51 replies to this topic

[MikeBoa]

Hi, hopefully quick & easy question: is it ok to put in 4 sticks of 512mb memory into this board? The manual really doesn't show this as an option, though it implies it. Had 2 - 512mb in 2 of the slots & bought another 2 for the other 2 slots, then trouble. Thanks!

[jephree]

The board should support the numbers. But there are other issues to consider. First off what is the trouble? No boot? Is the speed all the same? Are the brands all the same?

[MikeBoa]

thanks, that was quick! sorry I didn't elaborate on that - yes, all exactly same samsung speed.
looks like I got a bad one of the new 2. windows memory diagnostics disk wouldn't even run w/ that one, but fine w/ others..
will return it (hopefully).

[jephree]

Most RAM has a lifetime warranty. Just the hassle of the RMA. If it was a package of two they will replace the package and not the one stick in most cases.

[MikeBoa]

in this case it was sold individually - only about $12.50 a stick. has really come down in price. which might be especially good since now I can't find their required invoice & have to request one from them - online dealer. I did see something that I wondered about. if I have hyperthreading turned on in the BIOS (have a Pentium 4 - 3.2G - LGA775 CPU), is it still ok to have 4 sticks of same memory in slots 1-4 instead of just 2 in slots 1 & 3?

[jephree]

Having read the manual I see no such limitations regarding hyperthreading. They do however note that when using four sticks they should all be identical. Brand and speed.

[MikeBoa]

I have a custom built (by someone else) computer, & think there's something wrong with something. Does anybody have any recommends for software to test the components (like MB, power supply, CPU, etc) that doesn't cost a fortune? Also, I have abit uGuru that came with my AL8 MB. Does it have any hardware tests on it? Thanks!

[8210GUY]

TBH there are next to no applications to test hardware in that way, the only exceptions are ram and hard drives, everything else has to be diagnosed via troubleshooting and experimenting trying to provoke reactions to confirm suspicions etc. The greatest set of tools on a disk is the UBCD, it has a massive amount of utility's for many purposes, so if you want to get all you can in the way of tools this disk will probably cover nearly everything you'll need, but of course this doesn't mean there aren't other tools on the same line, but it's a very convenient way to get them all in one place. As to your problem(s) we will need to know a lot more to be able to help you, we will need to know what components you have, what symptoms your having, any error messages etc, the more you can tell us the more likely we can steer you to your solution.

[MikeBoa]

thanks again for the info! supposed to be the same brand - Samsung - though on the original 2 sticks I got from the same online vendor back in 2006 the stickers directly on the modules say "Major Brand" though says Samsung on their invoice; &, on these latest 2 sticks from them the stickers on them say Samsung.

[jephree]

Do three sticks work? If so what exactly happens if you try all 4?

[MikeBoa]

I tried all different combos, but never 3 - just two at a time & the one stick wouldn't even boot the machine. I've already sent it back with an RMA, but now I've had problems with the system/computer freezing & crashing, & even tried the Windows Memory Diagnostics on the original 2 sticks & that froze. my OS &/or hardware is really fubar'd. I have another thread going on it in this section where I asked about a hardware diag disk. feel free to chime in there (to avoid a dupe situation). thanks much for your help!

[jephree]

Merged topics for better review.

[jephree]

Does your original RAM configuration still work OK?

[MikeBoa]

Does your original RAM configuration still work OK?

ok, J, thanks for the merge. having all kinds of problems with the system freezing & crashing, as I have been for awhile on & off.

a guy built this system for me back in early 2006. basically it's:

Abit AL8 MB (RMA'd & replaced once about a year ago)
Intel P4 3.2 Ghz
Seagate Sata II 1TB HD (brand new)
Western Digital Sata II 500GB HD (only about 1 year old)
Thermaltake XP550NP 430w power supply
Cooler Master Centurion case

& of course the other needed peripherials.

right now it's freezing & crashing, usually after I hear it really rev up. I even tried an XP repair reinstall & a regular reinstall & it freezes & or crashes/reboots on those attempts.

I'm wondering if it might be a power supply problem, or maybe even a problem with the power at this outlet or in the house.

anyway, want to get this posted in case I get a crash.

[jephree]

Are you now running the original RAM?

You can get a PSU tester as seen here just as an example:

http://www.newegg.ca...N82E16899705003

A failing PSU can cause all sorts of mischief.


However your symptoms fall more in line with either a RAM failure or a basic Heat Issue.


As to your testing question:

The PSU and RAM and HDD are easy to test.

The CPU itself and the motherboard become more difficult and are best tested by interchanging known good parts.


If you go to a shop they will charge you more than a new motherboard just to fill out your ticket.


You originally posted this problem was the result of the added RAM. Is this correct? Was all Okay previous to that?

Then again is all Okay if you revert to that setup?