Laptop refuses to boot after RAM upgrade

[problemRAM]

Hello,

My laptop is a COMPAQ one. I upgraded the RAM of my laptop today, but whenever I'm using the new RAM modules, the machine refuses to boot. I couldn't boot even once using the new memory modules. I mean even the screen with COMPAQ logo doesn't appear. Naturally, I can't even enter BIOS. Pressing the f9, f10 etc doesn't work either.

My laptop has two slots for RAM, one of which was filled by a single 2GB RAM (came with the machine). Now I'm trying to upgrade to 2 RAM sticks of 4GB each (had to remove the old one). The new one is from Corsair, old one was Samsung.

I'm already using Windows 7 64 bit, so I guess the issue with more than 4 GB RAM will not matter. I checked with HP, the maximum amount of RAM allowed for my machine is 8GB (2*4GB), so I haven't ecxeeded that either.

Here I go with the steps I followed and the results:

Steps Results

1. Seated a single RAM stick of 4GB ---------> Laptop doesn't boot, even the screen with COMPAQ logo doesn't appear

2. Seated both RAM sticks of 4GB ------------> Laptop doesn't boot, even the screen with COMPAQ logo doesn't appear

3. Seated one 4GB RAM + old 2GB RAM ---------> Laptop doesn't boot, even the screen with COMPAQ logo doesn't appear

4. Just seated the old 2GB RAM --------------> Laptop boots and behaves normally

I repeated the above steps multiple times, and everytime I got the same results. I assume the procedure I followed is correct as the 2GB RAM does work each and every time it is reseated. Only the 2 4GB modules doesn't behave normally.


Here's the report of my older 2GB samsung RAM as generated by Speccy:
Memory slots
Total memory slots 2
Used memory slots 1
Free memory slots 1
Memory
Type DDR3
Size 2048 MBytes
Channels # Single
DRAM Frequency 399.1 MHz
CAS# Latency (CL) 6 clocks
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 6 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP) 6 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS) 15 clocks
Physical Memory
Memory Usage 37 %
Total Physical 1.93 GB
Available Physical 1.21 GB
Total Virtual 3.87 GB
Available Virtual 3.11 GB
SPD
Number Of SPD Modules 1
Slot #1
Type DDR3
Size 2048 MBytes
Manufacturer Samsung
Max Bandwidth PC3-10700 (667 MHz)
Part Number M471B5673EH1-CH9
Serial Number 95C555DB
Week/year 12 / 10
SPD Ext. EPP
JEDEC #4
Frequency 685.7 MHz
CAS# Latency 9.0
RAS# To CAS# 10
RAS# Precharge 10
tRAS 25
tRC 34
Voltage 1.500 V
JEDEC #3
Frequency 609.5 MHz
CAS# Latency 8.0
RAS# To CAS# 8
RAS# Precharge 8
tRAS 22
tRC 30
Voltage 1.500 V
JEDEC #2
Frequency 533.3 MHz
CAS# Latency 7.0
RAS# To CAS# 7
RAS# Precharge 7
tRAS 20
tRC 27
Voltage 1.500 V
JEDEC #1
Frequency 457.1 MHz
CAS# Latency 6.0
RAS# To CAS# 6
RAS# Precharge 6
tRAS 17
tRC 23
Voltage 1.500 V


The new RAM modules report cannot be generated by speccy, but on the pack it says:
Name of Commodity: CRS 4GB LT_CMSO4GX3M1A1333C9.


Any idea what's wrong with my lappy?

[My apologies for the huge post. I'm just trying to provide as much info as possible, so that the cause problem can be filtered easily.]

 

[RetiredChief]

Laptops can be very fussy on which memory is compatable.
ONE golden rule - NEVER mix Ram, only buy matched pairs or daul channel.
2nd rule, For laptops - MATCH the specs 100%
What I do is run CPU-z and click on memory tab, Then Buy Ram that exactly matches that spec.

