Added RAM very unstable

[Kevin]

Dear NG:
Windows XP SP2
P4 2.4
(2) 512MB DDR333 modules.
Added a third 512 MB DDR333 module and the system became very unstable.
Programs would close automatically.
Received various error messages depending on which program was open at the
time.
I tried two other RAM modules with the same results.
I vaguely remember reading about a registry hack to resolve the issue of
additional RAM
causing problems but I'll be dammed if I can remember where I read it.
I'd appreciate any help you can offer.

-Kevin

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Windows XP SP2
P4 2.4
(2) 512MB DDR333 modules.

Added a third 512 MB DDR333 module and the system became very
unstable. Programs would close automatically.
Received various error messages depending on which program was open
at the time.

I tried two other RAM modules with the same results.
I vaguely remember reading about a registry hack to resolve the issue
of additional RAM causing problems but I'll be damned if I can remember
where I read it.
I'd appreciate any help you can offer.

More information would be useful.

- What is the make/model of the motherboard?
- If the "third" (newly purchased) module is removed completely - what are
the results?
- Any BIOS updates for your motherboard (we can help answer this with the
answer to the first question.)

 

[Kevin]

Thanks Shenan

Motherboard is a VIA P4PB 400-FL
System is home built.
When the "third" module is removed the system returns to normal.
I've tried switching the modules from one slot to another, with no
improvement.
There IS a BIOS update for the MB but I have not installed it as it claims
to just add support for high capacity hard drives.
Perhaps I'll try updating the BIOS and I'll post the results.
Thanks again.
Kevin

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Windows XP SP2
P4 2.4
(2) 512MB DDR333 modules.

Added a third 512 MB DDR333 module and the system became very
unstable. Programs would close automatically.
Received various error messages depending on which program was open
at the time.

I tried two other RAM modules with the same results.
I vaguely remember reading about a registry hack to resolve the
issue of additional RAM causing problems but I'll be damned if I
can remember where I read it.
I'd appreciate any help you can offer.

More information would be useful.

- What is the make/model of the motherboard?
- If the "third" (newly purchased) module is removed completely -
what are the results?
- Any BIOS updates for your motherboard (we can help answer this
with the answer to the first question.)

Motherboard is a VIA P4PB 400-FL
System is home built.
When the "third" module is removed the system returns to normal.
I've tried switching the modules from one slot to another, with no
improvement.
There IS a BIOS update for the MB but I have not installed it as it
claims to just add support for high capacity hard drives.
Perhaps I'll try updating the BIOS and I'll post the results.

Looking at www.crucial.com for your motherboard:
http://www.crucial.com/store/listpa...Technologies&cat=RAM&model=P4PB+400&submit=Go

Did you choose compatable RAM?

Looking at the manual for your motherboard found here):
http://www.viaembedded.com/product/Download.jsp?motherboardId=41

It tells you what memory you can use as well - and what combinations are
allowed. Does the new memory stci MATCH the old memory? You may have to
put memory in two slots at a time.

 

[Kevin]

Shenan,

The new RAM is compatible with the existing RAM
Unfortunately the VIA website has a broken link to the MB's Specification
page.
The BIOS update appears to have smoothed out some of the issues.
If they resurface, I'm just going to remove the offending RAM and chalk it
up to experience.
Thanks again for your help
Kevin

 

[Jim]

Dear NG:
Windows XP SP2
P4 2.4
(2) 512MB DDR333 modules.
Added a third 512 MB DDR333 module and the system became very unstable.
Programs would close automatically.
Received various error messages depending on which program was open at the
time.
I tried two other RAM modules with the same results.
I vaguely remember reading about a registry hack to resolve the issue of
additional RAM
causing problems but I'll be dammed if I can remember where I read it.
I'd appreciate any help you can offer.

-Kevin

Are you certain that you need not install added modules in pairs?
Jim

 

[Kevin]

Jim
This particular MB has 3 DIMM slots. Pairing is not required.
Thanks
Kevin

 

[MoiMeme]

Are all RAM modules same make / frequency / latency / number of chips ?
Having not all same RAM modules can result in problems.

 

[Ron Martell]

Shenan,

The new RAM is compatible with the existing RAM
Unfortunately the VIA website has a broken link to the MB's Specification
page.
The BIOS update appears to have smoothed out some of the issues.
If they resurface, I'm just going to remove the offending RAM and chalk it
up to experience.
Thanks again for your help
Kevin

That is a fairly common occurrence with BIOS updates in my experience.
The motherboard/BIOS manufacturers often do not fully document all of
the changes/improvements that are included in the new BIOS version.


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm