Is my memory DOA?

[teknewb]

Hi,

I have a Microstar MS6195 mobo with 256 MB in 2 (16*8MB) sticks
I recently bought another 256mb stick as an upgrade (16*16MB) stick.
All memory is PC100 and same pin config.
I put the new stick in with the old ones and the pc will not boot, hanging on the checking NVRam prompt. I then took out all the sticks apart from the new one and tried it in all the slots, its still the same (hangs on checking nvram prompt), I removed the new one and put the old two back in and the pc works fine again. Is the new memory DOA or could it be something else. The fault only occurs when the new memory is installed.

Any advice very much appreciated - thanks
Thanks in advance

 

[Crashman]

Probably bad RAM. I wouldn't even bother with PC100 since PC133 is backwards compatable. Crucial is a top notch vender you might want to check.

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[TKH]

Maybe your mobo can't support your new RAM. Are you sure your mobo can use a single 256MB RAM? Because some old mobo can only support up to 128MB in single slot. If you're sure then maybe what your mobo can't support is the 16*16MB memory module.

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[marneus]

Your memory timing settings could well be too high for the new RAM, turn down the settings & try again...

or the mem is knackered, if the board didnt support such that large a mem chip, it would boot usually but wouldnt list as much mem as you would expect...

Hmmm, wonder if I can get a valid page fault ???
these invalid ones are far too commonplace...

 

[teknewb]

Hey again, Thanks for the replies - seems the memory wasnt compatible with my mobo

 

[lhgpoobaa]

nods... a common problem with older boards. There are certain limitations to how much ram you can put in one slot, and the capacity per side of stick.

i.e. you might be able to put in a double sides stick of 256mb ram (128mb per side)... but not a single sided one (256mb all on one side).

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