Link to cpu-z: http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

 

[problemRAM]

Laptops can be very fussy on which memory is compatable.
ONE golden rule - NEVER mix Ram, only buy matched pairs or daul channel.
2nd rule, For laptops - MATCH the specs 100%
What I do is run CPU-z and click on memory tab, Then Buy Ram that exactly matches that spec.

Link to cpu-z: http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

Thanks for your reply.

According to cpu-z, the 2GB RAM (the one that came with my laptop) has the following specs:
Type: DDR3
Channels # Single
Size 2048 MBytes
DRAM Frequency 399.0 MHz
CAS# Latency (CL) 6.0 clocks
RAS# t0 CAS# Delay (tRCD) 6 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP) 6 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS) 15 clocks
(all other spaces are grayed out)

I have 2 RAM slots. I had the 2GB one in one of them. I didn't add the modules to an existing one. Instead, I placed a 4GB in the existing blank slot, removed the 2GB one and placed another 4GB in its place. Both 4GB RAM modules are identical. Did I do something wrong there?

I'm sure I'll sound silly here, but how do I know if a memory is 100% perfect? I bought this RAM from a local store (offline). And there's nothing specific written on the existing package. Is there anyway I can check if the new RAM modules matches 100%?

Thanks again.

 

[RetiredChief]

Google the numbers on the ram modules.

On the tab at top - SPD
You will find the Ram Model, ie PC3-8500, brand and model Nr.

Outside of googling the part number ar the top, you would have to find a system that will boot to it to obtain the spd info.
Mem tab shows what the memory is running at, spd Tab shows what the ram can run at.

Visit the laptop manuf, see if they have a lisiting of "qualified" ram modules.

 

[problemRAM]

Google the numbers on the ram modules.

On the tab at top - SPD
You will find the Ram Model, ie PC3-8500, brand and model Nr.

Here it is:
http://www.corsair.com/us/memory-by-product-family/value-select-memory-upgrades/corsair-memory-4gb-ddr3-sodimm-memory-cmso4gx3m1a1333c9.html
I got two of those.

SPD Speed 1333MHz
PC3-10600 (1333MHz)
But I couldn't find the model nr.

Outside of googling the part number ar the top, you would have to find a system that will boot to it to obtain the spd info.
Mem tab shows what the memory is running at, spd Tab shows what the ram can run at.

So I'll need to find another machine, is that correct? Another silly question... How do I know if the other machine can run it too? Or will it be better if I approached the shop I bought it from?

Visit the laptop manuf, see if they have a lisiting of "qualified" ram modules.

Laptop manual doesn't mention anything specifically. But I can call HP to be sure.

 

[problemRAM]

I just realized this... The Samsung 2GB RAM I have is PC3-10700, whereas the Corsair RAM is PC3-10600. Does that make a difference?

 

[RetiredChief]

Yes, As I indicated, some laptops can be very finiky when it comes to Ram.
Before Buying some Ram for one of My laptops, I emailed the Ram manuf about compatability (it HAD the same specs) - Had to return it it was NOT compatable, bought a differnt brand and walla, it worked.

 

[problemRAM]

I called HP. They said that they haven't had a compatibility issue with RAM modules from Corsair. And weirdest part is they said PC3-10700 and PC3-10600 are the same. I don't quite remember the technical terms they used but they were mentioning about some 10600 MHz running at 10666.7 MHz which they have comfortably rounded to 10700 MHz. (It all sounded alien to me to be honest).

I'll visit the store I bought it from tomorrow. Just to see if they could offer something. But before I do anything, I'd just like to know something that might come up. Whats the return policy for Corsair? I had the module for two days. Obviously, I had to unpack them to see if they were working on my machine or not. Since, its not working (assuming both guys at HP tech support were right), will Corsair refund the cost or replace the module with a compatible one? If Corsair doesn't have an issue with taking the RAM back after unpacking, does the store I bought it from have any authority to refuse refund/replacement? If all goes well and both the store and Corsair are okay with taking back their stuff, can you please suggest some brand I can go for to have a reliable RAM for my lappy.

