Problem with laptop. Issue = Ram

I get on this laptop and I clearly remember it being able to run WoW at minimum requirements rather slow. Now it won't even run it, and I check the error it is getting, it says it can't read RAM. So I look for min. req. for WoW = 512 RAM , checked My computer says 448 ..... What went wrong here?

 

I assume your notebook does HAVE a 512 SODIMM? You may want to run memtest86 to make sure there isn't a problem with your RAM.

To test your RAM, please download Memtest86 from:
http://memtest.org/download/1.70/memtest86+-1.70.iso.zip

Extract this file, then use a program like Nero or DeepBurner to burn the .ISO image to a CD-R (make sure you use the "Burn Image to Disc" option, rather than dragging and dropping the ISO onto a CD).

Once the CD-R has burned, boot your computer off of this CD-R (you may have to go into your BIOS to change the DVD boot priority to number one). Memtest will run continually until you press "Escape" to stop it. Most techs suggest letting it run for at least 4 hours.

There will be an error-readout in the lower-right corner of the information display.

 

Only problem I see there: I don't have blank CD's.

I left my computer at home and brought this laptop with me. It's not even mine. So if there isnt really a quick solution, then I say screw it ... Just won't be able to figure out whats wrong unless i run that test I assume, because it DID work, now it doesnt.

 

There is an in-windows Memtest utility at:
http://hcidesign.com/memtest/

It isn't as thorough as Memtest86, but it should do the trick, at least.

 

I ran the test, and it completed to 500% with ZERO errors. So.... why am i at 448?

 

Maybe try reseating, but that's a strange one.

 

512 (your RAM) - 448 (available RAM) = 64 (video RAM stolen from system RAM)

 

The 64 MB loss will be used for the integrated graphics (Video/Display Memory).....

 

I think I have a similar problem on a Toshiba Satellite A215-S4697 that I
just bought for my daughter. The specs on the machine say it should have
1024 MB DDR2 SDRAM, but when I look at the Control Panel or run the Manager
it says that the machine just has 894 MB.

Could that be a video card thing or something similar? I got MemTest and
will run it, but this machine is new enough that I can return it if something is
not right.

Help!

 

thiah since your comuper has ATI X1200 graphic card that has no dedicated memory it uses system memory instead.

 

zoidbergslo,

Thanks for the quick response. Makes sense and I figured it was probably
that, but just wanted to make sure.

I ran MemTest and had no problems there. You might know this question,
is the 1,024 that's in my daughter's notebook one stick or two? Only
answer this if you know it off the top of your head, as I can look if
necessary.

Thanks again,


Tniah

 

If you have not explicitly opted for 1 stick, it would be 2 sticks of 512 MB each......