View original (French)

RAM upgrade issue GigaByte EG41MF-US2H motherboard

Solved
Jonathrashmetal Posted messages 12 Status Membre -  
Jonathrashmetal Posted messages 12 Status Membre -
Hello, I have a PC with a motherboard as mentioned in the title. So far, I had 4GB of RAM (2x2 DDR2 2GB sticks), and I've recovered 2 additional DDR2 sticks of 2GB of the same brand (but not the same as the other 2). I've installed the 2 new ones in the remaining slots of the same color, but when I start my PC (without any issues), the BIOS still only detects 4GB (Windows 7 x64 as well). However, a CPUZ status shows that all 4 sticks are physically installed and functioning (see the attached image). Nevertheless, the 2 new ones have a different frequency than the first 2, and I believe they are "double-sided" (I don't know if these parameters affect support by the system?). I've read various posts on other forums, but I'd prefer to ask my question here, backed up with the screenshot.
Do I need to do something specific in the BIOS?
Thanks in advance for your clarifications!
Jonathan
\m/ \m/

6 réponses

Réponse 1 / 6
Jonathrashmetal Posted messages 12 Status Membre 3
 
Hello everyone, so I completely reinstalled Windows 7 64bits: now when I do a "msinfo32" it indicates 8GB of physical RAM installed but only 4GB available (before, it only showed 4GB of physical installed)


I also updated the BIOS of my Gigabyte EG41MF-US2H REV 1.0 motherboard (upgrading from version F2 to the latest available F5, using the "Q-utility", flash OK but it didn’t change anything regarding the memory, still detecting 4GB)

I think I’ve done everything now, too bad, I will stay with 4GB until I change my PC.

See you and have a good weekend!

--
Jonathan
\m/ \m/
1
Réponse 2 / 6
flo88 Posted messages 28665 Registration date   Status Contributeur Last intervention   Ambassadeur 5 159
 
Hello
If CPUZ detects all 4 sticks, then it's a Windows issue; let's explore various possibilities: https://www.commentcamarche.net/faq/41021-windows-detecte-3-go-pour-4-go-reellement-installe

--
Hello to you
0
Jonathrashmetal Posted messages 12 Status Membre 3
 
Thank you flo88, I will check your links and keep you updated.
0
Réponse 3 / 6
vieu bison boiteu Posted messages 44334 Registration date   Status Contributeur Last intervention   Ambassadeur 3 591
 
Hi Jonathan

.
 the BIOS still only detects 4 GB
.
perform a ClearCMOS
with the power off (or unplugged), remove the battery from the motherboard for 20 seconds
put it back together and restart

otherwise, try each of your two sticks individually, see what that gives

see you
no links on the webpage in English, I'm already flying solo enough
0
flo88 Posted messages 28665 Registration date   Status Contributeur Last intervention   5 159
 
If CPUZ "sees" the 8 GB, it means that the BIOS sees them as well...
0
Réponse 4 / 6
Jonathrashmetal Posted messages 12 Status Membre 3
 
Hello again, thanks to old bison box for the reply.
Attached is photo 1 of the "working" configuration (original sticks in slots DDR2_1 and DDR2_3 of the motherboard) + in attachment 2 the "photo" of the Memory Testing at PC startup (which is the same as what I saw during my attempts in my first message)
I tested removing the 2 original sticks and replacing them with the 2 new ones (in the same yellow slots, then putting them in the red ones) => the PC does not start properly, it keeps rebooting after 10 seconds with a completely black screen (no beeps or any indication).
I tried clearing the CMOS, no more effective...
I checked on the Gigabyte site for the configuration table (3rd and 4th screenshots), it seems to say that when putting in 4 sticks they must be "single-sided" whereas mine (the 2 originals + the 2 new ones) are all "double-sided"... But that doesn't explain why the 2 new "alone" are not recognized... Yet these sticks seem to be "active," see the CPUZ screenshot from the original message...
I will redo some cross tests, but in my opinion, it comes from the fact that the 4 sticks are not identical... Otherwise, at worst, I'll invest in 2x4GB DDR2 sticks (around 30 euros each), I want my 8GB of RAM :D
Thanks again for your help!