Thanks a ton for your patience!

 

[RetiredChief]

The question on return is two fold:
A) To return for Money Back, or swap for different RAM, would be between you and the store you bought it from.
B) To RMA it Ram Manuf (I see you Identiied your Ram as Corsair), you would have to talk to Corsair.

Yes 10600 and 10700 are the same speed, just how manuf round off and package the RAM. DDR3-1333 is often labled 10600, 10660, and 10666, 10666 rounded off is 10700 - Marketing gimick as all DDR3 runs at a speed determined by Bus speed and Multiplier.
For DDR3 ,See : http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007609%20600006178&IsNodeId=1&name=204-Pin%20DDR3%20SO-DIMM
NOTE: You are running with a CL of 6 which is Low for DDR3-1333 which is normally at CL9 (Lower number is better). Also this memory may come in differnt voltages 1.35 and 1.50 Volts THIS s also important.
PS Newegg is where I buy all my memory from.

I'm wondering if you really have DDR3-1333 (original ram). The Freq you posted is 400 and for Single channel DDR2 that equates to DDR3-800. In dual channel mode that would be DDR3-1600. And the CL rating is LOW.
.. What does the SPD tab indicate for your Ram

.. Would be a help if you posted your model Number for your laptop. What does your manual state for Ram.

 

[problemRAM]

The question on return is two fold:
A) To return for Money Back, or swap for different RAM, would be between you and the store you bought it from.
B) To RMA it Ram Manuf (I see you Identiied your Ram as Corsair), you would have to talk to Corsair.

Thanks.

Yes 10600 and 10700 are the same speed, just how manuf round off and package the RAM. DDR3-1333 is often labled 10600, 10660, and 10666, 10666 rounded off is 10700 - Marketing gimick as all DDR3 runs at a speed determined by Bus speed and Multiplier.
For DDR3 ,See : http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007609%20600006178&IsNodeId=1&name=204-Pin%20DDR3%20SO-DIMM
NOTE: You are running with a CL of 6 which is Low for DDR3-1333 which is normally at CL9 (Lower number is better). Also this memory may come in differnt voltages 1.35 and 1.50 Volts THIS s also important.
PS Newegg is where I buy all my memory from.

All 3 RAM are DDR3-1333 and 1.5 volt. I guess there won't be a compatibility issue there. Not sure about the CL part... A RAM with a CL of 9, won't run on a machine that runs a RAM with a CL of 6? But you said, lower number is better... So the one with CL of 9 should be able to run in my laptop, isn't it?

I'm wondering if you really have DDR3-1333 (original ram). The Freq you posted is 400 and for Single channel DDR2 that equates to DDR3-800. In dual channel mode that would be DDR3-1600. And the CL rating is LOW.
.. What does the SPD tab indicate for your Ram

Pirated hardware??!? You mean the Corsair one or Samsung one?
The Samsung one came with the machine!
Here's the cpu-z report of it:

Memory SPD
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIMM # 1
SMBus address 0x52
Memory type DDR3
Module format SO-DIMM
Manufacturer (ID) Samsung (CE00000000000000)
Size 2048 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC3-10700 (667 MHz)
Part number M471B5673EH1-CH9
Serial number 95C555DB
Manufacturing date Week 12/Year 10
Number of banks 8
Nominal Voltage 1.50 Volts
EPP no
XMP no
AMP no
JEDEC timings table CL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS-tRC @ frequency
JEDEC #1 6.0-6-6-17-23 @ 457 MHz
JEDEC #2 7.0-7-7-20-27 @ 533 MHz
JEDEC #3 8.0-8-8-22-30 @ 609 MHz
JEDEC #4 9.0-9-9-25-34 @ 685 MHz

