dumb computer question - RC-Monster Forums

_paralyzed_ · **dumb computer question -** 06.20.2010, 10:15 PM

I just replaced the 1gb RAM stick with a 2gb stick. When I check the system properties it says only 1gb, like nothing has changed. Everything else works fine.

So, how do I like turn it on or whatever? How do I make it recognize the bigger stick?

bryan · 06.20.2010, 10:58 PM

Throw linc a bone

brijar · 06.20.2010, 11:00 PM

What operating system are you running? XP, Vista, or Windows 7? And are you sure it's a 1GB stick? Usually it updates the specs immediately. I guess if it's Vista or Windows 7, you might have to run the Windows Experience Index assessment again to refresh the score, but I wouldn't think it would pretend the extra memory is not there.

How many slots for RAM does the computer have and how many are filled and with what size?

You probably already have several times, but you might try rebooting the computer a time or two if you haven't. Sometimes that helps. If that doesn't do it, you might also try reseating the RAM, though I wouldn't think the computer would boot at all if the RAM was not seated properly.

(Have a look at this page for some more ideas: http://forums.cnet.com/5208-10149_10...hreadID=194111 )

Good luck,
Brijar!!!

What's_nitro? · 11:08 PM

Did you put the same RAM stick back in by mistake?

All of the newer (XP and after) OS's will automatically recognize memory much larger than 1GB. It could be a motherboard compatibility issue. Do you happen to know what make/model motherboard you have in there?

_paralyzed_ · 06.20.2010, 11:42 PM

after reading brijar's link I think I only upgraded 1 channel of a dual channel memory system so have effectively done nothing.

Does that sound right?

it's this computer: http://commercial.asus.com/product/detail/9

_paralyzed_ · 06.20.2010, 11:52 PM

i googled a how to and i seem to have done it right. I don't know what's going on?

What's_nitro? · 06.21.2010, 12:10 AM

If there was only 1 memory stick in there to begin with, it can't be a dual-channel error.

Found this:

http://www.laptopmag.com/advice/how-...000he-ram.aspx

It seems you need to enter BIOS (hitting F2 a lot at start-up) and see if it reports the new RAM size, then save it manually as the system (for some reason???) doesn't save the changes on it's own.

What's_nitro? · 06.21.2010, 12:11 AM

Here's a video, too.

http://www.laptopmag.com/advice/how-...n=1&mode=video

_paralyzed_ · 06.21.2010, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by What's_nitro?

If there was only 1 memory stick in there to begin with, it can't be a dual-channel error.

Found this:

http://www.laptopmag.com/advice/how-...000he-ram.aspx

It seems you need to enter BIOS (hitting F2 a lot at start-up) and see if it reports the new RAM size, then save it manually as the system (for some reason???) doesn't save the changes on it's own.

I now have 2 gigs. Thanks Whats_nitro !!

What will more ram do for me? Am I just cooler now?

What's_nitro? · 06.21.2010, 12:35 AM

You are definitely much cooler now!

Unless the chip you put in also has a faster clock speed, I'm afraid you wont see a large performance boost. If you open a ton of programs, or play a movie, 3D designing, or anything that requires lots of memory then it will help tremendously. It wont be faster, per say, but there will be no lag where the system would usually resort to using the page file because RAM was full.

_paralyzed_ · 06.21.2010, 12:44 AM

everything seems just a little smoother, maybe i'm just hoping.

What's_nitro? · 06.21.2010, 12:51 AM

It may be a faster chip. Does the packaging say what the clock speed is? Do you know (or does it say on the stick) what the speed of the old memory is? It would be expressed in MHz.

Let me know if I'm underestimating your computer prowess...

_paralyzed_ · 06.21.2010, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by What's_nitro?

Let me know if I'm underestimating your computer prowess...

overestimating!!

I'm just happy when it turns on

I really do desire to know more I just haven't given it any time.

A buddy of mine just came by and installed the chip, he had it in an unused laptop. I have no idea on the specs.

It was free!

PBO · 06.21.2010, 06:22 AM

Harold, there's a budding young IT expert looking for practical experience (he's looking for money too!) in a neighbouring thread

Get rawfuls on the job!!

kraegar · 06.21.2010, 06:43 AM

More ram is never a bad thing. It's basically how many things your PC can juggle at once. Things likely are a little smoother, it's like you just gave it twice as many hands.

The BIOS is a needed step on PCs to recognize more ram, the BIOS is where all the ram speed & voltage settings are at. It'll auto-recognize new stuff once you go into the BIOS, so you usually just have to enter and save. It's best if all the RAM in a system matches for optimal performance, but not required.

Tony