10 replies to this topic

[leader2]

Hi. I appreciate any help anyone here can give in advance. Sorry for the length of this post, but I tried to thoroughly explain the problem. I am not technical so please use laymens terms when replying. Thanks for your understanding.

 

I have a refurbished older computer (HP Compaq 8200 Elite CMT, Intel Core i5-2400, 3.10GHz) that had 7 gb of ram and Windows 10 pro. I browse the internet a lot and at times have quite a few tabs open or at times have had more than one browser open. I  noticed the memory usage peaking at 90% at times and the computer would be slow. I try to limit the browser tabs more now but the memory usage would still spike and the computer would at times freeze. I thought a memory upgrade would help so I checked this specs at this site https://www.memoryst...eMinitower.html. The info said I could use up to 32 gb in my computer so I thought an 8 gb upgrade would be no issue.

 

I then purchased a 8GB PC3-12800 Desktop DDR3 1600 MHz Non ECC 240-Pin DIMM from this link https://www.ebay.com/itm/A-Tech-8GB-PC3-12800-Desktop-DDR3-1600-MHz-Non-ECC-240-Pin-DIMM-Memory-RAM-1x-8G/321872623406?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 

 

When I received the memory, I opened the case and found my computer had one 4gb and three 1gb sticks (all with a rating of 10600). I took out one of the 1gb sticks and installed the new 8gb stick. At first when I turned it on the computer would not go to the splash screen and boot. The screen was blank and the fan got very loud which I had never heard that before. I tried to be careful to reseat the memory properly even though I thought it was fine the first time. When I turned the computer on it said 164-memory size error instead of booting to windows. It gave the same error when I put in the 8gb by itself and then the 4gb by itself. With the 8gb in alone, I then tried to get to the startup menu to boot windows and the computer booted to windows although slower than with my original 7gb setup. I checked the task manager and the memory was detected so I thought maybe the memory size error wasn't a problem. I then put in my 8gb, 4 gb and two 1gb and tried to boot to the bios. I didn't see anything about memory there so I saved changes and exited and then used f10 to get into windows again. Windows detected all 14 gb of memory and when I later rebooted the computer didn't give the 164-memory size error. The computer wasn't much faster but the ram  usage was staying around 25-35% which was an improvement.

 

I had forgotten about motherboard specs concerning ram compatibility during my purchase so I checked my motherboard and found that it was a Hewlett Packard 1494. According to this site http://www.findlapto...tt-packard-1494the motherboard could take up to 32gb ram but mentioned the speed as 1333 mhz. I was then confused though because another site at this link https://www.levnapc....e-manual-en.pdf on page 32 mentioned a max of 16gb ram. That manual also didn't agree with the aforementioned memory site that the computer could take a 12800 1600mhz stick. The specs at this link on page 1 also agreed with that manual http://h10032.www1.h...nual/c02741904. I could not scan the computer with crucial scan for some reason since the exe file would not run on my pc.

 

Even though the the memory seems to be working I am concerned and have some questions.

 

1. With that information being confusing how much memory do you think this computer can really take? 16 or 32gb. I am asking because I had considered getting another 8gb before I read the confusing info and now wonder if the computer would have a problem going above 16.

 

2. Since the 164-memory size error went away with the 14 gb installed is the computer really safe and good to go with the upgrade? Or could the mismatch speeds (a 8gb 1600 mhz 12800 stick with the other 4 and two 1 gb sticks of 1333mhz and 10600) create a future unseen problem? 

 

3. The computer doesn't seem much faster despite the upgrade, even though the usage has gone down. Does that mean I need more memory than 14gb or is it just only the sticks being mismatched?

 

4. If the computer was truly built for a 1333mhz stick, how could it recognize and use the 1600 mhz stick? Will the 1600 mhz stick eventually damage the computer?

 

[Tomk]

leader2,
 
It doesn't appear that the experts are going to reply, so let me at least give my opinion based upon my research and limited experience.