DIMM # 1
SPD registers
00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 0A 0B 0C 0D 0E 0F
00 92 10 0B 03 02 11 00 09 03 52 01 08 0C 00 3C 00
10 69 78 69 30 69 11 20 89 70 03 3C 3C 00 F0 83 01
20 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
30 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 0F 11 45 00
40 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
50 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
60 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
70 00 00 00 00 00 80 CE 02 10 12 95 C5 55 DB 1F 87
80 4D 34 37 31 42 35 36 37 33 45 48 31 2D 43 48 39
90 20 20 00 00 80 CE 00 00 00 55 57 30 31 58 30 31
A0 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 02
B0 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
C0 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
D0 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
E0 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
F0 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

That's the section you are asking for right? I'm not able to post a screenshot. Can't see any upload or attachment button.

.. Would be a help if you posted your model Number for your laptop. What does your manual state for Ram.

The model no. of my laptop is CQ42-115TU. Its an old laptop, I know, but I can't afford a new one now.
Here's all the manuals:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/manualCategory?cc=in&dlc=en&lang=en&lc=en&product=4168899&task=&

 

[RetiredChief]

From manual
Memory modules
● 1-GB, PC3-10600, 1333-MHz 598859-001
● 2-GB, PC3-10600, 1333-MHz 598856-001
● 4-GB, PC3-10600, 1333-MHz (for models 1.2 and 1.3 only) 599092-001

From your post:
JEDEC timings table CL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS-tRC @ frequency
JEDEC #1 6.0-6-6-17-23 @ 457 MHz
JEDEC #2 7.0-7-7-20-27 @ 533 MHz
JEDEC #3 8.0-8-8-22-30 @ 609 MHz
JEDEC #4 9.0-9-9-25-34 @ 685 MHz

From previous post you indicated a freq 400 CL 6 is what you are running at which is like DDR3-800 (400) vs what it should be running at which is DDR3-1333 (667) with CL 9.
Yess CL 6 is faster than say CL9, but would only notice the diff runing a benchmark, NOT in real life

Have you ever upgraded the Bios for your laptop??
If not I would (using old ram) uprade to the latest bios ver
Latest version is 2011-05-03 , Version:F.37, 6.58M

In many cases updating the Bios (if your not running with the latest) improves on memory compatability.

 

[problemRAM]

From manual
Memory modules
● 1-GB, PC3-10600, 1333-MHz 598859-001
● 2-GB, PC3-10600, 1333-MHz 598856-001
● 4-GB, PC3-10600, 1333-MHz (for models 1.2 and 1.3 only) 599092-001

From your post:
JEDEC timings table CL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS-tRC @ frequency
JEDEC #1 6.0-6-6-17-23 @ 457 MHz
JEDEC #2 7.0-7-7-20-27 @ 533 MHz
JEDEC #3 8.0-8-8-22-30 @ 609 MHz
JEDEC #4 9.0-9-9-25-34 @ 685 MHz

From previous post you indicated a freq 400 CL 6 is what you are running at which is like DDR3-800 (400) vs what it should be running at which is DDR3-1333 (667) with CL 9.
Yess CL 6 is faster than say CL9, but would only notice the diff runing a benchmark, NOT in real life

I'm sorry for not being so techie, but I really didn't understand that...
Is that good or bad or something in between?

Have you ever upgraded the Bios for your laptop??
If not I would (using old ram) uprade to the latest bios ver
Latest version is 2011-05-03 , Version:F.37, 6.58M

In many cases updating the Bios (if your not running with the latest) improves on memory compatability.

I've never upgraded my bios... I'd read somewhere that bios upgrading should be handled by experts. I'm not. So, I never dared... Is it really safe? I checked the product support page, there is an upgrade of bios available. Shall I simply install it? Is any precaution necessary?

 

[RetiredChief]

The Bios update may fix your Ram problem.

