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    Help with laptop memory

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by m394byt3, Jun 9, 2007.

  1. m394byt3

    m394byt3 Notebook Evangelist

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    I have friend's Asus F5R laptop, brand new. It has 2 RAM slots. One is being used, 512MB RAM inside.

    I bought him a 512MB RAM memory module from Crucial.com, I have bought a couple of times from them and it all worked 100%, excellent company.

    I used the Memory Advisor Tool on their website, like I always do, I ordered the Asus laptop memory for F5R.

    I received it. But great, it doesn't pick up 1GB. I tested, both work fine when I put them in seperately. Now, I think it might be because the original is DOUBLE-SIDED (small black chips on both side of the memory module, 4 on each side), and the new one I ordered is only ONE-SIDED (only 4 small black chips on ONE side).

    Is that the problem? I just want to confirm and hear from you guys if you think it might be something else. Thank you.
     
    m394byt3, Jun 9, 2007
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  2. Matt

    Matt Notebook Deity

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    So wait. You tested both individually and both worked individually? If so, you may need to upgrade your BOIS so it can utilize more than 512MB RAM...

    Matt
     
    Matt, Jun 10, 2007
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  3. Cheffy

    Cheffy Notebook Evangelist

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    That notebook is pretty new, if it's bios limited to 512 mb that's very strange.

    Perhaps it is a case of the notebook not liking two different types of ram. Uncommon, but possible. I'd contact the manufacturer directly. If it came with the one, and the other is the recommended brand, it is highly unusual for it not to work.

    Good luck
     
    Cheffy, Jun 11, 2007
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  4. m394byt3

    m394byt3 Notebook Evangelist

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    I found the solution. It was NOT a BIOS update. I thought that originally because it was a pretty new notebook.

    I was right, the RAM modules was not compatible with each other. The one had 4 IC black chips, and the other had 8 IC black chips (4 on each side).

    I phoned up Crucial.com and they said that was the problem. They were really helpfull and are giving me a free exchange without a hassle. Excellent service and very friendly. A++++!! :)
     
    m394byt3, Jun 12, 2007
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  5. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Thanks for giving the answer to this problem.

    People need to be cautious about mixing single and double sided modules.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jun 12, 2007
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  6. Cheffy

    Cheffy Notebook Evangelist

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    Hmm, I just ordered some ram, hopefully I don't run into the same issue. This BTW I'm guessing is probably the cause of numerous people's issues with ram compatiblity.
     
    Cheffy, Jun 12, 2007
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  7. R4000

    R4000 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Yep, that happened to me two years ago, and it was a rather costly mistake on my part.
     
    R4000, Jun 12, 2007
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