Could the ram be the problem? Or something else?

osirisg89 · 08-18-2009, 11:34 AM

So I'm fixing a computer for a friend. It is a Gateway Performance 1400 (manufactured in August 2001, I know very old).

So basic problem is that the computer and motherboard powers on but there is no POST no beeps and no display. The monitor just sits in standby mode. I swapped video cards to see if it was the problem, but got the same results. Then I switched PSUs to see if maybe the power was the problem. I again, got the same result. I then had to swap PSUs again because the original crapped out on me. So my next step was to try the Ram to see if it was the problem. Low and behold, I find out that the RAM is PC800 (RAMBUS RIMMs). So since they have to be installed in pairs, I couldn't really troubleshoot with just one (although I did get a beep when I took one out) and I also don't know anyone who would have that type of RAM or even know what I was talking about. I saw some I could buy on eBay but if that doesn't happen to be the problem, I don't want to just throw money away figuring this out with returns and all.

So does anyone know what could be definitely causing this? The RAM? The motherboard or CPU? I checked the socket and the CPU seems to be in pretty sturdy. I also checked for shorts and I didn't see anything in the immediate area of the motherboard.

Heres the specs:

Intel (Monterrey) Motherboard w/ Pentium 4 -1.4-GHz R2 (Zif)
(2)PC800 64-MB 128Bit 400/100 RIMM (RIMM Continuity Module (C-RIMM))
Maxtor 20-GB 5400-RPM Hard Disk Drive
350w Antec PSU (came with a 250w no name that broke)
RIVA 32MB TNT-2 M64 AGP Video Card R1
Creative Labs Audio PCI 128D Digital Sound Card

If any other info is needed let me know.

Your help is much appreciated. Thank you!

**Tyree** · 08-18-2009, 11:54 AM

It is a possibility the RAM is the problem. RAMBUS was used very little and mainly by OEM builders. Perhaps a local PC shop would have something to test the RAM in?

osirisg89 · 08-18-2009, 11:58 AM

Good Idea Tyree. I'll look into this. Maybe I'll call some PC shops and see what I can do about testing this ram.

08-18-2009, 11:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
osirisg89 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 64 OS: Windows XP	Could the ram be the problem? Or something else? So I'm fixing a computer for a friend. It is a Gateway Performance 1400 (manufactured in August 2001, I know very old). So basic problem is that the computer and motherboard powers on but there is no POST no beeps and no display. The monitor just sits in standby mode. I swapped video cards to see if it was the problem, but got the same results. Then I switched PSUs to see if maybe the power was the problem. I again, got the same result. I then had to swap PSUs again because the original crapped out on me. So my next step was to try the Ram to see if it was the problem. Low and behold, I find out that the RAM is PC800 (RAMBUS RIMMs). So since they have to be installed in pairs, I couldn't really troubleshoot with just one (although I did get a beep when I took one out) and I also don't know anyone who would have that type of RAM or even know what I was talking about. I saw some I could buy on eBay but if that doesn't happen to be the problem, I don't want to just throw money away figuring this out with returns and all. So does anyone know what could be definitely causing this? The RAM? The motherboard or CPU? I checked the socket and the CPU seems to be in pretty sturdy. I also checked for shorts and I didn't see anything in the immediate area of the motherboard. Heres the specs: Intel (Monterrey) Motherboard w/ Pentium 4 -1.4-GHz R2 (Zif) (2)PC800 64-MB 128Bit 400/100 RIMM (RIMM Continuity Module (C-RIMM)) Maxtor 20-GB 5400-RPM Hard Disk Drive 350w Antec PSU (came with a 250w no name that broke) RIVA 32MB TNT-2 M64 AGP Video Card R1 Creative Labs Audio PCI 128D Digital Sound Card If any other info is needed let me know. Your help is much appreciated. Thank you!

08-18-2009, 11:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,472 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Could the ram be the problem? Or something else? It is a possibility the RAM is the problem. RAMBUS was used very little and mainly by OEM builders. Perhaps a local PC shop would have something to test the RAM in? __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

08-18-2009, 11:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
osirisg89 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 64 OS: Windows XP	Re: Could the ram be the problem? Or something else? Good Idea Tyree. I'll look into this. Maybe I'll call some PC shops and see what I can do about testing this ram.