Is it safe - depends on who you talk to.
I've never had a problem, and yes there have been some that have "bricked their Bios. But that is because the did NOT folded the precautions and procedures.
Precautions:
1 - Have battery fully charged, and ac adaptor pluged in
2 - Make sure you download the CORRECT BIOS for your Laptop.
3. Follow instructions starting on pg 100 (Notebook PC User Guide - Windows 7)
From the link you provided.
I normally make a folder called BIOS update, When I download the file I place it in that folder That way you will know where to find it.

 

[problemRAM]

Thanks a ton for the instructions to upgrade the RAM. Finally managed to upgrade the BIOS without any hiccup. Appears to be okay so far. However, the RAM still doesn't work. But I've been doing some googling. Apparently, the specs should match that of the spare, right? The spare is 599092-001. That is exactly the same as Kingston's KTH-X3B/4G.
http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/partsinfo.asp?root=&LinkBack=&ktcpartno=KTH-X3B/4G&id=8
Any idea how Kingston's KTH-X3B/4G differs from Corsair's CMSO4GX3M1A1333C9? They seem to have identical specs!

Though I have no clue how Kingston's KTH-X3B/4G differs from Corsair's CMSO4GX3M1A1333C9, still I'm gonna contact the store. Lets see if they can offer a replacement or some other means to get the RAM modules working.

Meanwhile, any other idea? And may I know what made you think that the Corsair RAM was pirated? I mean, if it really is pirated then the store is trying to cheat me! I've got to do something about it!

 

[RetiredChief]

"Corsair RAM was pirated"
Looked back at my post, I did not state may be pirated, Only asked to verify that it was infact 1333

With laptops, I have had cases where one brand would not work, and a different brand would even thought they had identical Specs.

On kingston Ram, I personally have no experience with their RAM. Lately I've been buying G-skill ripjaws and Crucial Ram.

Take your laptop with you to the shop when you go to exchange the ram.

 

[problemRAM]

Thanks a million times for the time and effort you gave to my problem.

"Corsair RAM was pirated"
Looked back at my post, I did not state may be pirated, Only asked to verify that it was infact 1333

Oops! My Bad! I guess I was too freaked out!

With laptops, I have had cases where one brand would not work, and a different brand would even thought they had identical Specs.

That's what the store said! Wish there was a database on which RAM is in talking terms with which brand of laptop.

On kingston Ram, I personally have no experience with their RAM. Lately I've been buying G-skill ripjaws and Crucial Ram.

I was searching for G-skill as well, but the stores were out of stock for G-skill RAM for laptops 4GB 1333MHz. None had crucial RAM. And Crucial directly doesn't ship here for personal order, only bulk orders allowed. I had asked them.

Take your laptop with you to the shop when you go to exchange the ram.

I had taken the laptop this time. After discussion they took back the RAM and said they'll find the RAM that would go with my laptop. It might take some time but I have my fingers crossed. Let's hope all goes well.

And after all the searching, I seem to have grown fond of online stores by now. But my friend had had some nasty surprises from e-bay. So, if you don't mind, I have a few non-technical questions.
Is it safe to order online? And some websites (newegg included) doesn't ship here. I have come across some websites that offer a service to deliver the package at my address, but is it safe and reliable? What if some component doesn't go with my machine (like the RAM in this case), do they take it back? Are there some cash on delivery option?

 

[RetiredChief]

On ordering On-line.
I can only speak about my experience here in the US.
I have been ordering computer parts before Newegg was Newegg. Newegg use to be a "brick & Morter" store. primary sources is newegg, Tigerdirect, mwave, zipzoomfly (ZZM bit the dust). And have never had a problem. As for e-bay, can not really say - some say great, some get bit, but I have never used.

 

[problemRAM]

Thanks for all the effort. I'll keep you updated on the RAM issue.
Have a great day!

