new memory not seen by computer

[dandtpaul]

I added a second gig of memory to my system (ASUS K8N SLI Deluxe). The second gig is identical to the first. If I install the original memory in A1_ B1_, no problem. If I install the new memory in A1_ B1_, also no problem; however when I install all 4 512 sticks it only sees 1 gig (A1A2 B1B2). As far as I can tell there are no options in BIOS to tell it there is more memory nor jumpers to set on the mb itself. I've updated bios to 1006 (latest rev). Any ideas?

 

[FlyingPenguin]

Some dual channel mobos only support dual channel with 2 memory sticks. You may need to disable dual channel mode to use more BUT that will degrade performance.

You may need to use two 1Gb sticks. Not familiar with that particular mobo myself. I'd recommend you go to the manufacturer's website and check out their FAQ on that mobo. Also do a Google search on that mobo and memory issues.

Realistically, why do you feel you need 2Gb? Unless you're a professional Photoshop user, or using some other very memory intensive app, 1Gb is ample even for serious gaming.

 

[dandtpaul]

For one instance, 1 gig is enough, but I often run more than one character at a time so 2 would be benificial. Thanks for the feedback, I'll give that a shot.

 

[Fern]

Check out your mobo manual. It'll tell how many/much ram is supported

Fern

 

[dandtpaul]

MoBo suppose to support 4 gig. It's acting funny. If I install the second gig the start up shows the memory as DDR333 but only at 1 gig. cpuz shows 2 gigs installed. If I take out the second gig the start up screen shows DDR400 1 gig and cpuz shows 1 gig (BIOS memeory is set to AUTO). So it's there but something isn't quite right.

EDIT: here is part of the answer, so the system is sensing that 4 sticks are installed but it's not recoginzing that there is 2 gig (4x512).

From the ASUS web site
Why does the memory run at 333MHz if I use four DDR400/512MB memory modules on A8N-SLI?
To be more compatible and stable with some memory modules, the default clock will be at 333MHz if four DDR400 memory modules are plugged on the A8N-SLI. But you still can set at 400MHz manually in the Bios to gain better performance. Moreover, in order to get best performance and compatibility, please choose those memory modules which are verified by us. You can get the QVL from the link below.
http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=15&l3=148&model=375&modelmenu=1

 

[Fern]

What's giving you the idea your PC is only seeing 1gig when you've got 2gigs in there? (I couldn't quite tell from your OP)

Is it in System Info (accessories>system tools>sys info) ?, or

In the POST screen when it does the ram count (if yours can be made to that, I don't have the same board).

Seems to me there's some free proggies that monitor ram usage etc which could also be used to see whats happening, or confirm it is or isn't working

I don't use winXP, so excuse my unfamiliarity with it.

Fern

 

[dandtpaul]

Is it in System Info (accessories>system tools>sys info) ?, or In the POST screen when it does the ram count

both. the system info says 1.0 Gig and the count at BIOS start up shows 1 gig (as well as the memory speed 333 or 400). Also, I run a game that shows memory usage and it shows avaliable resources as 1 gig. cpuz says 2 gi installed tho

 

[Fern]

Sorry man I'm stumped.

When I read the FSB kicked back to 333mhz with the 2 gigs in there, I was hoping the report of only 1 gig was a fluke.

At this point all I can suggest is contacting Asus tech support (call 'em, email them a link to this thread etc.). Looks like you've already checked their forums and such.

Otherwise maybe somebody with that board who knows will see this thread.

 

[FlyingPenguin]

Could just be compatibility. Some mobos don't like some RAM. If this is premium RAM check the manufacturer's website for any info concerning your mobo.

For instance my mobo wouldn't work with some expensive premium RAM I bought (assuming the premium RAM would be better) but then I went to the RAM manufacturer's web site and found a table showing specific recommended BIOS timing settings for different models of mobos that they had tested, and there were settings for my mobo. Changed the settings and it worked like a champ.

You may need to return the memory and get something more compatible with your mobo. Modern high-end mobos are VERY fussy about memory. I recommend you check the mobo manufacturer's website for a list of memory they recommend.