Laptop memory upgrade problem

[os22]

Hi all,

I recently purchased an Uniwill L51AIO laptop with 512Mb memory installed. This laptop has 2 so-dimm slots. I replaced the 1x512 module with 2x1Gb (filling both slots instead of just one). These 2x1 modules were exactly the same as the old 512 one (667mhz, cl5 (5-5-5-15) 1.8v). Inside Windows, the cpuz recognises both slots with the correct values, but the windows uses only 1gb (instead of total 2Gb). Well because of the vga, its a little less than 1Gb but the problem persists: only 1 module can be recognised.
I tried to switch the modules, no help. Also tried to clean the slots but If cpuz see it.... Also when I put either one module to the 1st or 2nd slot as standalone modul (1x1Gb)..no matter which memory to which slot it remains 1Gb and it works GREAT with ALL the 2 modules I put in to either slot... Memtest86+ or with the Windows it works great. But when I put in both (2x1), it remains the same as if I put in only 1 module… The BIOS shows only 1Gb at ANY combinations(2x1,1x1 no matter which slot)!! And booting up this 1Gb BIOS showing…Windows says 1Gb too, but cpuz, everest recognises the other one module too! …and these modules just 100% the same, only different vendor, and different numbers of memory blocks on them. Both side has got several memory blocks, the first has 16, and the other one only 8 blocks on both sides. But they are the same 1Gb and same speed, etc in everest (differing only the vendor and s/n).

I dont really get it why it does not recognise 2x1...

Do you have any opinion what to do to reach the 2Gb which the manual grants? It says I can put per modules up to 1Gb, and at most 2 of them, and writes MAX 2Gb. So it should work…

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
Alex

 

[PrvtChurch]

I think that your MoBo only supports 1Gb of Ram.

 

[os22]

Aww.... How can I be sure of that? How to check it?

 

[os22]

Btw this is the laptop, here ( http://www.uniwill.com/products/other/l51ai/l51ai_print.php ) it says its upgradeable up to 4Gb. The manual I have says up to 2Gb.

 

[PrvtChurch]

Try mixing the old 512mb chip and the new 1GB chip. see if it works.

 

[os22]

Already tried it, the cap remains at 1Gb...Well bios says 1Gb minus 128mb (vga), in KB.

Ive read ony some forums that the number of blocks are crucial things to count with. in this case..if I mix with my 512 module, it has 8 blocks too, and with the other 8blocked 1Gb module it still caps at 1Gb.

BIOS update can help?

 

[PrvtChurch]

you sure it's not just taking 1 GB for VRAM?

 

[os22]

I do check the amount in BIOS. It says Extended Memory. Plus I check it at cpuz, everest, and mycomputer->rightclick->properties->"Installed memory". (Win7).
Installed memory=1.00Gb (894Mb useable - cos of vga..)
CPUz SPD recognises both modules with perfect fitting to each other (only the vendor differs).
Everest: same. recognises both 2x1...
Windows, and bios nope.

Any idea? :\\\

 

[PrvtChurch]

I do check the amount in BIOS. It says Extended Memory. Plus I check it at cpuz, everest, and mycomputer->rightclick->properties->"Installed memory". (Win7).
Installed memory=1.00Gb (894Mb useable - cos of vga..)
CPUz SPD recognises both modules with perfect fitting to each other (only the vendor differs).
Everest: same. recognises both 2x1...
Windows, and bios nope.

Any idea? :\\\

Well it seems that your Bios can only recognize 1 GB of Ram.

 

[os22]

I try to update my bios, but this is not a "genuine" brand, thus I cant find any "easy-click-n-go" bios flasher utility. It has got Phoenix bios 1.05, but how should I get a proper bios update utility+file?

 

[PrvtChurch]

Unfortunately It is VERY hard to get a bios update for a laptop from anyone but the manufacturer.

 

[os22]

Thanks for the info.

UPDATE INFO:
Ive got 3 modules:
- 512mb 667, 8memory block doubleside
- 1Gb 667, 8memory block doubleside
- 1Gb 667, 16memory block doubleside

I COULD reach 1,5gb only if I put the 16blocked 1Gb PLUS the 512 module together.
No matter which slot combination..it works good as 1,5Gb!

But if I replace the other 8blocked 1Gb (which is fine standalone works 100%), and use that with the 512, it WONT go up to 1,5gb but stays at 1Gb...

Interesting... Maybe I should search for another 1Gb and get lucky to run 2x1??

Did you see anything like this? Its so weird.
Again: the timings, jedec details EVERYTHING is exactly the same in both 1Gb modules, only the number of blocks, and the manufacturer differs..

Any ideas? :O :O

 

[PrvtChurch]

IT may be acting random b/c they have a different number of blocks...... I mostly deal with Dual/Triple Channel DDR3 Ram so DDR2 is a bit out of my depth.

 

[os22]

Thanks for the help and effort.
Have a good day PrvtChurch!