Jonathan
\m/ \m/
0
Jonathrashmetal Posted messages 12 Status Membre 3
 
Last test (KO): I put the 2 original sticks in the slots side by side (in DDR2_1 -yellow- and DDR2_2 -red-) and the 2 additional sticks in the other 2 slots (DDR2_3 -yellow- and DDR2_4 -red-): the PC does not start properly, reboots after 10 seconds, no display or beep.
I checked the list of RAM compatible with my motherboard on the manufacturer's website, I didn't find any match with my "new" Hynix/Hyundai 2GB sticks for DDR2 800 (my motherboard), however, the 2GB Kingston is well referenced...
So, I put the 4 sticks back in the initial configuration, Windows starts normally, I just ran CPUZ again, I have 8GB recognized (the same CPUZ report as in my first message), but Windows only detects 4GB...
Oh well, I'll give up for tonight..
0
flo88 Posted messages 28665 Registration date   Status Contributeur Last intervention   5 159
 
In general, reinstalling Windows is necessary to fix this issue.
0
Jonathrashmetal Posted messages 12 Status Membre 3 > flo88 Posted messages 28665 Registration date   Status Contributeur Last intervention  
 
Thanks, I had actually started a "memory diagnostic" before Windows started -> "your computer has a memory problem, contact your manufacturer" haha!
Anyway, I was planning to do it soon, so I guess I have to :)
0
Réponse 5 / 6
Jonathrashmetal Posted messages 12 Status Membre 3
 
Well, in the end, after searching a bit more, other people have the same issue as me, and apparently it comes from the fact that we can't fill the 4 DDR2 slots with "double-sided" sticks... ("design flaw"?)

https://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,546.0.html

The only solution: use 2 sticks of 4GB in the DDR2_1 and DDR2_3 slots (the yellow ones) of this motherboard...

I'm closing the topic.

--
Jonathan
\m/ \m/
0
vieu bison boiteu Posted messages 44334 Registration date   Status Contributeur Last intervention   3 591
 
OK
see you+
0
Réponse 6 / 6
Djo La Force Posted messages 22035 Status Contributeur 1 839
 
Hi

Yeah, that's what's written.. Nothing surprising on an old motherboard, don't worry....

--
The Force is like computers, its actions are unpredictable.
0
Jonathrashmetal
 
Hi Djo La Force. I went by Montgallet this afternoon, the little Asians told me that a 4GB DDR2 stick is very rare... and all the 2GB DDR2 sticks are double-sided... since I need single-sided ones to fill all 4 slots at the same time, well, I'm in trouble...
0
vieu bison boiteu Posted messages 44334 Registration date   Status Contributeur Last intervention   3 591
 
what is written in the image Dual Channel Memory Configuration
0
flo88 Posted messages 28665 Registration date   Status Contributeur Last intervention   5 159
 
As it needs single-sided RAM to fill all 4 slots at the same time, I'm stuck...

I'm still very skeptical about this point, because it's normally the opposite. What you call single-sided RAM is indeed with memory chips soldered on one side only, right?
This type of RAM requires 256-bit addressing from the memory controller, and indeed, on older models (128 bits), or when installing 4 such RAM sticks, there are issues depending on the chipsets.

And back to the CPUZ capture, it clearly shows the 8 GB ................
So, it means that in a certain configuration, it works perfectly. CPUZ interrogates the hardware layer through the registry, so if it detects the 4 sticks, it's because there is NO hardware issue.
The problem is Windows, which does not see the totality; this is a classic case, a near-constant for instance with pirated versions, but not only that, and a reinstall usually fixes everything.

In short, for me, this problem does not exist, I will no longer participate in the discussion.
0
Jonathrashmetal Posted messages 12 Status Membre 3 > flo88 Posted messages 28665 Registration date   Status Contributeur Last intervention  
 
Thank you Flo88 for these clarifications, indeed CPUZ sees the 8 GB... I will attempt a complete reinstallation of my Windows (it shouldn't be long...) and I will let you know how it goes.
0