MicroDuck

Hello!

I am currently having an issue when I try to install another stick of RAM into my computer. I have identical RAM sticks (1GB each) and 1 seems to work fine, but when I try to install the 2nd stick into the second RAM slot on my motherboard, the trouble starts. When I attempt to start the computer back up my monitor won't come on, the rest of the computer appears to be booting up fine (as I can hear everything working properly) but I get no video. This happens EVERY time I try to put more RAM into my computer!

The following is the specs for my PC:
Model Name: A740GM-M | Motherboard Model: A740GM-M | Maximum Memory: 8 GB | Total Slots: 2 (Currently Memory in 1 Slots) | Memory Size: 1024 MB, | Memory Speeds:400 MHz, | Processor Speed: 2700 | Manufacturer: ECS

The brand of RAM that I am using is called Patriot. I know it's not a name brand like Kingston, but 1 stick is working just fine in my computer. Wouldn't it NOT work at all if it wasn't compatible? I'm thinking of just buying a 4GB stick of Kingston and using it in my primary RAM slot, because I'm starting to think that maybe my second slot is bad/not working. My computer is fairly new, I bought all of the components to build it in January of this year.

I have also visited the ECS website to view information on my motherboard: http://www.ecsusa.com/ECSWebSite/Products/ProductsDetail.aspx?CategoryID=1&TypeID=43&DetailID=974&DetailName=Feature&MenuID=1&LanID=9
It shows that there is a download for BIOS and Driver, but I'm not certain if that is necessary or not?

Any advise would be GREATLY appreciate, thank you!

flluffy

will the computer start with 1 stick of memory? if it does take it out and put the other stick in and try to start it up and if it does not and beeps there is a issue with the memory and kingston is alot of money, patriots an ok brand

Stu_computer

hi MicroDuck, welcome to tsf.

the bios update is for Phenom II or Athlon II cpu's.

try this if you will, go to bios setup select load defaults then save-n-exit, when monitor blanks off then power off the pc, pull ac plug, diconnect all USB devices (except keyboard and mouse) and follow usual directions to add the 2nd. stick of ram and press del key when you power on the pc.

MicroDuck

Hello Stu_Computer,

I followed the directions above, and then installed the RAM according to the tutorial thread in your signature. Unfortunately, my computer still presented me with the same problem. :( The video/monitor would not come on. So, I took both RAM sticks out and used the original one in the first slot. I usually have to go about removing my battery for a few minutes in order to get my original setup to start working again.

If there's anything else I can try I would love to do so! Otherwise, I guess I will just have to consider buying a 2gb or 4gb stick to use in my single slot.

Thank you for your help!

Tyree

Have you tried each stick, by itself, in every slot on your Mobo?
You can run Memtest86+ on the RAM to test it.
Patriot RAM is usually good.

Stu_computer

well, lets get some data on how the pc sees the ram chips.
download CPU-Z and run it:
select About (tab), then Registers dump(txt) and save as ram1.txt, and do same with the other ram chip as ram2.txt, then attach the files in followup post.

the A740GM-M has very limited bios settings so not much can do with it.
suggest changing to the following settings then try the 2 sticks...

Advanced Setup-Quick Power on Self Test [Disabled]
Advanced Chipset Setup-Share Memory Size [manual] (none if can be set to this)
Current Share Memory Size (minimum value available)

then save/exit power down etc and add 2nd stick.