checking upgrade compatibility

[Aziz]

Hello,

I saw a really good deal for RAM that I didn't want to pass up but, I wanted to double-check any potential compatibility issues with my m.b. voltage first.

My motherboard is the Abit NF-M2 nView ;
http://www.abit.com.tw/page/en/motherboard/motherboard_detail.php?DEFTITLE=Y&fMTYPE=Socket%20AM2&pMODEL_NAME=NF-M2%20nView

I currently have - Patriot Extreme Performance DDR2 Bladed Series (2x512) PC2-6400 (800MHz) PDC21G6400ELK 5-5-5-12 Eased Latency DIMM Kit.

I wanted to add - 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC24G6400ELK

Cas Latency: 5
Timing: 5-5-5-12
Voltage: 2.0V
http://www.patriotmem.com/products/detailp.jsp?prodline=5&catid=2&prodgroupid=38&id=580&type=1

I wanted to ensure that 1. there would be no problems with m.b. voltage. And 2, make sure I could still use my 2x512's in the other two slots? I would put the 2g sticks into slots 1 & 2 and then move the 512's into slots 3 & 4 of course.

Any problems with this?

[Aziz]

The reason I ask is because when I look through my M.B. manual it shows a picture of the DIMMs all saying 1.8 volts but it doesn't say anything about minimums or maximum voltages - so I'm unclear.

[Aziz]

Okay, I got the voltage issue sorted out.

Now, how do I make sure my ram is working in dual channel or not?

[Tony4025]

1. Download and run CPU-Z,

2. Click the "Memory" tab, and look in the "Channels #" box. It should say "Dual"

I would take out those 2x512 sticks. It's not a good idea to populate all 4 slots.

[Patriot_Ben]

You can populate all 4 slots as long as both sets are in the correct corresponding slots. Check the motherboard manual for this. You should be running 5120MB of ram and check CPU-Z to confirm you are running in dual channel.

It should boot atleast, the only forseeable problem you might encounter is running the rated specs with 2 kits since these are the specs for 1 kit.

[Aziz]

Excellent! Thanks I got CPU-Z & confirmed I am running in dual channel

I worked out the voltage issue simply by raising the level from 1.8 to 2.0v - according my mobo manual I can still use the 2-512 sticks so long as they're in the proper position which is easy because not only are they color coded but also numbered 1,2,3,4 as well.

It should work fine as they're all 800 ddr2 and

Cas Latency: 5
Timing: 5-5-5-12

If there are any issues I'll simply remove the 2 512 sticks - which I really won't need but I paid 4x more for them when 800 first came out then I am for the 4gx2 sticks I just ordered. I should receive the 4gx2 in the mail by the end of week.

thanks for the helpful comments

[Aziz]

Well, I put my new RAM in. Now, I get no video at all. I switched monitors and still no video. I put the old RAM back in and still no video.

It seems to boot up okay from what I can tell considering I have no video. I had no problems with my pc before this. Now, I have no idea what to do. I'm using this old computer from like 1998 with a 450 processor

My manual isn't really any help at this point. It just says:


"Usually there is no hardware or BIOS setup required after adding or removing memory modules, but you will have to clear the CMOS memory first if any memory module related problem occurs."

How do I do that? And will it even help? Is this normal to lose video?

[Patriot_Ben]

If you clear the cmos, you'll default the settings. Look for the battery on the board and remove it for a good 10 minutes and take out the atx pin (big 24pin adapter from psu), and turn off the psu. Then plug the battery and atx pin back in and fire it up.

It sounds like the video card went bad but you can also test each memory stick individually to see if it is the memory.

Good Luck.

[Aziz]

Okay, I couldn't fix it so I had to take it down to the local computer tech. He got my video back up but said the new ram was no good. After he got my video back up he tried the new ram again & it will not work. The tech charged me $25.

I'm going to have to send the ram back. Bummer. :mad:

[Patriot_Ben]

Okay, I couldn't fix it so I had to take it down to the local computer tech. He got my video back up but said the new ram was no good. After he got my video back up he tried the new ram again & it will not work. The tech charged me $25.

I'm going to have to send the ram back. Bummer. :mad:

Major bummer about the ram and the $25...

In your OP you stated that you were running 2x512's as well. Just out of curiousity, So the tech at the computer shop was able to get this to work but not the new PDC24G6400ELK you purchased?

We'll gladly replace the defective ram but just wondering...

RMA Process
http://www.patriotmem.com/support/rmap.jsp

[Aziz]

Yes, that is correct - he tried several times to get the 2g sticks to work & they would never work. I have their contact info if you want/need it to verify or to ask them questions.

I got the ram via Newegg - I assume I need to go through them to return the ram? Or can I get a replacement straight from Patriot? I can send these sticks straight to patriot of course. I really don't want to have to go through all the return/shipping stuff. That was actually the very first time I made an online purchase for any computer parts. I'd rather just have the ram without all the hassle. I have the whole "rebate" thing to deal with too.


Major bummer about the ram and the $25...

In your OP you stated that you were running 2x512's as well. Just out of curiousity, So the tech at the computer shop was able to get this to work but not the new PDC24G6400ELK you purchased?

We'll gladly replace the defective ram but just wondering...

RMA Process
http://www.patriotmem.com/support/rmap.jsp

[Patriot_Ben]

It's up to you whether you want to return it to Newegg or through us directly. The above link is the instructions of how to do it through us.