My computer has 2 256 mb ram and 2 512 mb ram. when i bought the pc it works fine. now only 256 mb of ram is being detected. when i removed all the rams again installed it. still detects 256 mb. and if i remove any one of the ram the computer sounds a long beep and wont start. and keeps repeating the beep. if i want the computer start all the 4 rams a supposed to be installed. this is the first i am facing problem like this. other times only one is enough to start a pc. can any one tell why

I would try just one stick. Then try different slots. Or different sticks and slots but only one at a time.

See what gets detected and what does not.

Or else put it all in and run MemTest.

Originally Posted by jephree

I would try just one stick. Then try different slots. Or different sticks and slots but only one at a time.

See what gets detected and what does not.

Or else put it all in and run MemTest.

I just now tried both ways on that pc. it wont work until all the 4 ram slots are installed. is it even possible for it to happen. wont the computer boot if there is only one ram. why wont that computer of mine wont boot with one ram installed. i will post after trying the ram test too.

What is the make and model of the motherboard?

Is it Dual channel? If so is there an option in the BIOS to Disable Dual channel?

i dont have the book for my pc. but mother there is msi motherboard. can u tell me about the bios option that has to be disabled. One question how come before it worked fine and then suddenly this start to happen. ob btw my friend says it support dual ram. i dont how he figured it out

What is the make and model of the computer?

If custom built try CPU_Z to ID the mainboard make and model.

You can also try to set the Defaults in the BIOS Setup and or clear the CMOS manually.

Originally Posted by jephree

What is the make and model of the computer?

If custom built try CPU_Z to ID the mainboard make and model.

You can also try to set the Defaults in the BIOS Setup and or clear the CMOS manually.

here is the info in main board:
Manufacture: micro-star international co ltd
Model: MS-6545 v2.x
Chipset: Intel i805e

Bios: brand is phoenix technologies ltd v6.00pg

And in memory its type as rdram. channels: dual
size 256mb

or in spd slot 1 and 2 detects the same and size each has installed 128mb rdram. and max bandwith (400mhz), epp: no

And for slot 3 and 4 its blank.

Is this the board?

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/d...ec/850Pro5.htm

Strange layout with the RAM slots...

Anyway it does not indicate Dual channel but if it were you want your similar sticks in alternating slots. 0&2 or 1&3 etc. Do not put the same type sticks next to each other.

Also you might want to get some canned air and gently blow out the slots and or use some alcohol to carefully clean the RAM pins.

Again setting Defaults or clearing the BIOS is also a good idea.

Beyond this you are probably looking at some hardware failure be it RAM or motherboard.

Yeah thats the mother baord. I have cleared my bios. still it is the same. I will try alternating the rams. by the way why wont it detect if a ram is installed in slot 3 & 4

Could be a board failure. Might be time for an upgrade!