[Signode]

Dear Friends,

I have a problem in my PC that as I switched on its power, a beep sounded three times and then stopped. Monitor LED was blank; no any message appeared at it while monitor LED continuously blinked. I opened the PC cover and found that LEDs at mother board were illuminated. I re-tighten all the plugs, checked the power supply but all is ok. Can anyone help me out where is the problem?

[Lance1]

What is the make and model of your computer? If it a custom system we'll need the make and model of the motherboard. This is needed to determine the beep code.

[Signode]

Make Compaq
But I don't have model number because it hase erased

[Lance1]

Two thing's, RAM or Video card. Compaq BIOS Beep Codes

[Signode]

I have checked the RAM and found ok. I think problem is in video card.

[Signode]

I am sorry that I made a mistake during checking RAM. The problem is in the RAM which is 512Mb.
Now what should I do, install two 256mb RAMs or a single 512mb RAM? Which is the better way? The IT tech says that no problem to install two RAMs but I am not sure. Please assist.

[Lance1]

Do you have new RAM to try? How many stick are you using? To run XP you should use minimum 512MB but recommended is 1GB or more. If you’re RAM is bad, get a 1GB stick and install it in slot “1” and put you’re other good RAM in slot “2”

[Signode]

Thanks for replying,

My PC is old P3, 933MHZ for home use which have 4 slots and supports max 512mb RAM. I installed one stick 512mb (which is now bad) instead of 4 sticks 128mb. Now my question is that should I install one 512mb stick or two 256mb sticks?

[Lance1]

Originally Posted by Signode

Thanks for replying,

My PC is old P3, 933MHZ for home use which have 4 slots and supports max 512mb RAM. I installed one stick 512mb (which is now bad) instead of 4 sticks 128mb. Now my question is that should I install one 512mb stick or two 256mb sticks?

You can use either, it shouldn't make any difference. If you have on hand two 256MB sticks, use them. It'll save you from buying more RAM. Are you sure you're maxed out on 512MB? What model is the motherboard?

[Signode]

I have checked by running Crucial Scan that my PC supports max 512MB RAM. I am far away from my home, so I can't quote the mother board's model number. One IT tech told to me that using two sticks instead of one would slow down the system as system would have to read/write data into two sticks instead of one.