My new RAM doesn't work!

[Flogger]

I just purchased a new 512 MB stick of DDR RAM to upgrade my PC. Now, however, any games I play (RTW, FS) freeze and CTD after only about 2 mins of use.
Internet, however, works fine. Any help? Below are my known system specs:

CPU: Intel P4 2.6 GHZ
Motherboard: AsRock P4VM800
RAM: 512 MB before...
Graphics Card: ATI RADEON 9100 128MB

[Lee1026]

Reseat it.

[fatsheep]

So you're running this stick of memory by itself? If that's the case I would consider returning it. You might want to run memtest86 to make sure tho.

[Flogger]

So you're running this stick of memory by itself? If that's the case I would consider returning it. You might want to run memtest86 to make sure tho.

Nope, it's an addition to the original one.

[AlfonsoVIII]

What kind of ram eg(DDR400 PC6400) and are they the same brand, same timings (4,5,4,15) and does the computer work with the new one only, after taking the last one out?

[Shaun]

Are you sure its DDR and not DDR2? Are you sure its the same speed as your other RAM? Anyway, reset it, and if that still dosent work send it back.

[fatsheep]

Perhaps your new memory is unstable at the clock frequency or timings that your BIOS is currently set at? Unlikely but possible...

[Vanquisher]

I have that motherboard but the AMD version and I know that it doesn't work with high-density ram so check it's not that.

[westy159]

If you purchased the RAM online could you please send us the link?

[Flogger]

Yes, it's definately DDR, PC3200. Accoding to my BIOS both are the same type. They are physically pretty much the same too. I tried running my PC with just the new stick, and it didn't work - kept rebooting itself.

I used PC World's 'Collect @ Store' system. Here's a link: Linky

[Perikles]

Yes, it's definately DDR, PC3200. Accoding to my BIOS both are the same type. They are physically pretty much the same too. I tried running my PC with just the new stick, and it didn't work - kept rebooting itself.

I used PC World's 'Collect @ Store' system. Here's a link: Linky

I had this exact problem too, with PC world collect @ store and everything, I still don't know how to fix it, it jsut went away and comes back sporadically...

[sunsmountain]

system memory usually has lifetime warranty. This is just one of those rare faulty ones. Could also be that the memory chips used in your 2 "same" memory sticks are actually different. I.e., one uses Micron, while the other uses Samsung. Look at little chips on top of the memory sticks. They should provide you with serial numbers/clues, that you can Google with.

[Flogger]

system memory usually has lifetime warranty. This is just one of those rare faulty ones. Could also be that the memory chips used in your 2 "same" memory sticks are actually different. I.e., one uses Micron, while the other uses Samsung. Look at little chips on top of the memory sticks. They should provide you with serial numbers/clues, that you can Google with.

Like 'Elixir'? Because both sticks say 'Elixir' on them.

[Aristocrat]

With the individual stick of new ram did you make sure it was in the proper slot for an individual stick? (Check motherboard manual just in case).

As said above, test that one stick with memtest, which is free and easy to use. Have you set the ram timings to the settings recommended by the manufacturer? This can cause such issues as well.

[Flogger]

I've installed memtest onto a formatted floppy disk. Now what?

[Aristocrat]

Restart the computer...in BIOS set the floppy drive as the first load device in "boot order" (or something similiar).
Restart again and memtest should run automatically (insert the floppy disk before this restart).

[imb39]

Have you tried the new memory on it's own to see if there is a compatability issue, or it actually does work?

[Vanquisher]

It doesn't say wether it's high density or not on the site...

[Flogger]

The RAM doesn't work. I tried it alone and the computer just kept rebooting itself. I also ran it through memtest and there was a wole heap of errors. I'm probably going to have to return it. I'll run it through memtest again though, just to make sure.

[Shaun]

The RAM doesn't work. I tried it alone and the computer just kept rebooting itself. I also ran it through memtest and there was a wole heap of errors. I'm probably going to have to return it. I'll run it through memtest again though, just to make sure.

Yes, you will have to return it, looks like it might be a faulty batch or something.