topic Upgrading ram = crash of windows in PCs & Accessories

Upgrading ram = crash of windows

samySLO — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:03:37 GMT

Hi,

I have a model of Vaio PCG-FR102. This model have on default 256 ddr ram (PC2100, CL2,5). I wanted to upgrade the ram for 512 ddr more (up to 768)with the same properties (PC2100, CL2,5) only the brand is diferent. The first time I put the new memory card inside it worked perfect (in windows system properties showed that I have 768 ram and in BIOS the same.) But when I restarted the system for the third time (approx.) in windows xp, was showed a blue screen (with some errors) and the system restarted. When it restarted there was only 512 ram running. When I check it out with Sandra 2007 (SiSoftware), it showed me that the default Ram was working on full - 256 ram, and the new one was working on half power - 256 ram.
Now, every 15. restart of computer (approximately 15) there is again a blue screen (before the starting of win) that stops the starting of win. This stop is caused because the system want to run 768 ram, but when windows wanted to start there is a breakdown.

I hope you can help me, because it is really upsetting.

Tnx

Samy

Re: Upgrading ram = crash of windows

robpaxton — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:48:27 GMT

If the problem goes away when you remove the new RAM then the chances are that the RAM is faulty. You could try using just one stick of RAM at a time to confirm this.

Re: Upgrading ram = crash of windows

Zagster — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 11:05:36 GMT

Hi there samySLO,

I'm not familiar with the FR102, but if your notebook is running RAM at dual channel mode then it requires the memory modules used to be of exactly the same make and type to achieve stability. Imagine that, for this purpose, some leading memory manufacturers (like Corsair) are producing identical pairs of memory modules which they also test for stability, by running them on an actual motherboard prior to packaging.

Going for a different brand and different memory capacity, I believe, was a very adventurous choice. If indeed you're running dual channel (one of the experts might be able to confirm this) you may never get the stability or the memory capacity you're looking for.

You may want to check this out for more information on dual channel.

Hope that was helpful,
Stam

Re: Upgrading ram = crash of windows

samySLO — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 14:30:09 GMT

Thanks for all information,

Now I have some more ideas what to try. First of all I will try to run the computer only with the new RAM (to try if it faulty). If it is good, I will try to find a same 512 RAM, so it will run in dual channel.
I want only ask you if is there some possibility to disable dual channel function.

Tnx

Re: Upgrading ram = crash of windows

Zagster — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 17:43:43 GMT

Dual channel is an architecture embedded in the motherboard chipset. I'm quite certain it can't be disabled. Even if you could, though, I don't think you would want to do it. Dual channel seriously increases RAM reading/writing speed.

Stam

Re: Upgrading ram = crash of windows

samySLO — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 23:14:57 GMT

Hi Stam,

I read all the article that you gave me and I discovered that probably I don't have Dual channel. I really don't know what is the problem? . I tried to sent an e-mail to the author of the article. I hope he will reply me.

Thanks lot.

Samy

Re: Upgrading ram = crash of windows

Blencogo — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 23:34:15 GMT

Hi Samy,

You are correct - your model does not support dual channel RAM, so that isn't the problem.

I would try a pair of the same make.

:smileyd_oh:

Re: Upgrading ram = crash of windows

Zagster — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 07:34:09 GMT

I suspected this would be the case... if the notebook supported dual channed, it would surely come with a pair of modules from the factory... So I'm with Blencogo. Looks like we're talking about module incompatibility here. Have you tried using on its own the 512Mb module you purchased?

Re: Upgrading ram = crash of windows

samySLO — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 10:34:45 GMT

Yes I have tried to put only the "new" ram (the 512 one), but the problem now is that the BIOS remeber that this one run on 256. So if I put inside only the the 512 Ram it will run only on 50% (256 mb).

Re: Upgrading ram = crash of windows

samySLO — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 10:52:36 GMT

How can I do that the Bios forget on how much the "new" ram is running? Is Possible to do this.

Re: Upgrading ram = crash of windows

Zagster — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 12:11:03 GMT

Hey Samy,

To my knowledge BIOS doesn't remember anything... It recognises memory by checking it during startup. Of course, if the memory is not compatible with your notebook you can get a false reading.

I've put your Vaio's model through bothCrucial's Memory Advisor Tool and Corsair Configurator.

- It seems that for Crucial the compatible 512Mb memory module for your system would be PC2700 and not PC2100:
VAIO PCG-FR102
512MB CT526591 DDR PC2700 • CL=2.5 • UNBUFFERED • NON-ECC • DDR333 • 2.5V • 64Meg x 64

- While for Corsair it would be PC2100:
Sony VAIO PCG-FR102
Part # » CMSS512MB-266SOD
Type » DDR-266 (PC-2100) SODIMM
Size » 512MB
Package » 200-pin SODIMM

Therefore depending on the manufacturer, module compatibility with your Vaio differs... unless they've done something wrong with their website...

Stam

Re: Upgrading ram = crash of windows

samySLO — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 13:07:48 GMT

HI Zagster,

First of all many tnx for your interesting for my problem!
But I don't understand now, I tried many times to run the "new" ram alone but it always shows like it is 256 mb. As I said sometimes at the beginning when I putted the 512 ram inside it was recognized like 512, but now I tried so many times to restart the computer (only with 512 inside), but it always shows like it is only 256.
If it is true that is a false reading, than why sometimes it recognize the right value of Ram.
Maybe Crucial don't produce PC2100 ram and because of this they sell for the compatible for my computer the PC2700 (i think that is no important if the ram is higher Mhz, because the computer automatically reduce it on its basic Mhz)

I think that for now the best way is that I put both of ram inside and run on 512. Better 512 than 256

Re: Upgrading ram = crash of windows

Zagster — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 20:05:47 GMT

Samy,

Please see a similar case in this thread .

Stam

Re: Upgrading ram = crash of windows

samySLO — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 09:35:59 GMT

Now the computer suddenly started to run on 768 ram , but I don't know now what to do now? Or leave it in this way or change the ram only to 512???

I have already check that thread, and tnx again Zagster.

Samy