• I'm fairly certain that your system can handle up to 32 gb memory.  I believe that the reference to 16 gb is referring to the socket.  Theoretically you could put 16 gb in each of the 4 sockets... but only 32 would be recognized.  Same as if you put 16 gb in each of the channel A slots
• I don't believe the 1600 mhz memory will cause you problems.  It will just run at 1333 mhz.  however, that HP machine (like most HP machines) are dual channel.  You must upgrade each channel equally.  I believe when you look in you machine you will see two white sockets and two black sockets.  You need to put matching memory in each set.  For example, 1 gb in each of the white sockets and 8 gb in each of the black sockets.  The system shouldn't even boot up if you put only one stick in a socket.  If you put unmatched memory in a channel, the system will only be able to utilize the smaller amount.  For example, the best you can do with the memory you currently have is to pair the 4 gb with the 8 gb in one channel, and two of the 1 gb in the other channel.  You won't get the full benefit of the memory... but it is the most efficient with what you have.
• I suspect that the mismatched memory is at least part of your problem, but not speed(mhz), rather size.  If you, for example have your memory installed from left to right as 8 gb, 4 gb, 1 gb, 1 gb... then your system is only being able to utilize a total of 4 gb as each channel is limited by the 1 gb stick.  If it were me I'd get another 8 gb stick to match your new one with.
• I do not believe that the 1600 mhz stick will cause you any problems.  It can handle the 1333 mhz speed that the system looks for.  If you put a slower stick in, that would then limit your clock speed.  This is not the case here.

As I said, I am not an expert... but hopefully you will find some of this information useful.

Edited by Tomk, 19 May 2020 - 11:34 AM.

[Tomk]

leader2,

 

After discussing a little with people who have expertise on this... I'd like to amend my comments.

 

While it seems that my above comments are fairly accurate, they don't address a "best" answer.

 

Though your system is capable of utilizing 32 gb, there is diminishing returns past 8 or 10 gb for the average home users.  A high end gamer might see the difference, but they wouldn't be using your computer either.

 

For the vast majority of users, 16GB is lots.  The "best" that you can do with your situation would be to install 4 sticks of memory that are identical.  Same manufacturer, capacity, and speed.  I would recommend that if you want to upgrade, you get 4 sticks of 4 gb for a total of 16 (though for the average home user, 4 sticks of 2 gb for a total of 8 would be sufficient.

 

If you want to consider that... you should check because there is a chance you can return the 8 gb stick you just purchased.

[leader2]

Thanks Tomk for your answers. They are helpful and informative. I appreciate your helping me learn about the computer. I feel like your assistance will be a great reference for me.

 

Before you had answered and I had not heard from anyone, I had put the two 8 gb sticks in my mother's computer. They were recognized instantly with no errors/issues and her memory usage drastically decreased. She hasn't had any problems with the upgrade and the computer is working fine.

 

I got 16 gb in my own computer as an upgrade. The computer mentioned the 164-memory size error but this time once I hit the F1 key the error didn't come back. I got 4 x 4gb sticks in that machine now. There have been no problems and my usage dropped substantially. For now it looks like the issue is fine.

[Tomk]

Great!

 

Glad you got things sorted.

[leader2]

Thanks Tom for your reply and concern.  

 

You are very knowledgeable, so I was wondering could you recommend any computer blog reading or website reading sites you have visited that helped you learn more about the computer? I would like to know so that I can reference them in my learning. Thanks.

[Tomk]

Well... there is lots to learn here at WTT.  There are a myriad of questions/problems presented with a ton of great advise.

 

I do not have any suggestions as to blogs or things like that, as I don't read any.  I'm Old.  I hardly know what a blog is and am way to lazy to try to follow one.

 

I do believe that the world weird web is a great place to learn.  However, obviously, you can't believe everything you read.  Amongst the helpful information is buried disinformation, false information, and dangerous information.  You often have to dig for the truth.

 

I would suggest that "Google is your friend".  If you find something that sounds interesting to you... google it.  Start looking at the results and, if you're like me, that will generally trigger another question/interest to follow.  Rinse and repeat until bedtime.

[leader2]

Thanks for your help Tomk. I have been searching online for some time now and have learned along the way.

 

Before I mark this thread as solved, does anyone else here have suggestions as to any blogs or sites? I find that blogs and sites can have specialized information that can at times go deeper than just searching google for me. They might bring up or address topics and problems that I have never heard of. That is what led me here to what the tech. So if anyone does know of any computers blogs or sites please do post them. I appreciate your helping me learn.

[Digerati]

does anyone else here have suggestions as to any blogs or sites? I find that blogs and sites can have specialized information that can at times go deeper than just searching google for me.

