hp compaq dx6120MT
4 sticks of ram
ram diagnostics -- show massive errors
individually test the ram: all pass
Here is what is installed:
- 1Gb PC2 6400 CL5
- 512Mb PC2 3200u
- 512Mb PC2 5300u
- 512Mb PC 3200u

Is the ram configuration causing the ram errors & thus the computer misbehaving?

the 512Mb PC2 3200u were in corresponding slots - black

the 1Gb & 512Mb PC2 5300u in in alternative slots - white

there originally was a corresponding 512Mb PC2 5300u in the 1Gb slot but it tested faulty and was replaced with the 1Gb.

Ideally the sticks should be equal size and speed.

All sticks will revert to the lowest speed in your case.

If the board is dual channel running different sizes is potentially problematic as well.

The specs state:
The computer comes with double data rate 2 synchronous dynamic
random access memory (DDR2-SDRAM) dual inline memory
modules (DIMMs).
For proper system operation, if the computer supports
DDR2-SDRAM DIMMs, the DIMMs must be:
■ industry-standard 240-pin
■ unbuffered PC3200 400 MHz-compliant or PC4300
533 MHz-compliant
■ 1.8 volt DDR2-SDRAM DIMMs
The DDR2-SDRAM DIMMs must also:
■ support CAS latency 2.5 or 3 (CL = 2.5 or CL = 3)

Now, all the ram is CL2 except the 1Gb - CL5
and it states: unbuffered PC3200
but we have 6400, 5300 and 3200u
will either of these variances cause the problem?

Thank you for your help

As a test: will the system run ok with just the three 512 sticks?

As the board runs dual channel I suspect the size difference re: the 1GB.

There might be an option in the BIOS to disable dual channel.

Ok - good suggestion.
I have removed the 1Gb
and moved the 512Mb PC2 5300u to the primary slot closest to the cpu.
am now testing with Memtest86+ v2.01

will let you know the results

Update:
Memtest86+ on 2nd round of 8 and still no errors.
I will assume conflict with the 1Gb stick.

Thank you for your help with this.

No problem.

Again there might be a BIOS option to Disable Dual Channel.

Dual Channel attempts to map addresses on both sticks at the same time and the structure of these maps will vary on differing sized sticks.

Thank you
I'll look for that now.

-----------------------

No good, didn't find anything in Hewlett-Packard Setup Utility that allows disabling of dual channel
is there an alternative program that would force it?

First off we get no notice of an edit so please post a new post or we may not ever look for it.


Anyway which of these models do you have? I will try to download the manual:

Product search results

Thank you for that correction - will use reply in the future
The model is: HP Compaq dx6120 Microtower PC

Update:
I reinstalled the supposed faulty 512 PC2 5300
and ran Memtest86+ 2x and it passed???!!!

So I am not so sure where to go from here.
Possibly a stress test.
or maybe just reseating the ram cleaned the contacts & made them work!