[DeputyDogg]

Me again! and, quel su-prise! My new RAM didn't work.

Here's a quick update of my situation: PC is a Packard Bell iMedia 1559. Upgrades from the standard include: Corsair 450W PSU; nVidia GeForce 9500GT; and 1.5GB RAM (instead of the 512MB it came with). The mobo is a RIO NEC Computers International GA-8TRC410M-NF and the BIOS is Phoenix 20J. The mobo supports 2 DIMM slots for DDR2 (240-pin) modules.

Crucial does NOT list my computer and so cannot guarantee any RAM. Other sites offer varying suggestions to the point of confusion. I have contacted Packard Bell and they are utterly useless in offering any form of help.

Please note: I am experienced at handling and upgrading RAM. I have never had any problems except on my own, one PC.

The first time I tried to upgrade the RAM was from the original 512MB to 2 x 1GB (AENEON) modules. One of the sticks caused BSODs, the other worked fine. I sent the faulty one back, put the old 512MB in the spare slot and thought nothing else of it. This is the RAM setup I still have.

The second upgrade I tried was 2 x Bytstor 2GB modules. Sites differ, but most agree that I should be able to support 2x2GB modules. When run together, I got BSODs. When run separately, I had random crashes. One failed memtest, one didn't.

This morning I got my latest module through. A kingston 2GB module. Again, BSODs. I am currently running memtest, but with my history, I'm not entirely sure the RAM will be at fault.

Basically, can anyone shed any light onto this issue. Has anyone here any experience of this computer/motherboard and the types of RAM it takes? The more I encounter this issue the more I feel the manufacturers have designed the board not to accept most upgrades to the point that shopping for RAM becomes a needle in a haystack problem.

As I doubt there is a fix, if one cannot suggest a fix/point me the direction of a fix, could I please get some suggestions for a new motherboard. One where I will finally be able to get my 4GB RAM. My case supports micro-ATX and ATX boards.

Cheers all

[leroys1000]

Check the voltage requirements on the memory.
It may be that you need to change the voltage in the BIOS
setup to match the memories requirements in order
for it to run stable.

[DeputyDogg]

Thanks for the recommendation leroys1000. I think the module requires 1.8V which the BIOS is already setup to provide. However, even if I wanted to change it I couldn't...Phoenix BIOS doesn't allow you to change the voltage supply. Last time I ever buy a pre-built computer

[Greenman1991]

Mate im having the same problem and it is driving me up the wall. Getting my pc being upgraded by a technician currently and he was only able to install one of the 2gb sticks which he bought, it failed to read the whole 4gb and did not boot.
Im thinking i might have to get a new motherboard too

[DeputyDogg]

Just for your information, Greenman1991, after a lot of back-and-forth troubleshooting with Packard Bell (awful customer service) and Offtek (fantastic service) I eventually decided to just leave it and diagnose the problem myself. I've settled on a faulty motherboard that for some reason can detect the current set of RAM, but any new sticks are rejected.

So time to save the pennies for a new motherboard methinks good luck with yours - sounds like a similar issue

[Greenman1991]

Nice mate, glad your happy lol.
I was thinking, if i got a new motherboard would i have to replace the existing pentium D processor which comes with the imedia? Or do you think i could somehow keep it...

[DeputyDogg]

I'm planning on keeping my existing cpu (also a Pentium D)...whilst i do a bit of gaming now and then, I don't really require anything substantial and don't really see that the benefits of a new cpu fairly reflects the often substantial cost. I'm going to (at some point) get a new motherboard with about 4GB RAM (capable of holding more) and just transfer my existing cpu over - provided its compatible...it depends on what motherboard you go for.

[Greenman1991]

Alright mate here is what i have done:

• Got vista installed on my pc which is now working pretty well and no major faults to report.
• I got some new RAM to work in the end, ordered some kingston Ram from amazon but not 667mhz as that speed of RAM doesnt seem to work in the imedia 1559. Instead i got 533mhz ram (2x2gb sticks) and they are working nicely with vista now.
• Only recognise 3.4gb of RAM but that was to be expected as i only have the 32 bit OS.

Hope that this helps mate...

[DeputyDogg]

Thanks for the advice! I may try that. I can't remember if I tried a 533 stick way back but suppose it can't hurt to give it a go - especially if it saves me from buying a whole new motherboard. I'm still on XP but I'm not convinced the OS is causing the problem in any way so hopefully shouldn't make a difference.

Cheers for letting me know! Glad yours is working nicely now.

[Leec65]

FYI XP will not see 4gig of ram you will end up with about 3.00-3.50 right now I have 2X2gig in this computer and it is only seeing 3.25
you need to see what the FSB speed is before you get your ram as there are so many diff ones out there now as not all ram is backware compatable