adding RAM = no boot

alright check this out,
my computer has 2 memory slots which can support up to 2 GB according to my manual(KM 266 ms6390 mobo). I've got 512 kingston DDR stick and some other 256 DDR snapped it. Recently prchased corsair 512 MB of RAM and replaced the 256. Thinking to see a gig of ram detected by my bios, the monitor displays black screen saying there's no signal and the HD light just stays on. The computer won't boot. What's seems to be the problem? a fix? Any help appreciated. thanks

 

you need to make sure that the ram sims are compatible.You cant just put anything in.Ram has to be compatible and by mixing and mismatching them this can have the effect that you are experiencing.

Try taking it out, put one sim in see how you go.Hopefully the damage is minimal otherwise you may have done something serious to your pc.

 

how would i know which ram are compatitble? The 256 works with either the old and new 512 sticks. When I put the two 512 together the computer doesn't boot. The 512 sticks have the same specs i believe just different makers (kingston and corsair)? I hope I didn't damage my computer too much..

 

Wow, I've never known this, I put each ram stick in one at a time and neither of the 512 sticks of RAM work on their own!!? the corsair single and kingston single stick do not allow my computer to boot up. only the 256 . and I guess that's why the two 512 together don't work either-makes sense. What does this mean? help please..
thanks

 

I always use Crucial. They have a memory selector on their site that tells you exactly what you need, you just select your PC or Motherboard.

http://www.crucial.com/

 

Im just guessing,but I think its a bad ram chip,...try installing only one ramchip and fire up your comp and if windows loads then shut down again and swap the chips and and if windows fails to load then you know its bad.,..dont forget to try installing both slots

 

How much RAM does your BIOS show when you have the 256mb module in place? After that, see how much it shows when you have added either of the 512mb modules. It could have something to do with your FSB speed and the speed of the modules. Maybe like your BIOS has to at least recognize one of the modules (the 256mb w/the acceptable speed) before it will even see a higher speed module in the other socket.

Obviously this is an older board. It may not support faster RAM w/o a BIOS update.

I'm a little out of practice on a few things. That it "Supports four memory banks using two 184-pin DDR DIMMs" intrigues. It supports 4 banks but uses only two 184 DDR DIMMS? I'm a little confused by that. Is this like partioning very large HD's so that they can be recognized by older chipsets & Bios'.

TC

 

yeah, I put the 256 with either 512 chip in, and BIOS recognizes 753664 shared +32 shared for video mem. So Both of the 512 seem working. But, I think what Buik said about the bus speeds is on point. i guess the 512 sticks are too fast for the motherboard and without one acceptable RAM it won't work. that would explain why either 512 works with the 256 installed but neither 512 work on its own or together. I figured that if the bus speed of ram is faster than motherboard speed then the RAM would work but not perform to potential. i guess not. so what i need to do is get lower bus speed RAM?

thanks again everybody for the help

 

Sounds like you know more than me,..adjusting bios is for advanced users like you,...xp is plugnplay no need for configurations good luck

 

not so, its your pc you should know the ins and outs of it!!!!

 

if you dont try your not going to get anywhere or be like me and totally stuff the 1st pc ever by screwing the bios back to the stone age.....

 

Instead of getting slower RAM, consider a newer MB. Make sure that it will fit into your case tho and that the rear connections line up or that there is a new back panel.

If cost is a consideration, look for bargains. I just received a 380w power supply. Free shipping. $19.99 USD and already have the $19.99 Mail in Rebate form ready to go. Sure, it might turn out to be a piece of crap. But, did I lose any money on the deal (provided the rebate is honored)?

TC

 

The ram could be faulty have you tried it on its own or in another computer?