FE31M: BlackScreen after RAM upgrade

[Oegen88]

Hi there,

I just bought 2 new RAM.
1x 2GB Kingston DDR2, 667 Mhz
1x 1GB Kingston DDR2, 667 Mhz

If i put them into my notebook and restart the computer it first seems to be fine, BIOS recognized the RAM and i can see the XP Pro (32bit) Bootscreen, but after the Bootscreen the screen stays black, although i can hear the start sound from the notebook. I can use the computer, but i have no screen (music works) and i also hear the shutdown sound.


I tried my old 512 MB RAM combinated with both of the new RAMs.
2,5 GB worked well, and 1,5 GB also.
The new RAM aren't broken or something else.

What can I do, please help

greets

Bati

[Thalamus.]

Hi Bati,

welcome to Club VAIO..

Does your Vaio boot and the screen display correctly with the following..

1, The original 512mb RAM only.?

2, The new Kingston 1GB RAM only.?

3, The new Kingston 2GB RAM only.?

[rich912]

Hi Bati,

As the FE31M only officially supports a max. of 1GB per slot it is hardly surprising that you are experiencing difficulties. Try 1GB per slot, or stick with 1.5GB total and send the 2GB module back...

[Oegen88]

So I tried following combination:

Originally: 2x 512 MB everthing alright
Just 1x 1024 MB everthing alright
1x 1024 + 1x 512 MB everthing alright
Just 1x 2048 MB !!!! everthing alright !!!
1x 2048 + 1x 512 MB everthing alright

1x 2048 + 1x 1024 MB black screen


2GB per Slot works well, but in total 3GB doesn't work

"officially supports a max. of 1GB per slot"

I think that is because when they released the notebook there wasn't a 2GB stick to buy.
Why do a single 2GB and 2GB with an extra 512 MB stick work?

[Thalamus.]

Hi,

as Rich has correctly pointed out 2gb of RAM the maximum that Sony state is supported by your Vaio.

Some people have tried increasing beyond the maximum RAM (at there own risk) on their Vaio's sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't - hence the fact that your FE runs with 2.5gb but obviously 3GB is a step to far.

I suggest you stick within the 2x 1GB limit but if you wish to exceed Sony's guidelines then the risk is your to take..

[Oegen88]

Thank you for your advice.
But I rather want to know if there is a way to make it work.
Maybe a BIOS update, a newer version of the graphic driver or something else.
I don't understand why the BIOS recognized the hole 3 GBs but Windows XP (which can handle up to 3,25 GB) can't handle with it.

[Thalamus.]

You're welcome..

But I rather want to know if there is a way to make it work.

None that I'm aware of..

[rich912]

The architecture of the motherboard, i.e. the chipset, determines the amount of RAM that can reliably be addressed. This has nothing to do with what size modules were available at the time of manufacture or the operating system.

Yes, you may find that a machine will recognise more RAM than recommended but as this has not been tested there is no guarantee that it will either enhance performance or provide a reliable system...