Memory doesn't work

werdin

I bought two new DIMM memories, but the system can't find them! I've tried all kinds of orders in the slots, but when I try with just the new memories I can't even start up the computer. All I hear is a loud repeating beep. My original memory still works fine!

I've got a Soltek SL-75DRV4 motherboard, and the manual tells that the correct memory type is "PC2100 DDR SDRAM", wich I thought was the type I bought. But when I recieved them I found out that it has some extension to the numbers; It's called PC2100R. Has the "R" something to do with it? It also has the word "ECC" printed on it.

Is there some kind of upgrade needed to be done to make these work, or is it wrong type of memories for my motherboard?

I'd really appriciate some help! I've been looking around for an answer on different forums and of course Solteks support site, without an explanation to my problem.

soloz2

set in your BIOS the memory config to Auto then shutdown and put just your new RAM in. If that doesn't work then clear the CMOS

Necrosis

Eh...that is a problem. If your motherboard isn't made to work with ECC ram it will never work.

werdin

Thanks for trying to help me, but neither memory config or clearing cmos solved the problem.
How can I tell if my motherboard doesn't support this kind of RAM? I really want some more RAM to work with but now I'm scared of buying some wrong type again...

Tipstaff

From what your saying, you bought the right memory, just the wrong type of memory.

The R at the end of PC2100R stands for "Registered", and it describes the type of memory you bought which is Registered ECC memory, or "Buffered Memory". This type of memory has an extra chip on it that basically tests the accuracy of the data coming into, and going out of the ram (actually the chip is only part of that process). For it to work you also need a board that supports it. What you need to buy is non-ECC memory, or "Unbuffered Memory" . Essentially, PC2100 Unbuffered DDR @ 266mhz. Stick to that description when ordering, and you should be fine.

Note, you could use faster ram (PC2700/PC3200), however the board will adjust the speed down anyways. The reason I mention it is that PC3200 memory (which runs at 400mhz default) is more common now than PC2100, and as such can be cheaper. However, it's best to test the ram first because some boards can be mighty picky, and it may not work. Just an option for you though.

BTW, gotta love Soltek, and their choice of purple for their boards. Very sharp.

werdin

Thanks!
I'll do that!

(And I do like the purple color of the board...)