Just received a new RAM

Combine Hybrid

Combine Hybrid

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I got 1GB RAM from Newegg. And I'm wondering what do you do after you plug the RAM into your mobo? I'm a complete newb at dealing with computer hardwares so, I'm wondering do I have to go to BIOS and do something after plugging the extra RAM?
 
You don't have to install anything from CD or change any setting to make it work normally.
Turn the machine on. Does it give you 1 beep like normal? Good. Rightclick on My Computer in windows and make sure it has totaled your memory correctly. If it doesn't add up then it might not be seeing one of the sticks. If you want to check it out further then grab CPUid software and look at the timings it is running at.

If the screen does not come on or if it beeps multiple times then something isn't quite right. Try 1 stick at a time to make sure one isn't bad. Try in different configurations.

Down the road if your machine ever crashes and you think it is because of the new memory then try memory testing software like Memtest.
 
I put the stick in but it beeps three times and nothing shows up.

How do I fix this problem? I got the right RAM. It's PC3200 just like other two 256MB RAM.
 
Try just the new ram first. Does it turn on? If so then put the new ram in the first slots and the small 256mb sticks after it.

What kind of CPU do you have? FYI it's possible that 4 sticks of ram can bring memory speed down (depending on your system). Generally down one step to DDR333 from DDR400. After you get the memory and PC working, download CPUid and double check it is running at the correct speed. 200MHz (actual speed) DDR400 (rated speed) PC3200 (bandwidth rating)
 
i wouldnt use the 256 sticks with a gig stick. also it is possible like asus said for the speed of the gig stick to be slower depending on the speed of the 256 sticks
 
I have tried plugging in the 1GB RAM only, but it makes three beep sounds and nothing shows up. And also tried other 256 RAMs after 1GB RAM in order.

I have Intel Pentium 4, 3.20GHz
 
so if they dont work by themselves it might be defective ram, try to test in a different system first before you do anything
 
Combine Hybrid said:
I have tried plugging in the 1GB RAM only, but it makes three beep sounds and nothing shows up. And also tried other 256 RAMs after 1GB RAM in order.

I have Intel Pentium 4, 3.20GHz
Click to expand...

Sure they are you've pulled them deep enough? also remember that memory sticks are highly sensetive to static electricity, so they could be defective already.

What exactly did you buy from Newegg, link?
 
Corsair Value Select 164 pin PC3200

The first time when I tried to insert the 1GB RAM, I disconnect power supply and everything.
 
what mobo do you have? i seen a few that wont accept that large of a stick
 
Combine Hybrid said:
I've tried CPUid and for some reason it's not detecting the 1GIG RAM.
Click to expand...
So you had the 1GB memory in the machine and you booted into Windows fine without it beeping 3 times at you? I'm confused. lol

It is possible that it is not compatible. I mean the specs are the same but Memory still can have issues with certain chipsets and other memory if used together. That is why they have lists of memory they have tested and know work with that board on the manufactures website.

Is it a HP, Dell or Compaq? Or is it one that was built by yourself/other? Do you know the model number of the computer or motherboard?
 
Asus said:
So you had the 1GB memory in the machine and you booted into Windows fine without it beeping 3 times at you? I'm confused. lol
Click to expand...
I had the 1GB memory in my machine and started the computer but it beeped 3 times before booting into windows. The computer wouldn't show anything, just plain black screen.
It is possible that it is not compatible. I mean the specs are the same but Memory still can have issues with certain chipsets and other memory if used together. That is why they have lists of memory they have tested and know work with that board on the manufactures website.
Click to expand...
Then how do I know which memory is compatible for my PC?

Is it a HP, Dell or Compaq? Or is it one that was built by yourself/other? Do you know the model number of the computer or motherboard?
Click to expand...
I have alienware but how do I find out which model number or mobo do I have?
 
That's what i'm confused on. It booted into windows yet you say it was just a black screen. So it didn't boot into windows? (windows did not come up)

Well all memory technically is compatible that has the right spec but there are always a few sticks and machines that don't like each other. Just try another stick of memory if you have to, a different model. The only thing published on memory compatibility is what the manufacture of your board/machine has tested and verified will work. Again, you would have to go to their website knowing the model of the machine or board to look that up.

With alienware I know they have different series like Aurora or Area-51. The model number would be like 6000 or 5200. Something like that. Any sticker on the back of the machine or manual? If you get that I could look up what board is in it and then get you a list of memory sticks that should work.
 
No, windows did not come up. Just 3 beeping sounds then black screen.

And the back of my computer has a sticker and it says an accounter number instead of serial number.
 
I would just see if you can return/RMA the memory and switch it out for a different brand or model.
 
giant384 said:
i wouldnt use the 256 sticks with a gig stick. also it is possible like asus said for the speed of the gig stick to be slower depending on the speed of the 256 sticks
Click to expand...

I agree. For timing issue, those two sticks (1GB and 256MB) will not cooperate. Better to have all sticks the same SPD spec. otherwise they will always conflict and crate issues. So if the first slot is taken by 1GB module better have the second empty, and third slot 1GB to relax the memory bridge.
But mixing 1gb modules with 256 or 512MB modules will crate latency issue since both modules are in different timings.

Combine Hybrid said:
Anyone help?
Click to expand...

Isn't there a way to find out what Alienware PC model you have? Alienware made lots of different type of PCs. I can Google it if I have to, just ask a friend to look around and find what type, model and motherboard you have there. Otherwise there is no way we can help you.

Good Luck.
 
it will be easier to tell what ram you have if you tell us teh cpu which can be found if you right click on my computer and go to properties. also if the ram fit in the slot then it was meant to fit and im sure it goes up to pc3200
 
Combine Hybrid said:
but which brand or model?
Click to expand...
If you can find out the model of the motherboard or the model of the Alienware box we can look up what motherboard is in there. Then if you go to the manufactures webpage and find that motherboard on the website they have a list of tested and working memory with models. That will tell you what should work flawlessly with your board.
 
What motherboard do you have. Older motherboard have limitations on the amount of ram you can stick in them.
 
Where is the motherboard's model name usually located at? I'm gonna just open up the case and search for the model name.
 
Combine Hybrid said:
Where is the motherboard's model name usually located at? I'm gonna just open up the case and search for the model name.
Click to expand...

its located on the southbridge and it will either be covered by a fan or heatsink
 
Normally the motherboard model is writen in white near an expansion slot.
The chipset name is what is covered by a heatsink.
 
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