I run a pc with 1gb ddr2 ram with windows xp. I am lookin to upgrade it to a 2 or 4 gb sometime in fubuary and maybe install vista. Would this upgrade clash with my video card or ruin my motherboard.

Just incase the other componants are listed below.

motherboard: asus m2npvvm
graphics:nvidia 8500gt 512mb ddr2
H D:200gb sata

Yes, it's safe if you check the motherboard manufacturers website for RAM tested and approved. That board can handle up to 8GB of memory.

I've never encountered a PC where Kingston Tech. RAM didn't work.

ok, but just one more think. my current ram is 2x512mb kingston. does my new ram have to be the same brand if i take it out and install new ram?

e.g. the new ram has to be the same brand?

Your new DRAM does not have to be the same manufacturer, as a matter of fact most DIMM providers use the same types and series of chips.
Make sure the timings are reasonably close, or lower, and If you have two slots populated, keep two slots populated. Many MB/Memory controllers actually have to adjust the timings just to keep the same speed if you go from 2 to 4 sticks.
If you are running well with Kingsington, you will probably also run well on Micron, OCZ or any other quality vendors DRAM.
As mentioned before, you may want to check the MB vendors website for "authorized" DRAM, but just because the DRAM that you choose is not on the authorized list does not mean it will not work. Just make sure that if you have SDRAM, DDR, DDR2 or DDR3, that you stick with the standard.

Gerritt

lzee great said:

I'm not sure this point was clearly made with the other posts, but since you already run with 2 sticks of RAM, you are probably running in what is called dual-channel mode. That mode is generally faster.

As your computer is booting up, it should say whether it is in dual-channel mode or not. You can also look into your CMOS settings to verify how you want your memory setup.

=============================
However, to STAY running in dual-channel mode, you have to install equivalent capacity memory sticks in slot-paired groups of 2. Paired memory slots are usually (but not always) the same color. e.g. if you have 4 slots, 2 slots will be color1, and the other 2 slots will be a different color.

For example, dual-channel capable:

(512mb+512mb) + (1gb + 1gb)
or
(1gb + 1gb)
or
(1gb + 1gb) + (2gb + 2gb)

=============================
If you end up with an odd number of memory sticks, or un-matched (but paired) memory sticks, then you will NOT be able to run in dual-channel mode.

Unable to run in dual-channel mode examples:
(parentheses show how sticks are paired together)

(512mb+512mb) + 1gb
or
(512mb+1gb)
or
1gb
=============================

In addition, to be sure you can run without problems in dual-channel mode, your (paired) sticks should have the same timing specifications. As long as you are not "over-clocking" they do NOT have to be especially "matched" by the vendor (which adds cost). They don't even have to be the same brand. But they should have the same timing specs.

I know i might be barging in here, but i just performed 5 laps of memtest86+ or what its called, and i get 10 errors... this would be a justified RMA if i return it back to my vendor right?

GtoX (capt Guns) said:

I believe it should qualify for RMA, if you are not OCing and running the RAM at factory specified timings.

Scrape the 10 errors that you got, and look for block or offset addresses that may indicate the error in the same bank/memory location or cell specific address. Then swap the sticks (if you have two). If the offset shifts to follow one stick or the other, then you definately have an RMAable situation.

Gerritt

Hi Guys,

please help, i run pc with intel p3 650 mhz, after i changed sdram from 128 to 256
pc only detect 128 m,
i already tried sdram working properly a another pc ( can detect 256m).

anybody faced this kind of problem? or any advice what happen in my pc mother board problem or just setting problem?

thank for help,

best regards
Effendi Wijaya

Effendi Wijaya said:

SDRAM? What's that?
Just Kidding.
You may have to reset BIOS before it can recognize the additional ram, you may also have to reload some drivers.
BEFORE you reset the BIOS, make sure you know all of your settings, then do the battery removal thing (as specified in your MB HW manual as well as a multitude of threads here and elsewhere).
IF your BIOS has a ESCD setting, tell it to reset, then try again.