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    RAM Instability

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Default.mp3, Sep 25, 2006.

  1. Default.mp3

    Default.mp3 Newbie

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    I have a Compaq Presario V3000 (V3010US, to be exact), and am currently unable to install any aftermarket RAM without it causing system instability. I'm currently trying to use a single stick of Kingston ValueRAM 1 GB PC2-4200 533MHz DDR2. The stock RAM is two sticks of Hynix 256 MB 1Rx16 PC2-4200S-444-12. The system will often freeze or lock up after about an hour of use; when it crashes, I generally get directed to this page for the Microsoft Error Report: http://oca.microsoft.com/en/response.aspx?SGD=3fdfea9a-b409-4d79-8c5c-ec2804051230&SID=10.
    Any idea why? If it is RAM incompatability, then what RAM should I use instead?

    System specs:
    * • AMD Turion 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-50 processor (1.6GHz)
    * • Genuine Windows XP Home
    * • 512MB DDR2 SDRAM
    * • 100GB hard drive
    * • Double-layer DVD±R/RW Super Multi drive
    * • 14.1" WXGA high-definition widescreen display (BrightView)
    * • NVIDIA GeForce Go 6150 graphics
    * • 802.11b/g wireless LAN
    * • 5-in-1 digital media card reader
    * • ExpressCard/54 slot
    * • QuickPlay button
    * • Windows Vista Capable
    * • One-year limited warranty
    I have all the latest drivers installed.
     
  2. Jalf

    Jalf Comrade Santa

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    Try underclocking the RAM a bit. Then try using only the new stick, and try running memtest86 or something for a couple of hours
     
  3. rockharder

    rockharder Notebook Evangelist

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    It could be number of things.

    Try Memtest86+ to test your memory first. You may got a defacted RAM stick. Get a Ubuntu boot CD and run memtest86 directly, you don't have to install anything.

    Or maybe you should keep one 256M stick in the slot and try 1GB in the second. AMD suppose to support single channel, but HP just update this recently, maybe they have to followup the BIOS update. Who knows.
     
  4. vistastar

    vistastar Notebook Guru

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    I recommend you to try Apacer or transcend .
    You should throw away your old RAM ,and use one or two sticks of RAMS of the same brand !
     
  5. lokster

    lokster Notebook Deity

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    the speed of your original ram must be the same speed as the new Ram.
     
  6. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    No it doesn't. As long as you're using DDR2 RAM, the faster one will just downclock.
     
  7. lokster

    lokster Notebook Deity

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    maybe not on his laptop. =/
     
  8. bmwrob

    bmwrob Notebook Virtuoso

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    Whjy would it not, lokster? In my own experience, the faster sticks have simply downclocked and worked fine.
     
  9. vistastar

    vistastar Notebook Guru

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    Try Apacer , which is well-compatible !
     
  10. aquafinaxp

    aquafinaxp Notebook Enthusiast

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    Help guys. I'm getting a new Vostro 1500 + 4GB ram G-skill. I wonder if the core 2 duo T5270 (1.4GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache) is suitable with 4GB? I mean thaz balance between CPU and RAM? or should I get a higher CPU (like T7250 or uppers)?
     
  11. allan_huang

    allan_huang Notebook Deity

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    Depends on what you do.