DDR-SDRAM Upgrade Troubleshooting

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting issues related to upgrading RAM in a Compaq Evo D310 computer. Participants explore compatibility concerns, configuration settings, and potential solutions for booting problems after the upgrade. The scope includes technical explanations and exploratory reasoning regarding hardware and software interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports that after upgrading to two 256MB DDR-PC2100 sticks, the computer fails to boot, while the original 128MB RAM works fine.
  • Another participant questions the rationale behind limiting the RAM to 120MB, suggesting it might need to be more than 512MB.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the new RAM is compatible, mentioning ECC and non-ECC memory specifications.
  • One participant shares that after confirming the RAM specifications from the Compaq website, the machine boots but fails to load Windows, displaying a "Windows protection error" related to Vcache.
  • Another suggestion is made to loosen the CAS latency settings and check the front-side bus (FSB) frequency, indicating that the operating system may not be the primary issue.
  • Concerns are raised about the quality of the new RAM, with a suggestion to test it at a computer store.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various concerns about RAM compatibility and configuration settings, but there is no consensus on the exact cause of the booting issues or the best solution. Multiple competing views remain regarding potential fixes and the role of the operating system.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved compatibility issues, the potential impact of different RAM specifications, and the effectiveness of various troubleshooting steps. The discussion does not clarify the exact nature of the RAM problems or the implications of upgrading the operating system.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals experiencing similar RAM upgrade issues, particularly with older computer models, as well as those interested in troubleshooting hardware compatibility problems.

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DDR-DRAM Upgarade Problems

I have a Compaq Evo D310 with a motherbord ms -6541 ver 2.1 OS Win98se RAM memory is 128MB (DDR- 266mhz-cl2.5 PC2100u-25330). I wanted to upgrade the RAM to 512mb so I bought two new stick with 256MB of RAM each (DDR -PC2100).I put this two new RAM then my PC can not bootup at all, but when I replace with the old one everything wents fine. I have alredy tried a couple of things this include put one stick of 256MB insted of both 512 and this bootup the machine but stack when loading windows! I have change the setting by limit the amount of RAM to 120MB in MSconfig advance settings but still found problems. Disable system rom breakpoint,Disable Virtual HD IRQ, Force compatibility mode disk access all of this still the same thing! I have also tried to edit windows/system.ini file by adding the entry to Vcache "Maxfile cache=524288" but still problems. If the idea is to change the OS to win XP its OK but i am afraid if I might facing the same problems.
Could anyone advice of what I can do to upgrade this PC to 512MB? Please this is very argent and i don't know what to do next. I will really apriciate for your good responce as it can help a lot of people who facing the same problems. THANKS IN ADVANCE!
 
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Why did you limit the RAM to 120MB? Maybe it has to be more than 512.
 
Thanks For Your Early Responce Ramollari ,yes I Did Limit The Ram To Try To Fix The Problem But It Didn't Work Out. Currenly I Have Set All Configuration To Default. Any Idea? Thanks!
 
Make sure the 2x256K memory is compatible. You did not specify any detail on the upgrade.

IIRC, one cannot install ECC error check if non-ECC is specificed, and vice versa.
 
Still facing problem with RAM Please HELP!

Astronuc said:
Make sure the 2x256K memory is compatible. You did not specify any detail on the upgrade.

IIRC, one cannot install ECC error check if non-ECC is specificed, and vice versa.


I went to compaq website and found all the information regurding specification of the correct RAM to be installed. I bought the correct one and something else change.The machine is boot up fine and it shows that the RAM is upgraded to 256MB correctly, The thing is it fail to load windows and desplay the error Windows protection error Vcache, Unable to initializing device, Please restart your computer. This is happen even in a safe mode. Below is what supporse to be the correct RAM for Compaq D310:
DDR-SDRAM,168 Pin Unbuffered, PC-1600-200MHZ or PC-2100-266MHZ 2.5v
CAS Latency 2 or 2.5,Must contain JEDEC and SPD information.
NOTE: intel 845g chipset does not support ECC memory.

I still don't know what to do, What if i upgrade it to win XP? will this solve the problem? Some one suggested that i should update BIOS but i am not too good in this, Any help, Idea, Comments will be great upriciate.
 
Try loosening the CAS latency to 2.5 or 3. Make sure the fsb frequency is correct (and you may even want to drop it a little just to test). It doesn't sound like an OS problem, since you're having boot problems - though 98SE probaby won't be able to do much with that much ram.

It may just be crappy ram - what brand is it or where did you get it? You can probably take it to a computer store and have them slap it into their ram tester for free.
 

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