 
I think you are on the right track with our friends Bing Google. You should not expect the search engine to delve deep into any topic. That is not what they are for. The search engine is more like the Table of Contents and Index pages of a large reference tome. The trick is to know what key word or words to search for and that just takes practice. 
 
I'm old too, and don't really follow any blogs either. I feel if you start following just one or two blogs or sites, you only get one side of the story - like only watching one news channel. And sadly, like many news outlets today, they are driven by $$$ (ratings and ad revenue) and not the true facts.
 
And lets remember, computers are electronics devices first and foremost. That means they are governed by the Laws of Physics, not opinions. And while everyone is entitled to their own opinions, they are not entitled to their own facts. But sadly, opinion is what you often get at many sites, often driven by extremely limited anecdotal evidence - and it can get ugly. For example, someone 10 years ago might have had one Intel supplied CPU heatsink fan assembly fail and forever more they insist Intel coolers are junk. And if you don't believe the same as they do, insults fly. Or they "heard" Windows Update broke someone's computer therefore Windows 10 is junk.  Never mind that 900 million other Windows 10 users had no problems. 
 
If I am interested in a particular power supply, for example, I will Google that supply and add the word "review" to my search criteria, then read as many of the professional reviews I can find. I say professional because you have to be wary of "user reviews". Look at user reviews but do NOT put too much stock in them. With user reviews, it is important to note happy users don't complain. And most reviewers don't come back after they have used the product for a while to write reviews. Also, users typically don't have comparable products to compare with for proper side-by-side (A-  comparisons, nor do they have properly equipped testing facilities or the necessary technical training for a proper evaluation.

Often times you will see products down-rated because it was a different color than shown on Newegg, the Post Office delivered to the house next door, UPS delivered it a day late, or the box looked like it fell off the FedEx truck. So if I am considering a product, I read the user reviews but I don't put a lot of stock in them, UNLESS there are several complaining about the EXACT SAME genuine fault/defect with the actual product.
 
I do kinda sorta follow two blogs. One is Security Garden but most articles are just re-postings from elsewhere - still that's good to have them in one place and I know the owner and trust her judgement.  There's also AskWoody - which is great for MS Office issues. They also report on Windows Update issues but sometimes I feel their warnings get blown way out of proportion. I say "kinda sorta" because I really don't "follow" either one. I get email notices of updates and if something in the email gets my attention, I may check out the blog. 

 

There is one site I do recommend if you are interested in learning about Windows Update issues, BSODs and more and that is Sysnative. They even have a BSOD Academy where you can learn about system crashes, SFC, and Windows Update issues and become certified to troubleshoot and repair those issue. Full disclosure, I don't do those things but I am a Hardware Moderator over there. While the site may be known for those Windows issues, there are many experts in other areas willing to help with just about anything computer and/or Windows related. 
 
You really need to define your areas of interest. IT is many industries within industries! I've been working with IS/IT systems since the early 70s and two things have remained constant. The first is, the more I learn, the more I realize there is yet to learn! 

 

I'm an electronics technician so I tend to focus on hardware. But you can't be a computer tech and not learn something about operating systems, networking and security. So I've learned my way around them too. I have made a career of avoiding programming but that of course is HUGE! Some focus on gaming and gaming computers. Others on graphics editing. Some on web development, some on network administration. Don't try to learn it all. That's impossible. 

 

The second constant I have learned over the years is everything changes. What was true, may no longer be. XP is NOT W10, for example, so we need to stop treating them the same. We used to need to really tweak XP to make it run optimally. Today with W10, leave the defaults alone! 

[leader2]

Thanks for your detailed reply. You said for me to define my areas of interest. If it helps you to know and advise, my current areas of interest are Linux based on ubuntu, computer hardware upgrades, Windows 10 and Windows software (ie audio and video programs, picture programs and web browsers.)

Edited by leader2, 22 May 2020 - 10:28 AM.

[Digerati]

Well, there certainly are sites that cater to the Linux OS - but I'm afraid I could not tell you which is best. 

 

Beyond that - forums are, in some respect, like local bars. You can get a cold beer just about any where, but if you don't like the atmosphere, or get along with the regulars there, you won't go back. So I have to revert back to my previous answer. When you want to learn something, ask Bing Google. Then check out the sites they recommend. You might find a site you like to visit daily, or maybe only once in a while, or never again.