Need some computer help

[Magneto]

I am trying to install some memory in a laptop. It currently has 2 gig and I am trying to add a stick of 4. The 2gb is ddr10600 the 4 is ddr10666. The BIOS shows 6gb. Memory test came back fine. Windows goes to start and then restarts the computer. With just the 4 same thing. I cannot figure out what is wrong. Windows is a 64bit version.

 

[CitizenX]

Most laptops require matching sticks of RAM when using more than one stick. I cannot remember why or where I read it but that is what I had to do when I upgraded my HP. Hope this helps.

 

[nsolimini]

That is what I would say too. Some memory require matching sets to work together

 

[Magneto]

Holy crap I bet you guys are right. I never thought about that. Thanks for the info!

 

[Bunnykid68]

If it did not work with the ddr10666 by itself maybe it is that it should be ddr10600

 

[nsolimini]

look into getting another 4gb stick for your machine. Make sure though that your mother board will support 8gb

 

[Classic Liberal]

If the bios shows 6 then it recognizes and can utilize it. If the OS is XP, you are limited to 3 gig, if I recall.

 

[tr1gg3r]

Plus, if you have matching sticks, your ram would run dual channel as opposed to single channel. This will theoretically give you even more of a boost.

 

[Don]

If the bios shows 6 then it recognizes and can utilize it. If the OS is XP, you are limited to 3 gig, if I recall.

3.5 to 3.75 it varies. But you may want to look into matching sticks.

 

[Bunnykid68]

If the bios shows 6 then it recognizes and can utilize it. If the OS is XP, you are limited to 3 gig, if I recall.

If it is 32 bit. 64 bit will use it all. The problem is memory of different speeds.

 

[BrandonHtwo0]

I agree with the rest of these posts for the most part but for different reasons. My understanding is that when you're running DDR10600 vs DDR10666 the chip latencies are different and that can cause your issue. I'd be willing to bet money that if you used PC10600 for the secondary RAM stick, you'd be fine. Additionally, I'd be willing to bet that so long as your motherboard supports it, you would also be able to run with just the 4GB DDR10666 stick installed as long as the 2GB DDR10600 stick is removed. Keep us posted! Interested to see how this turns out for you, good luck!

 

[the only Qualk]

If memory settings are auto which I will assume they are as most laptops do not allow you to change much in the bios. Then it should set the faster memory down to the slower one. If you are able to manually do this however it may help your issue.
And 32 bit is what limits you on memory not specifically xp as they did come out with 64 bit version.
I know many people on here are well versed with computers much more so than I. A place I always go for computer info is also guru3d.com just fyi

 

[netsecurity]

Just remove the old 2gb first, and make sure it even works on your laptop. You shouldn't need more than 4gb anyways. It is virtually guaranteed to work with just the new RAM, and if not, you need to return it. Once the new RAM is working as expected you can mess with trying adding the old, but I am doubtful.

I'm guessing that the laptop requires either pairs or singles, but not one pair, and one single. It needs to run in one of those modes, and since it doesn't have a separate memory bank like PC's often do, it just is more finicky.

Edit: You're using XP? Well, I thought it worked fine with extra memory, but just couldn't see it, but maybe I remember wrong. Anyways, it should definitely work with 4gb, so my advice is the same, remove the 2gb (and put the 4gb stick n the first slot). 32-bit XP should only show 3gb, but it will work. You really should be running a 64gb OS...

 

[tr1gg3r]

Windows is a 64bit version.

You really should be running a 64gb OS...

 

[Magneto]

Just to let you all know what happened I took the 2 2gb sticks from my wifes laptop put them in the other laptop and bingo! Worked great. Took the 4gb and 2gb sticks from the other computer put them in my wifes computer and bingo! Works like a champ. This is one non-paying computer job that turned out all right. Thanks for the help!

 

[PistolBob]

You really should be running a 64gb OS...

Yeah...right...sure.