[nextman]

Hi,

I have Windows XP Home Edition SP2 with 1GB RAM, Pentium 4 3.2GHz

I recently discovered that my 1GB RAM had errors after running a Memory Diagnostic Tool.
The RAM my computer takes is DDR PC3200 DDR400.


I decided to buy a new 1gb stick of RAM as the current defective RAM caused corrupt downloads and system instability.
I bought a new stick of Transcend 1GB PC-3200 DDR400 RAM but I managed to get into a few problems.


I removed the old RAM module and placed the new module into one of the two free slots however when I switched on the PC the sound of the fan was louder than usual as it was spinning faster and I heard a long beep followed by a short pause. This continued so I switched off the PC and put my old RAM back in. With my old RAM the system booted into Windows normally.


I then decided to clear the cmos and then try the new RAM once again. I resetted the cmos by switching the jumper on the motherboard. With the new RAM in, I then started the PC again and just as before the sound of the fan was louder than usual and was spinning faster, however the system booted into windows and I ran a memory diagnostic tool which showed me no errors at all. I tested some downloads and no downloads were coming out corrupt.


I was then hoping that once I restart the system the annoying louder than usual sound of the fan will go back to normal as the RAM was working perfectly however when I did restart the system started its annoying beeping once again.


The same happens with both my RAM slots. I manage to get one use from the new RAM only after I clear the cmos each time until its next restart. And when it does work with it's "one use" it is always with the louder than usual sound of the fan.


I am completely confused and do not know how to get the RAM to work at all! What I do know is that the RAM is compatible and is not defective however it still is reluctant to work properly.


Could someone please suggest any solutions to this annoying problem?



Thank you very much.

[Carbon]

Correct the memory voltage.

[nextman]

Thanks for your reply.

How would I go about correcting the memory voltage?

[Carbon]

Set the memory voltage in the BIOS to what it says on the memory box.

[4D(Fordy(Ford) Ollie]

While your in there either make sure the timings are set to auto, or set them manually to the spec on the box.

If it's slightly off it can have the effect you describe, booting sometimes and not others.

[zerocool]

Could also be faulty ram slots on the motherboard, I have encountered this many times, my last motherboard had 4 ram slots and 3 of them were faulty. Just taking the ram out can raise them slighty and the soldier connections can be broke.