[Shylerbrew]

This is a similar problem to one posted back in March 2009, but no resolution was listed. My Gateway MX3225 (running XP) came with 256 mb of DDR2 ram and performs horribly. The specifications indicate it will handle up to 1 gb, but when a 1gb strip is installed, the laptop fails to recognize it. The harddrive begins to spin, the fan starts, but the POST doesn't run, the screen doesn't come on and after a few seconds it just sort of sits there. Likely, its doesn't see the memory, so it simply quits. I've tried a couple different strips of the same memory with similar results (thought the first was bad, bought another one...) When the original 256mb strip is reinstalled, the laptop starts up as per normal.

My original thoughts were that
(1) The bios needs to be updated to handle the increase in memory. I've upgrdated several PCs and never needed to do this, but perhaps laptops behave differently. There is nowhere in the BIOS to set this so perhaps I need to reset the motherboard(?)... thats an ugly thought...
(2) The specs are wrong and the device won't handle actually more than 512mb (the earlier posting indicated the user tried a 512 strip with success), but I haven't tried this... I really want to believe I can bump this up to 1gb.
(3) I require a unique type of memory for this device. I matched the speed/type/voltage exactly, short of replacing with the same brand which I could not locate. Nowhere in the manual does it indicate anything special is required, but then manuals are generally useless. I ran a check using crutial.com's memory locator and it came back stating they did not have memory for this device. I found that strange.
(4) I am really unlucky and really did buy two bad strips of memory. Since other people appear to have the same problem, I'm guessing the memory strip is OK, but I won't rule this out.

I've tried the usual, reseating the strip, complete powerdown and capacitor drain, yelled at it loudly, but the laptop response is the same... nothing.

If anyone has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it. My searches on this and other tech sites indicate that several people have reported this problem, but I've not seen any real solutions. Gateway, of course, refuses to assist as the device is more than 3 years old.

Thanks!

[paul_doo]

The memory is SODIMM 533 MHz is that what you have been tring to install..By the pic I see I can't tell if it can handle more than 1 stick or ram.

Make sure the battery is out an power cord is unplugged (didn't have to tell you that but for future views) be for changing the ram.

[Shylerbrew]

Thanks for the reply paul_doo... Yes, the memory is an SODIMM 533 strip... it matches the original specs except manufactured by someone else... and I used the usual precautions during the installs. The laptop only has the one socket and that appears to function when the old strip is reinstalled. Its an entry level device, so it wouldn't surprise me that the specs are incorrect, but I wouldn't expect that from Gateway. I've had several Gateway PCs and never had an issue like this, but then as I said, laptops are a whole separate breed, with their own nuances (annoyances). I'd welcome any other constructive suggestions if you (or anyone) has one. Thanks!

[LordLacy]

I used Kingston 1GB PC2 4200 CL4 and it works fine - -I put a gig in and it is way better.

[Shylerbrew]

Thanks LordLacy... I'll give it one more try with a different brand of memory. It could make a difference...

[Shylerbrew]

Originally Posted by Shylerbrew

Thanks LordLacy... I'll give it one more try with a different brand of memory. It could make a difference...

Well, I bought a strip of Kingston Memory and much to my surprise, it worked!... HOWEVER, its only showing about half of the memory. I'm thinking that I might need to upgrade the bios, assuming I can find one or this dumb device. Still, Its running better then with 256MB, so I'm half way pleased... Marking this solved as the original problem has been resolved. The Ultra memory was not compatible with this laptop (or else the two strips I bought were junk.) Thanks to everyone.