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What to do with a dead ram slot?

zazou783 -  
 ZAZOU783 -
Hello,

I have an HP Pavilion a1600n running XP... I have 4 RAM slots on my motherboard... I wanted to boost my memory a bit, so I bought a 1 GB RAM stick. I already have one 1 GB stick and two 512 MB sticks. So I wanted to have a total of 3 GB... I installed my sticks in the PC, but it only detects 2550 MB... then I tested each stick in one slot, let's say the first one. All four sticks work, so I thought it might be my ports that are defective; I tested them one by one with one stick... there are 2 blue slots and 2 black slots... when I put the stick in the first black slot, which is the one between the blue and the other black, I start the PC and it beeps... and doesn't start, so I deduce that my slot is defective... can it be changed or is it done for?

NB: I ran MemTest86 which detected no errors. It should be noted that it does not detect the stick, so maybe it doesn't test the port?? How can I know if the slot is broken (it looks intact at first glance)? 
Configuration: Windows XP Internet Explorer 7.0

6 answers

  1.
    tribun Posted messages 64900 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   12 687
     
    Hello
    it's probably your RAM sticks that are causing the issue,
    1 GB - 2x 512 MB - and 1 GB
    normally you have 4 slots, and your motherboard supports 4 GB
    are your RAM sticks from the same brand?

    Technical details

    *
    Desktop entertainment with a 2.0 GHz, AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ dual-core processor
    * 200 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM (4 GB max), supports 200 GB hard drive, 1 GB of RAM (4 GB max),
    16x LightScribe multi-format DVD/CD writer with dual-layer support
    * two FireWire ports, one VGA, one 9-in-1 memory card reader, digital coaxial audio output
    * Nvidia GeForce 6150 video card with 256 MB of shared RAM; 10/100 Ethernet, 56K modem
    * Windows XP Media Center Edition - Windows Vista Capable and Windows Vista Premium Ready
    --
    Who loves instruction! finds knowledge that comes from reflection!
    1
  2. zazou783
     
    I saw the specs of the computer you sent me... the 4 RAM sticks work individually... they are not from the same brand... you see, the initial problem does not come from the RAM sticks...

    if I test a 1GB stick in one slot...
    there is only one stick, the others we'll forget for now
    I start the computer, the system detects a 1GB stick
    so, my stick is good and my port is good

    I tried all the sticks the same way in the same port, they all work

    if I test any stick in the third slot from the left, it doesn't work, the computer beeps and doesn't turn on.
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  3. tribun Posted messages 64900 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   12 687
     
    it's that your motherboard has a problem if the slot doesn't work;

    try with three 1GB sticks then, in the other three slots,
    instead of 1GB, 1GB & 2 x 512MB,
    but it is recommended to always install sticks of the same brand.
    --
    Who loves learning! find the knowledge that comes from reflection!
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    1. zazou783
       
      I thought about it!! But I like it when my things work number one!! So can we change the slots? My PC is still under warranty...


      Otherwise, can I put two 2GB cards for a total of 4? Or 2 of 1GB and one of 2GB?? To make 4 in total?
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  4. tribun Posted messages 64900 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   12 687
     
    If you are under warranty, have the slot repaired.
    But be careful about what memory was originally installed?
    Normally 1GB is installed,
    if you added more, your warranty may be void,
    so for a 2GB stick and a 1GB stick, it's not certain that your motherboard will accept it.
    If there are 4 slots, it's 1GB per slot.

    Now it could be that in inserting the sticks! the slot got damaged.
    One question! Is this problem new??
    --
    Who loves learning! finds knowledge that comes from reflection!
    0
    1. zazou783
       
      As you said, when I bought the computer, I had two 512 MB sticks. I initially bought a 1 GB stick, but the defective slot was unused until now... we only just realized it... it was a shop installer who installed the card, so I don't think that's why the slot doesn't work, but anyway, it was a refurbished model, so I imagine the problem comes from there, and if they tell me that the warranty is no longer valid, I'll scream!!

      Thanks for your answers!!
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  6. venusienne
     
    Hello
    you need to update your bios
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  7. tribun Posted messages 64900 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   12 687
     
    use the other three slots,
    because a motherboard costs quite a bit!
    but I can't guarantee you if it will work with 2 GB sticks.
    with two 2 GB sticks or one 2 GB stick and two 1 GB sticks.
    it's up to you to decide! and not to make unnecessary expenses.
    --
    Who loves learning! finds knowledge that comes from reflection!
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    1. ZAZOU783
       
      Finally, I bought 2 2GB sticks and it works.

      I have heard about the BIOS several times, how does it work? I can't access this menu at startup and I've tried all the keys... F1, F2, F10, F11, F12, ESC, and DEL – NONE WORK, EXCEPT F2 WHICH TAKES ME TO THE BOOT MENU THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME OPTIONS AS THE BIOS...

      ALSO, WHAT IS IT FOR, EXACTLY? WHAT COULD IT IMPROVE? I MEAN, I KNOW WHAT THE BIOS IS FOR, BUT WHY SHOULD IT BE UPDATED IF THE PC IS WORKING WELL?
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