Adding 1gb of memory to a com.... Helllp!

[untouchableflowz]

I recently received (2) 512mb sticks of pc2100 ddr memory, which is the same as in my computer (except there was only 128mb instead of 512mb), and when I install the memory, then reboot my comp, I repeatedly get the 3 beep noise, and the monitor will display nothing... Any help??? I checked Gateway, and it says my motherboard is upgradable to 1gb of pc2100 ram, but I do not know what's wrong!!!

[Ripper2860]

Are you installing only the 2 512MB modules?

[untouchableflowz]

yes, just the two...

[andyp1]

I would first of all put you 128 back in it's original slot , make sure your pc boots up ok.
Then shut down and replace the 128 with one of the 512's , see if it boots up and recognises the memory and if that worked I would try the other 512 in the next slot and see if that worked.

Install it in stages.

[rallynavvie]

Try each stick individually in the primary DIMM slot. If neither work alone then it's probably an incompatability issue with your board. Which board are you running and what brand/type of RAM are you trying to install?

[untouchableflowz]

I have a Gateway 500SE, and I'm not sure what type of motherboard it has, but on the Gateway site, it says this motherboard can be upgraded to 1024mb ddr 266 Mhz ram... It gives me the option to purchase
I'm trying to install 2 512mb PC2100 DDR ECC registered memory... I don't know if it won't work because of the Error Checking or what...(ECC)

[thayne]

I have a Gateway 500SE, and I'm not sure what type of motherboard it has, but on the Gateway site, it says this motherboard can be upgraded to 1024mb ddr 266 Mhz ram... It gives me the option to purchase
I'm trying to install 2 512mb PC2100 DDR ECC registered memory... I don't know if it won't work because of the Error Checking or what...(ECC)

Does it only have 2 ram slots? If it has 4 then it probably doesn't support 512MB chips. Could be bad ram too.

[untouchableflowz]

Umm, I'm certain it supports 1gb of ram, as I typed before, on the Gateway site, it tells me this... There are only 2 slots, but Gateway says it can be upgraded to 1gb... Do all motherboards take ECC memory, or only some? I am thinking that is what is wrong...

[rallynavvie]

No, your motherboard has to specifically state it can accept ECC memory in order for it to work. Some ECC DIMMs work in some motherboards but the vast majority do not. You don't want ECC memory anyway unless you're doing critical number-crunching or database work. All it does is slow things down, and it costs more than unbuffered RAM as well.

[Josef K]

I have a Gateway 500SE, and I'm not sure what type of motherboard it has

1. Go to Motherboards.org and download BIOS Wizard (Windows app) or CTBIOS (DOS app). Get your BIOS ID and work out the manufacturer using the tools on that site. From there you can use that information to help you locate a motherboard manual. Once you have a manual you should know whether or not Gateway are telling porkies...

2. Never, ever install RAM without an anti-static strap.

[DVD_Ripper]

I've only had that problem when they were not seater fully... you may think there in there but you really need to squash 'em down to seat 'em fully.

[Ripper2860]

Unless it is a server class system -- it probably does not accept ECC memory. Even if it does accept ECC (again -- which it probably does not), it may not accept Registered ECC memory.

Try just plain ole PC-2100 Non-ECC and I bet it will be quite happy !!

[VideoTechMan]

I agree with rally and ripper.....ECC memory is usually only used in server-type applications, not in consumer normal-type computers. And in addition, if the motherboard in particular does not support ECC memory (most do not, only server type MB's do) then it wont work. Use the Non-ECC type memory and make sure they are fully seated in the slot. Usually on bootup the BIOS will automatically detect the new memory size.

VTM