4GB DDR2 240 pin single stick RAM?

**SonOfOdin** · May 30, 2011, 11:45 PM

So, as the title says, I'm looking for a 4GB DDR2 240 pin single stick RAM piece. Why not just buy 2 x 2GB sticks? Well, truth is I HAVE 2 x 2GB ram sticks. Problem is, one of my slots doesn't work. When I put a RAM into it, the pc doesn't start at all. Between choosing between buying a new motherboard, and a single 4GB DDR2 ram stick, I chose the RAM. I know in the long term I'd be better off buying a new M/B, but I'm planning on buying a new pc in the next year or two anyway.

So, does anyone know a brand or model of a 4GB DDR2 "single stick" RAM?
My local pc shops don't have any, and the ones I found on the net are really really expensive.
Thanks

Btw, no, my motherboard doesn't support DDR3 RAM...don't judge me

**Crazyeyesreaper** · May 31, 2011, 02:21 PM

the extra ram wont help and if memory serves me right on the older motherboards your ram would be set to single channel mode so you get extra ram but your ram bandwidth gets cut in half so not really a good idea

best bet if you want more ram is get 2x4gb and sell the 2x2gb to someone you know who needs an upgrade.

but in all honesty unless your doing Video Editing, Large photo manipulations in photoshop, Zbrush, Mudbox, Maya, 3DS Max etc you wont need more then the 4gb of ram you already have.

**PoleCat** · May 31, 2011, 04:27 PM

Are you sure it's the slot and not a faulty stick of RAM? Have you tried running Memtest?

**SonOfOdin** · May 31, 2011, 09:05 PM

Originally Posted by Crazyeyesreaper

but in all honesty unless your doing Video Editing, Large photo manipulations in photoshop, Zbrush, Mudbox, Maya, 3DS Max etc you wont need more then the 4gb of ram you already have.

I'm running on Windows 7 on 2GB Ram and it's killing me. I need to get 4GB at least.

Originally Posted by PoleCat

Are you sure it's the slot and not a faulty stick of RAM? Have you tried running Memtest?

No. I tried both RAMs in both DDR2 slots individually, the problem is when I put them both together simultaneously. Here's the messed up part : They're the same brand, same model and I bought them from the same store

Originally Posted by GrnEyedDvl

Also some boards will not support 4 gigs in one slot. Check the specs on yours first.

I gave up on searching for the 4GB Ram stick, and I'm trying to figure out why my M/B isn't taking 2 RAMs at the same time

**GrnEyedDvl** · May 31, 2011, 07:34 PM

Also some boards will not support 4 gigs in one slot. Check the specs on yours first.

**Crazyeyesreaper** · May 31, 2011, 09:31 PM

then its your PC yourself not the ram

it might look like WIndows 7 uses alot of ram but it dosent mine hits about 1.5gb of ram but about 500mb of that is cached app files so they load faster should an app need the ram the OS will free up that bit its using to give it to the Application

and you said you had 2x2gb = 4gb or are you on 2x1gb = 2gb, if your on 2x1 then get a 2x2 kit again

if your ram needs to be in a PAIR for dual channel, if your not in dual channel your performance will get even worse which is what adding a single 4gb stick to a machine will do, always match the ram sticks in pairs

does the board boot to the bios with sticks in both slots? if so and your on an AMD rig you should try bumping the memory voltage up 1 bump from stock, hell should try it either way no matter the platform

on AMD at least with Phenom II, and Athlon II x2 x3 x4 chips you can also bump the CPU/NB up to get stability on ram, its default is 1.1v but bumping it to 1.2v on the CPU/NB should also help sort the issue out,

but if your motherboard only as 2 Dimm slots total and 1 is dead that explains the bad performance

its not only the fact your running 2gb ram, but the fact its running single channel as well if thats the case but to be honest you didnt really put out all the info for someone to give you strong feedback

example

CPU
Motherboard

Ram speeds and amount aka DDR2 PC 6400 (800mhz) 5-5-5-15 2T 2048mb x 2 sticks for 4gigs or 1024x2 for 2gig, etc etc.

**SonOfOdin** · May 31, 2011, 09:41 PM

The problem is that I once HAD 2x2 GB RAM(showed up as 3.6 GB on Windows XP though), then once the PC wouldn't boot and my technician told me it was the faulty RAM, so now I bought another, same-model RAM to replace the faulty one, but even though all fans initiate and the tower works just fine(doesn't BEEP as usual though when the pc starts), the monitor doesn't switch on.

I'm not really an expert on technical PC stuff, so I can't really give out as much details as I would like to.

**Crazyeyesreaper** · May 31, 2011, 10:04 PM

yea a ram slot is dead... if the PC is old its time to start saving and build a new one.. id struggle on and use what you got becuase while adding a 4gb stick will give you more ram... it most likely wont fix the performance drop that you lost getting forced back to single channel.

**SonOfOdin** · May 31, 2011, 11:37 PM

Originally Posted by Crazyeyesreaper

yea a ram slot is dead... if the PC is old its time to start saving and build a new one.. id struggle on and use what you got becuase while adding a 4gb stick will give you more ram... it most likely wont fix the performance drop that you lost getting forced back to single channel.

