Why doesn't my dual channel work? Memory Upgrade Problem. Thankyou!

PlayStation · 02-21-2007, 08:01 AM

Hi. I am trying to add more ram to my system. I currently have a PC2100 512mb (266mhz) installed in DIMM1. I just bought another PC2100 512mb (266mhz) to add. The problem is that when I insert the new memory into the DIMM2 slot, the computer won’t load up. Not even to the Bios. I know each one works because if I load up individually on DIMM1 slot, my comp works fine. Is there some sort of configuration on bios I must do before I can add more ram or maybe DIMM2 slot is damaged and cannot read? Thanks!

- Newbie

PC eye · 02-21-2007, 08:42 AM

Take a good look at the new dimm as well as the one you have been running and compare the two. Did you mix a single sided dimm with a dual sided? That will cause problems rught off between the two types of memory since they won't work together. Do you hear more then one default audio beep when first turning the system on?

Another thing to consider is the timings on the new memory. If those vary too much from the original dimm that will cause incompatibility problems as well. The best way to upgrade memory from a single 512 dimm to a pair is actually to buy a matched pair pretested together and recommended for the make and model board you have. At least the same brand helps as well.

PlayStation · 02-21-2007, 11:39 AM

the memory cards seem identical. when inidividually loaded, they both show 512, 266 mhz in first bios screen. can my comp start up with just DIMM2 slot filled or does it have to fill up DIMM1 first? maybe my DIMM2 slot is messed up?

PC eye · 02-21-2007, 08:47 PM

Memory is installed according to the instructions seen in the manual that comes with the board. With a single dimm that would be in the A or #1 slot. If you bought matching dimms with both known to working like you are seeing there a bad dimm is quite likely. When was the last time you used a can of air cleaner to blast out any dust or debris seen in the case itself? If the dimm is loaded with dust or has a bad contact that will cause problems.

bratton · 02-21-2007, 09:37 PM

i thought when adding ram you were supposed to use dimm1 + dimm 3. dont take my word on that, though

PC eye · 02-22-2007, 01:35 AM

With a single dimm you don't use two slots. There is no dimm slot #3 on boards with only two slots either. You would first have to know the make and model board to find that out. A good number of the older Socket A and earlier boards only saw two slots for a 1gb max on many. The Atholon XP models later saw three.

02-21-2007, 08:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
PlayStation New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 9	Why doesn't my dual channel work? Memory Upgrade Problem. Thankyou! Hi. I am trying to add more ram to my system. I currently have a PC2100 512mb (266mhz) installed in DIMM1. I just bought another PC2100 512mb (266mhz) to add. The problem is that when I insert the new memory into the DIMM2 slot, the computer won’t load up. Not even to the Bios. I know each one works because if I load up individually on DIMM1 slot, my comp works fine. Is there some sort of configuration on bios I must do before I can add more ram or maybe DIMM2 slot is damaged and cannot read? Thanks! - Newbie

02-21-2007, 09:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
bratton Gold Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: PA Age: 19 Posts: 343	i thought when adding ram you were supposed to use dimm1 + dimm 3. dont take my word on that, though __________________ ultra xfinity 500w xfx 7900gs w/ zalman cooler asus a8n5x skt939 3800x2 @ 2.0 w/ zalman 700cu gskill 2gb sb audigy4 w/ logitech x230 & akg k81 dj wd 80gb + wd 160gb acer 22" ws & viewsonic 17"

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Video Card 101	Praetor	Video Cards and Monitors	15	02-26-2006 03:02 PM
Can I mix Dual Channel with a stick of 512 ???	Schlicorice	Computer Memory and Hard Drives	3	04-03-2005 07:46 AM
dual channel memory...dont understand	93glouden	Computer Memory and Hard Drives	3	01-29-2005 07:22 PM
9800pro 256Mb memory problem	CloakingHalk	Video Cards and Monitors	1	11-23-2004 04:27 AM
Activating Dual Channel And Overclocking.	EMO-TOCROSS	Desktop Computers	7	10-06-2004 06:40 PM

02-21-2007, 08:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,226	Take a good look at the new dimm as well as the one you have been running and compare the two. Did you mix a single sided dimm with a dual sided? That will cause problems rught off between the two types of memory since they won't work together. Do you hear more then one default audio beep when first turning the system on? Another thing to consider is the timings on the new memory. If those vary too much from the original dimm that will cause incompatibility problems as well. The best way to upgrade memory from a single 512 dimm to a pair is actually to buy a matched pair pretested together and recommended for the make and model board you have. At least the same brand helps as well.

02-21-2007, 11:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
PlayStation New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 9	the memory cards seem identical. when inidividually loaded, they both show 512, 266 mhz in first bios screen. can my comp start up with just DIMM2 slot filled or does it have to fill up DIMM1 first? maybe my DIMM2 slot is messed up?

02-21-2007, 08:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,226	Memory is installed according to the instructions seen in the manual that comes with the board. With a single dimm that would be in the A or #1 slot. If you bought matching dimms with both known to working like you are seeing there a bad dimm is quite likely. When was the last time you used a can of air cleaner to blast out any dust or debris seen in the case itself? If the dimm is loaded with dust or has a bad contact that will cause problems.

02-22-2007, 01:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,226	With a single dimm you don't use two slots. There is no dimm slot #3 on boards with only two slots either. You would first have to know the make and model board to find that out. A good number of the older Socket A and earlier boards only saw two slots for a 1gb max on many. The Atholon XP models later saw three.