aj_2007

I have 2 slots of DDR1 RAM of 266 mhz on my mobo.I removed my old 128mb ram bundled with PC. Then, I added a 256Mb 333 mhz ram which was working fine alone for three years.Now,I have added a 512 mb 400mhz ram which worked fine with 256mb stick for a month but now my pc is hanging within 5 mins.of boot up,although,it runs after 6-7 retries.
First,I felt that it was a heat issue but then i saw through bios that it was running at respectable 37degrees C at boot up.
Then I removed the old 256mb stick but,the problem was still there.Then I removed the 512 ram and used 256 ram but it is the same. So,please tell me what can be done without burning more money.

MaverickUK

Hi,

It seems the compatibility between the two modules has finally failed. When installing dual chnanel RAM you must install them in a dual-channel kit to ensure compatibility, otherwise there is no guarantee that the two RAM modules you are installing will work together.

The problem with RAM is if there is an issue, it sometimes takes a while for it to arise - atleast where dual-channel is concerned. You must always intsall identical pairs of RAM to 100% ensure compaitiblity between the two - this should be in terms of latency, bandwith, manufacturer and module type.

I would suggest selling the two pairs (you'll probably find they both work if you use them on their own but will not work together) and purchasing a dual-channel kit.

Nick.

aj_2007

Well,None of the modules are working on their own regularly,they often take two or three restarts to run perfectly.I am scared that if I buy a new dual-channel kit will it work properly on my mobo,and if I buy one kit than of which speeds should I buy as my mobo supports ddr266 ram and ram of such speeds is not available near me.

Deleted090308

Hi,
It sounds like your power supply is about to give up. Please post the system specifications - CPU, motherboard, video card, PSU etc.

aj_2007

Well,my system specs are given in the my system section.

Deleted090308

Sorry - I keep forgetting to look there.
That power supply is very weak. Do you have another you can try?

speedster123

http://www.abcd.com.au/motherboard/ga-7vkml.htm

I dont believe your mainboard supports the ram you added or tried.
Clear the cmos on the motherboard.

aj_2007

Well,I forgot to tell u but when I knew nothing about computers(around 5 yrs. Back) ,the same problem occured when I added ram and i gave my mobo to a repairer who took some bucks to repair it.Should I give it to him again as he said that he needs to replace a chip to repair this or should I try clearing the cmos.

Deleted090308

Try clearing the CMOS (just ask us if you want help).

aj_2007

Well,I need The complete procedure to fix this thing.Tell me how to clear cmos.Nowadays my computer is not able to run even after 5-6 restarts,I have not turned it off for 2weeks ,I want to know the complete procedure,so that I can do it in once ,I do not have another Pc to post back ,please tell the complete process,please mention it step-by step.Tell me that how much risk is involved in the process.If its too high then I would prefer giving it to the repairman.

Deleted090308

To clear CMOS you have to turn the computer off and disconnect it from the wall.
Then open the case and look at the motherboard - you'll see a silver "coin-like" battery.
Remove the battery for at least a couple of minutes - then put it back in.
Close the case and start the computer. You will receive a "Cmos checksum error". To fix that you enter BIOS and choose "Load setup defaults" (or something similar) - save and exit BIOS.

aj_2007

Is that all I need to do to fix this.

Deleted090308

To be honest - I don't think so. IMO you need to get another power supply.

aj_2007

I am no able to get any power supply for my micro-atx cabinet and now I think that I have to buy a new PC and dump this one to match the current monster PCs or buy a new cabinet and a new power supply.

Deleted090308

Did you try to clear CMOS?
Yes, the hardware is a bit old. But, if you're not a gamer or want to use the computer for other "heavy duty" tasks I think the PSU is the only part that needs to be replaced.
I'll see if I can find a replacement PSU on the web.

speedster123

Also
Just ground yourself briefly before entering the box, grab the metal computer case . Leave the battery out for at least 10 minutes after its unplugged from the wall.
The other option would be the jumper clear which should be shown in the motherboard book.

I am not a big fan of micro boxes. Everything gets way too hot. The air flo stinks, the power supply options are at a minimum, no room for fans, and so on. Consider a mid tower case with a decent atx power supply, if all else fails.

aj_2007

Well, i've cleared the cmos and i have restarted my PC 5-6 times and all the times it was working perfectly.But ,the question is, will it be consistently be working like this or will start hanging again.I'll try to keep this post active by giving frequent replies,if every thing else seems fine then my problem will be totally solved,and also suggest me whether I should keep using 512mbPC3200 ram alone,rather than buying new one and replacing that with the older 512mb currently used as 512mb isn't sufficient for me.

Deleted090308

The best would be to get 1 stick of PC2100 RAM with 1 GB and use only that.
An example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134171
I don't think the PSU can handle 2 sticks of RAM.

MaverickUK

I agree with eneles. Based on what you said to my reply, it does sound like an issue with your power supply not outputting appropriate voltage for more than a single module - also keep in mind that PSU's often only have an efficiency rating of around 60-80%, this would mean a total possible wattage of 120W/160W (just about enough juice to run a motherboard, cpu and a HDD).

Nick.

aj_2007

Bad news, my computer is hanging again and is now taking even more restarts to run to keep running