 

[Richie Watson]

DId you ever get it to work? I'm having the same problem with my diy ocz notebook.

It had OCZ 2x 2gb ddr3-1333 10666 memory installed went to upgrade it to corsair 2x 4gb ddr3-10600 and i believe it had different timings to boot like 9-9-9-20 vs 9-9-9-24

I cannot even get to the boot screen as well go figure...

 

[semwangalsma8090]

Hello,

My laptop is a COMPAQ one. I upgraded the RAM of my laptop today, but whenever I'm using the new RAM modules, the machine refuses to boot. I couldn't boot even once using the new memory modules. I mean even the screen with COMPAQ logo doesn't appear. Naturally, I can't even enter BIOS. Pressing the f9, f10 etc doesn't work either.

My laptop has two slots for RAM, one of which was filled by a single 2GB RAM (came with the machine). Now I'm trying to upgrade to 2 RAM sticks of 4GB each (had to remove the old one). The new one is from Corsair, old one was Samsung.

I'm already using Windows 7 64 bit, so I guess the issue with more than 4 GB RAM will not matter. I checked with HP, the maximum amount of RAM allowed for my machine is 8GB (2*4GB), so I haven't ecxeeded that either.

Here I go with the steps I followed and the results:

Steps Results

1. Seated a single RAM stick of 4GB ---------> Laptop doesn't boot, even the screen with COMPAQ logo doesn't appear

2. Seated both RAM sticks of 4GB ------------> Laptop doesn't boot, even the screen with COMPAQ logo doesn't appear

3. Seated one 4GB RAM + old 2GB RAM ---------> Laptop doesn't boot, even the screen with COMPAQ logo doesn't appear

4. Just seated the old 2GB RAM --------------> Laptop boots and behaves normally

I repeated the above steps multiple times, and everytime I got the same results. I assume the procedure I followed is correct as the 2GB RAM does work each and every time it is reseated. Only the 2 4GB modules doesn't behave normally.


Here's the report of my older 2GB samsung RAM as generated by Speccy:
Memory slots
Total memory slots 2
Used memory slots 1
Free memory slots 1
Memory
Type DDR3
Size 2048 MBytes
Channels # Single
DRAM Frequency 399.1 MHz
CAS# Latency (CL) 6 clocks
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 6 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP) 6 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS) 15 clocks
Physical Memory
Memory Usage 37 %
Total Physical 1.93 GB
Available Physical 1.21 GB
Total Virtual 3.87 GB
Available Virtual 3.11 GB
SPD
Number Of SPD Modules 1
Slot #1
Type DDR3
Size 2048 MBytes
Manufacturer Samsung
Max Bandwidth PC3-10700 (667 MHz)
Part Number M471B5673EH1-CH9
Serial Number 95C555DB
Week/year 12 / 10
SPD Ext. EPP
JEDEC #4
Frequency 685.7 MHz
CAS# Latency 9.0
RAS# To CAS# 10
RAS# Precharge 10
tRAS 25
tRC 34
Voltage 1.500 V
JEDEC #3
Frequency 609.5 MHz
CAS# Latency 8.0
RAS# To CAS# 8
RAS# Precharge 8
tRAS 22
tRC 30
Voltage 1.500 V
JEDEC #2
Frequency 533.3 MHz
CAS# Latency 7.0
RAS# To CAS# 7
RAS# Precharge 7
tRAS 20
tRC 27
Voltage 1.500 V
JEDEC #1
Frequency 457.1 MHz
CAS# Latency 6.0
RAS# To CAS# 6
RAS# Precharge 6
tRAS 17
tRC 23
Voltage 1.500 V


The new RAM modules report cannot be generated by speccy, but on the pack it says:
Name of Commodity: CRS 4GB LT_CMSO4GX3M1A1333C9.


Any idea what's wrong with my lappy?

[My apologies for the huge post. I'm just trying to provide as much info as possible, so that the cause problem can be filtered easily.]