Averatec 5400 RAM increase?

Does anyone know if the 5400 is really picky about RAM? Mine has 2x256MB from the factory and I took one of the 256's out and put a 512 in. It wouldn't boot (BIOS screen didn't even come up). The 512MB was a PC2700 DDR333 SODIMM, so I'm not sure why it wouldn't recognize it. It was Hynix brand (from a Mac, but I took it out of a Gateway that it worked in).

Does the 5400 motherboard require paired RAM?

I'm confused as to why my 512MB stick didn't work. Maybe I will order one from a site that guarantees compatibility (in case it doesn't work).

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

Sounds like one of the sticks isn't stuck in correctly if it isn't booting up.

I know this sounds stupid, but try again.

 

I didn't even think to just try it again. I do a lot of computer work, so I know sometimes you really have to push hard to get the RAM in the socket.

I will try again and let you know how it goes. Thanks!

 

I'm trying to install more ram in my 5400, but I'm not sure how to get the thing open. Any advice?

 

Anyone? I could use any help I can get. Thanks!

 

I think the 5400 is a litte "touchy" about hardware upgrade.

The time i tried to put 1GB (2x 512) i got problem with the recovery cd, so i never again changed / touched anything.

PS: Of course, i put back the 2x256 ram.

 

Use this site to check for RAM compatibility if you don't know

http://www.crucial.com/store/drammemory.aspx?cat=ram

 

I just bumped mine up to to two 1G DDR chips, my hardware reads 1.8G RAM now.

I gave away the two 256 DDR chips.

I have not seen a problem yet.

 

Details of my upgrade of CPU and RAM are here with instructions.

I can't post URLs yet, so here is a copy paste that might not make perfect sense, but you get the idea.::::::

Mainboard info and RAM upgrade (straight from Averatec) instuctions in PDF below.

You can look up (yourmodelnumber CPU UPgrade) and try and find info from instructions to specifications. You need to go to the manufacturer and look at any new bios and see if CPU support is added (also contacting them may (or not) be helpful.

You might even find the underlying mainboard info listed in an obscure place NOTE: Don't use generic drivers for the mainboard, they won't work right (been there, done that) *GOOGLE THIS "FIC AN5W" to get the generic mainboard info...(I can't post URLs)

I had the latest bios and it was reported on a couple places that this was the fastest CPU I could use, very specific even down to the last 5 code letters of the CPU (BIX5AR).

Even then, if it didn't work I have a ghosted image of the drive, and was willing to take a chance the used CPU was DOA. Also, when first upgrading RAM a few years ago, I saw, cleaned and reseated the CPU cooler, so I knew where I was heading.

My biggest issue was a slightly bent pin on the used CPU. Rather than forcing it or trying to bend it manually, I slowly and gently massaged it into the holder, once there I wiggled it a bit to let the holder uniformly correct the situation. Bent pins will shear easily, so patience (it took 5 minutes of cajoling) pays off.

For Google searchers, It was a Averatec 5400 and the RAM upgrade and CPU upgrade instructions are in the PDF, your CPU will be right there. Take out the fan, then the cooler, and clean it whenever you are there.

NOTE* Though it says 512 is the largest module, I have 1.5 gigs now working perfectly (1G + .5G) The mainboard info says it can handle 1 gig X 2, but I had no guaranty that Averatec implemented that feature in their bios, I figured the $20 risk wouldn't be much of a loss if I had to resell the ram.

Memory combo working for me:

Property Value
Device Locator Slot 1
Manufacturer Infineon (formerly Siemens)
Part Number 64D64020HDL6B
Capacity 512 MBytes
Memory Type SDRAM DDR
Speed PC2700 (166 MHz)
Data Width 64 bits
Voltage SSTL 2.5V
Error Correction None
Refresh Reduced (.5x)...7.8 µs
Manufacturing Date 2005, Week 10
EPP SPD Support No


Device Locator Slot 2
Manufacturer OCZ
Part Number OCZ3331024VSO
Serial Number 00000000
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type SDRAM DDR
Speed PC2700 (166 MHz)
Data Width 64 bits
Voltage SSTL 2.5V
Error Correction None
Refresh Reduced (.5x)...7.8 µs
Manufacturing Date N/A
EPP SPD Support No

CPU working for me: AMN3400BIX5AR (3400+)

Property Value
Vendor AuthenticAMD
CPU Full Name AMD Mobile Athlon 64 3400+
CPU Name Mobile AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3400+
CPU Code Name ClawHammer
Technology 0.13µ
Platform Name Socket 754
Property Value
CPU Clock 2205.02
System Clock 200.46
Multiplier 11.00
Original Clock 2200.00
Original System Clock 200.00
Original Multiplier 11.00
Overclock 0.23%
L2 Cache Speed 2205.02 MHz
L2 Cache Speed Full
CPU Family / Model / Stepping F / 4 / A
Brand ID 08
L1 I-Cache 64 KB
L1 D-Cache 64 KB
L2 Cache 1024 KB

BTW,
SuperPi to 1M went from 56 seconds to 45 seconds.

 

Thank you!!!