Problems installing RAM

[zeidman]

I am trying to upgrade the RAM in my computer from 512MB to 1GB.

I have 3 slots on my motherboard and after doing Crucial's memory
scan and looking at their recommendations I decided to add one 512MB
RAM module to my two existing 256MB modules. I first put it into the
third and only empty slot and turned the computer on. It booted up fine
but reported that there was still only 512MB. I moved the new 512MB to
the first slot and one of the 256MB to the third slot. This time it
reported that there was 768MB or RAM. At least I know that the new RAM
works.

I am wondering if there is a problem with the third slot. Is there
anyway of finding out about this? One thing I did notice was the inside
of the computer was extremely dusty. Is there a safe way of cleaning
it? Could it be that some dust is blocking one of the connections in
the third slot? (It has been open the whole time I have had the
computer)

Thanks for any help

David

 

[Jan Alter]

I am trying to upgrade the RAM in my computer from 512MB to 1GB.

I have 3 slots on my motherboard and after doing Crucial's memory
scan and looking at their recommendations I decided to add one 512MB
RAM module to my two existing 256MB modules. I first put it into the
third and only empty slot and turned the computer on. It booted up fine
but reported that there was still only 512MB. I moved the new 512MB to
the first slot and one of the 256MB to the third slot. This time it
reported that there was 768MB or RAM. At least I know that the new RAM
works.

I am wondering if there is a problem with the third slot. Is there
anyway of finding out about this? One thing I did notice was the inside
of the computer was extremely dusty. Is there a safe way of cleaning
it? Could it be that some dust is blocking one of the connections in
the third slot? (It has been open the whole time I have had the
computer)

Thanks for any help

David

The best way to find out if your particular RAM chip will work in that
slot is to check the mb manual and read if it's OK for that size chip to
work in the slot. Manufacturers design their mb's to work with certain RAM
chip configurations, and placing that size or type chip in that particular
slot might be a problem. Go to the mb maker's web site, download the manual.
If it pans out that your mb can handle the chip then it is plausible
that dust could be the culprit to making a good electrical connection.
First, with a magnifying glass, inspect the slot to see if there might
visually be anything messing up a connection. Blow the slot clean with
compressed air that you could pick up from Radio Shack or a photo dealer and
try the chip again. Additionally, you might simply get positive results by
just reseating the chip.