 5-5-5-15-20 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC), and 3. DRAM Voltage -> 1.80v in the BIOS. Then Test again.

Ideally, you want the SAME: Frequency, CAS Timings, Voltage, Type (SS/DS), Density per Channel, and IMO, I never, Mix-Match Brands either.

You need an Identical Matched Set of your:
Manufacturer Nanya Technology
Part Number NT1GT64U8HB0BY-3C
Serial Number 8FD92AD1
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR2 (PC2-5300)
Memory Timings 5-5-5-15-20 at 333.3 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)

 

[varivar]

Here's a list of the current installed RAM sticks:

Memory Summary Reported by BIOS
Maximum Capacity 8192 MBytes
Maximum Memory Module Size 2048 MBytes
Memory Slots 4
Error Correction None
DRAM Frequency 199.5 MHz
Memory Timings 5-5-5-15 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)


Device Locator Slot 1
Manufacturer Nanya Technology
Part Number NT1GT64U8HB0BY-3C
Serial Number CAD92AD5
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR2 (PC2-5300)
Speed 333 MHz (DDR2 667)
Supported Frequencies 200.0 MHz, 266.7 MHz, 333.3 MHz
Memory Timings 3-3-3-9-12 at 200.0 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 4-4-4-12-16 at 266.7 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 5-5-5-15-20 at 333.3 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
Manufacturing Date 2007, Week 12
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No


Device Locator Slot 2
Manufacturer Nanya Technology
Part Number NT1GT64U8HB0BY-3C
Serial Number 8FD92AD1
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR2 (PC2-5300)
Speed 333 MHz (DDR2 667)
Supported Frequencies 200.0 MHz, 266.7 MHz, 333.3 MHz
Memory Timings 3-3-3-9-12 at 200.0 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 4-4-4-12-16 at 266.7 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 5-5-5-15-20 at 333.3 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
Manufacturing Date 2007, Week 12
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No


Device Locator Slot 3
Manufacturer Hyundai Electronics
Part Number HYMP512U64CP8-Y5
Serial Number 04004020
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR2 (PC2-5300)
Speed 333 MHz (DDR2 667)
Supported Frequencies 200.0 MHz, 266.7 MHz, 333.3 MHz
Memory Timings 3-3-3-9-12 at 200.0 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 4-4-4-12-16 at 266.7 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 5-5-5-15-20 at 333.3 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
Manufacturing Date 2007, Week 26
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No


Device Locator Slot 4
Manufacturer Hyundai Electronics
Part Number HYMP512U64CP8-Y5
Serial Number 04008155
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR2 (PC2-5300)
Speed 333 MHz (DDR2 667)
Supported Frequencies 200.0 MHz, 266.7 MHz, 333.3 MHz
Memory Timings 3-3-3-9-12 at 200.0 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 4-4-4-12-16 at 266.7 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 5-5-5-15-20 at 333.3 MHz, at 1.8 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
Manufacturing Date 2007, Week 26
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No

All four sticks look exactly the same, the only difference are the brand names. When I randomly remove one of the sticks my computer runs fine, but with all four it doesn't.


My brother has the exact same computer as me (also an Acer m3100), so I will try installing 4gb or 5gb in his computer and see if that works.


Btw, I can't find the memory options you're talking about in my bios. I have Phoenix AwardBios

 

[jaquith]

If the 'Hyundai' set and the 'Nanya' are installed in the same color per paired DIMM slot. And the DRAM/Memory Frequency is manually set and ditto with the CAS 5-5-5-15-20 ... then it 'should' work.
Example:
'Hyundai' = Yellow DIMMS
'Nanya' = Blue DIMMS

IF it does not work, test the RAM with Memtest once properly installed. IF it passes Memtest and the RAM shows-up in Memtest then it's not the RAM.

IF your BIOS lacks Memory settings then I don't know what to tell you other than it's up to the MOBO.

You can 'try' a Clear CMOS ; see options -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdHH9KrceR0

After the Clear CMOS, remember -> Memory (Hole) Remapping -> Enabled for 64-bit is required.

 

[blueribb]

I'm sorry to bump this old thread but I am having the identical problem as the original poster. I installed Win 7 Pro 64-bits on an Asprire M3100 desktop that was originally running Vista 32 bits w/2 GB DDR2. All drivers installed just fine and everything works perfectly until 4 or more GB or memory is installed. The sound is all crackles, the network fails and there are video artifacts. Once I drop the total memory below 4 GB, all is fine again. I have posted this problem in great detail over at the ACER tech forum and no-one has yet to reply. Since this computer is long out of warranty, ACER will not offer direct support - except through their forums.

Did the original poster here ever solve this mystery ?

Thanks in advance

 

[TenPc]

I'm sorry to bump this old thread but I am having the identical problem as the original poster. I installed Win 7 Pro 64-bits on an Asprire M3100 desktop that was originally running Vista 32 bits w/2 GB DDR2. All drivers installed just fine and everything works perfectly until 4 or more GB or memory is installed. The sound is all crackles, the network fails and there are video artifacts. Once I drop the total memory below 4 GB, all is fine again. I have posted this problem in great detail over at the ACER tech forum and no-one has yet to reply. Since this computer is long out of warranty, ACER will not offer direct support - except through their forums.

Did the original poster here ever solve this mystery ?

Thanks in advance

http://panam.acer.com/acerpanam/desktop/0000/Acer/AspireM3100/AspireM3100sp2.shtml
Memory Up to 4 GB DDR2 533/667/800 MHz SDRAM
(dual-channel support on four DIMMs)
You should just startyour own thread.

 

[blueribb]

I'm sorry to bump this old thread but I am having the identical problem as the original poster. I installed Win 7 Pro 64-bits on an Asprire M3100 desktop that was originally running Vista 32 bits w/2 GB DDR2. All drivers installed just fine and everything works perfectly until 4 or more GB or memory is installed. The sound is all crackles, the network fails and there are video artifacts. Once I drop the total memory below 4 GB, all is fine again. I have posted this problem in great detail over at the ACER tech forum and no-one has yet to reply. Since this computer is long out of warranty, ACER will not offer direct support - except through their forums.

Did the original poster here ever solve this mystery ?

Thanks in advance

http://panam.acer.com/acerpanam/desktop/0000/Acer/AspireM3100/AspireM3100sp2.shtml
Memory Up to 4 GB DDR2 533/667/800 MHz SDRAM
(dual-channel support on four DIMMs)
You should just startyour own thread.

I have seen that website. They are the only ones claiming 4 GB maximum. Most other websites state 8 GB as the maximum. In either case, I can't get 4 GB (4 matched 1 GB sticks) working properly. I didn't want to start my own thread because the original posted here had/has the exact same problem with the exact same computer.

http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/Acer-memory/Aspire+Desktops/Aspire+M3100-upgrades.html
http://www.1stchoicememory.com/catalog/configurator.asp?b=Acer&m=38533&a=true
http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/acer-aspire-m3100-u3401a/4505-3118_7-33016435.html

 

[TenPc]

You quadrupled posted! come back and delete 3 of them!


Edit - Oh, no, you've deleted 3 of them and I've already made a complaint to the site feedback!
I was going to use your example of the problem that me and others are having... DOH!

I'd better add something about the thread.

You can have the desired ram but the higher the volume, the lower the speed you have to use.

 

[RCinSTP]

I have the same problem with my Acer Aspire M3100. The Acer website specs say this pc can handle 8Gb of Ram, with a 2GB stick in each of the four memory slots. As long as I stay below 4Gb everything is fine, when the memory is 4GB lots of problems. I'm sure there is a BIOS upgrade for this motherboard but I can't fine the BIOS upgrade.

 

[TenPc]

I said previously "You can have the desired ram but the higher the volume, the lower the speed you have to use."
Actually, I 'm thinking now that the lower volume ram should be at the lower speed and the higher volume ram should be at the higher speed, it just varies between different motherboards.

Sometimes it's matter of having a handful of ram and just trying the differen volumes and speeds. Long time ago, the manufacturers used to give the details of what ram volumes and speeds would suit the expected ratio but now with later models, even they don't seem to know.

Some laptops of past ages required 1 x 256mb & 1x 512mb ram, nowadays paired ram is expected with same volume.


examples - DDR2 533/667/800

You might find that 2 sticks of 533mhz works faster than 2 sticks @ 800mhz.

My nephew's Compaq Pc had 2 x 2gb 800mhz ram (DDR1) and the PC was really slow, he gave it to me for my collection of useless PC's.
The label on the desktop PC actually stated 266mhz to which I"ve got an abundance and upon installing 2 x 2gb of 266mhz ram, it runs almost faster than my PC.

Some motherboards' cpu are tied in with the ram, that's where the answer might lie.

 

[blueribb]

I have the same problem with my Acer Aspire M3100. The Acer website specs say this pc can handle 8Gb of Ram, with a 2GB stick in each of the four memory slots. As long as I stay below 4Gb everything is fine, when the memory is 4GB lots of problems. I'm sure there is a BIOS upgrade for this motherboard but I can't fine the BIOS upgrade.

I found an Acer European website that offers a newer BIOS but it won't install. Have you found a solution yet ?

 

[TenPc]

@varivar, you got 2 paired ram and then you got 2 different ones, the Nanya ones are good but the Dane-Elec and the Huyundai ones are not to be used. It was only back with SDram modules that you could get away with mixed manufacturers of ram but with DDR you have to use the same manufacturer. You could have mixed voules and timings but they'd all revert to the lowest of them all.

The Nanya are at 333mhz, the Huyundai is 266mhz, the Dane-Elec is 266mhz but is only being read as 259mhz so it has a faulty chip.