I'd like to think that a Ram slot is dead, but both work just fine when I put a piece of Ram individually in either slot. The problem is when they're both "occupied".
That's what is bugging me, that both work just fine on their own, but they don't work simultaneously.

**PoleCat** · May 31, 2011, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by Crazyeyesreaper

yea a ram slot is dead... [snip]...

I'm not yet convinced of that. See his post here:

Originally Posted by SonOfOdin

No. I tried both RAMs in both DDR2 slots individually, the problem is when I put them both together simultaneously. Here's the messed up part : They're the same brand, same model and I bought them from the same store

...

It sounds to me like he can run one or the other stick in either slot and get the system running. The problem seems to come when he uses the two sticks together. An odd problem to be sure.

Originally Posted by SonOfOdin

The problem is that I once HAD 2x2 GB RAM...[snip]...but even though all fans initiate and the tower works just fine(doesn't BEEP as usual though when the pc starts), the monitor doesn't switch on....

That's an old IBM POST beep code. One short beep means that the system initiated successfully. No beeps means a problem with either the PSU, the mainboard, the keyboard or the on-board speaker.

Let's cut to the chase - what make and model motherboard do you have and what RAM are you using? If you don't know the answer then at least post your DXDiag log - it may help us figure out what's going on. Good luck!

EDIT: While you're at it could you also give us the make and model of your PSU? It might be handy in the future. Thanks!

**SonOfOdin** · June 01, 2011, 12:24 AM

Originally Posted by PoleCat

It sounds to me like he can run one or the other stick in either slot and get the system running. The problem seems to come when he uses the two sticks together. An odd problem to be sure.

Yes, exactly, that's my problem.

That's an old IBM POST beep code. One short beep means that the system initiated successfully. No beeps means a problem with either the PSU, the mainboard, the keyboard or the on-board speaker.

Let's cut to the chase - what make and model motherboard do you have and what RAM are you using? If you don't know the answer then at least post your DXDiag log - it may help us figure out what's going on. Good luck!

EDIT: While you're at it could you also give us the make and model of your PSU? It might be handy in the future. Thanks!

My M/B is : 4Core Dual-SATA2(not the most up-to-date M/B's, I know.)

My RAM is : 2GB Corsair PC800 DDR2 Memory(x2 of course)

My PSU is : SP-ATX-400WT-PFC(ancient, I know)

**PoleCat** · June 01, 2011, 12:43 AM

Originally Posted by SonOfOdin

...My M/B is : 4Core Dual-SATA2(not the most up-to-date M/B's, I know.)

My RAM is : 2GB Corsair PC800 DDR2 Memory(x2 of course)

My PSU is : SP-ATX-400WT-PFC(ancient, I know)

That doesn't quite tell us the whole story. If you can I'd like you to post your DX log. Here's how to do so:

DxDiag is easy to run if you have any knowledge of Windows. Go to the "Start" button and in that menu choose "Run Program" option ("Run..." in Vista IIRC). In the pop-up field type "dxdiag" and press enter. This is the DirectX test program - let it finish the test. After the test is finished choose the button toward the bottom labeled "Save All Information..." and save it to your desktop. Next open up this forum and post the results by copying and pasting directly to the forum. Please don't post attachments as they take up more space and time - just copy and paste. Please post ALL info and if you can please wrap it in a spoiler tag to minimize page size.

Without looking up that PSU I'm guessing it's rated to 400W at top end. Have you installed a new GPU recently? Something that might affect the total power draw on that PSU?

**SonOfOdin** · June 01, 2011, 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by PoleCat

That doesn't quite tell us the whole story. If you can I'd like you to post your DX log. Here's how to do so:

DxDiag is easy to run if you have any knowledge of Windows. Go to the "Start" button and in that menu choose "Run Program" option ("Run..." in Vista IIRC). In the pop-up field type "dxdiag" and press enter. This is the DirectX test program - let it finish the test. After the test is finished choose the button toward the bottom labeled "Save All Information..." and save it to your desktop. Next open up this forum and post the results by copying and pasting directly to the forum. Please don't post attachments as they take up more space and time - just copy and paste. Please post ALL info and if you can please wrap it in a spoiler tag to minimize page size.

Without looking up that PSU I'm guessing it's rated to 400W at top end. Have you installed a new GPU recently? Something that might affect the total power draw on that PSU?

My god I(think) I figured it out. Indeed, I had an Intel Pentium IV 3.0GHz until a few weeks ago, then I bought a Dual Core 3.0GHz. That must have stretched out my PSU's usage.

Here's the DX Diag if it helps :

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

**PoleCat** · June 01, 2011, 01:29 AM

I'm sorry but hardware recommendations are something I'm not comfortable with - I just troubleshoot. My gut tells me you should go with the Corsair as it has a better reputation across the board even with the premium price. That other brand I've not heard of. But don't hold me to that.

But the real question here - Do you intend to build your own system the next time around? If not then maybe buying a new PSU is not for you. It really depends on your comfort level and expertize when installing your own components. If you think you can do it on your own then buy a new PSU and try to get your current system limping along until you have the cash for a system upgrade. That way you'll have a top-notch PSU to install in your next custom built system.

If you feel you lack the expertize then it might be best to hold off on buying a new PSU. Again - it comes down to your expertize. Try not to waste money on something you're not sure of. Good luck!

**SonOfOdin** · June 01, 2011, 01:38 AM

Originally Posted by PoleCat

I'm sorry but hardware recommendations are something I'm not comfortable with - I just troubleshoot. My gut tells me you should go with the Corsair as it has a better reputation across the board even with the premium price. That other brand I've not heard of. But don't hold me to that.

It's ok mate, no prob

But the real question here - Do you intend to build your own system the next time around? If not then maybe buying a new PSU is not for you. It really depends on your comfort level and expertize when installing your own components. If you think you can do it on your own then buy a new PSU and try to get your current system limping along until you have the cash for a system upgrade. That way you'll have a top-notch PSU to install in your next custom built system.

If you feel you lack the expertize then it might be best to hold off on buying a new PSU. Again - it comes down to your expertize. Try not to waste money on something you're not sure of. Good luck!

Yes indeed, I plan on building my own pc next time round, with the help of my dad's close friend(who is a technician of course

). Hmm I guess I'll buy a good PSU so I can use it when I build a PC in a couple of months or next year at least. Can a 700W PSU handle an i7 or i5 CPU + DX11 cards + 4GB(at least) of RAM though? I just want to make sure that I don't buy a PSU and then I'll have to buy an even better one when I actually change my PC.

**Crazyeyesreaper** · June 01, 2011, 02:33 PM

i actually doubt its the CPU causing more strain

core 2 duos actually use LESS power then the Pentium 4s theres a reason the P4 was considered a HOT piece of trash, it ran hot and sucked down power like no tomorrow.

what i honestly think at this point is his motherboard needs a BIOS update to the latest bios which i would expect should sort out his issues.

just because the mobo says it supports such and such cpu doesnt mean the BIOS on the board properly recognizes the chip.

Run CPUZ
http://www.cpuid.com/

go to the Mainboard tab when you run it, and screen shot it. and post it up here so i can take a look.

now this isnt your mobo but the tab should look similar to this

notice it gives me all the info on your board including revision number and bios version along with the date of the bios.

Also the CPU tab screenshot that as well so i can have the info on your exact CPU.

**Bolkonsky** · June 01, 2011, 08:33 PM

I read the convo, and there was a few things that I was like "what?" on but putting those aside - a new motherboard would probably cost you about the same as a 4gb stick.

**SonOfOdin** · June 02, 2011, 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by Crazyeyesreaper

i actually doubt its the CPU causing more strain

core 2 duos actually use LESS power then the Pentium 4s theres a reason the P4 was considered a HOT piece of trash, it ran hot and sucked down power like no tomorrow.

what i honestly think at this point is his motherboard needs a BIOS update to the latest bios which i would expect should sort out his issues.

just because the mobo says it supports such and such cpu doesnt mean the BIOS on the board properly recognizes the chip.

Run CPUZ
http://www.cpuid.com/

go to the Mainboard tab when you run it, and screen shot it. and post it up here so i can take a look.

now this isnt your mobo but the tab should look similar to this

notice it gives me all the info on your board including revision number and bios version along with the date of the bios.

Also the CPU tab screenshot that as well so i can have the info on your exact CPU.

Ok mate, here's the pic :

I just formatted my pc btw, but I had this problem way before I formatted.

Originally Posted by Bolkonsky

I read the convo, and there was a few things that I was like "what?" on but putting those aside - a new motherboard would probably cost you about the same as a 4gb stick.

I know, the cheapest of both both cost about €60-€100

**Crazyeyesreaper** · June 05, 2011, 06:27 PM

the problem is your motherboard sucks its supports 2gb of Memory maximum
its a multi function board aka AGP and PCIE and PCIe dosent even run at proper speeds.

you have 2x DDR ram slots and 2x DDR2 ram slots. you obviously can only use 1 or the other. and no matter what 2gb of ram is the maximum supported by the motherboard 2x1gb or 1 2gb stick.

this is an example of needing to do proper research on parts before buying im sorry to say your pretty much screwed. theres no way to get 4gb working.

http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.as...COREDUAL-SATA2

**SonOfOdin** · June 06, 2011, 01:06 AM

Originally Posted by Crazyeyesreaper

the problem is your motherboard sucks its supports 2gb of Memory maximum
its a multi function board aka AGP and PCIE and PCIe dosent even run at proper speeds.

you have 2x DDR ram slots and 2x DDR2 ram slots. you obviously can only use 1 or the other. and no matter what 2gb of ram is the maximum supported by the motherboard 2x1gb or 1 2gb stick.

this is an example of needing to do proper research on parts before buying im sorry to say your pretty much screwed. theres no way to get 4gb working.

http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.as...COREDUAL-SATA2

Right, so how did I have 4GB ram working just fine until a couple of weeks ago on the same M/B?

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