Computer won't boot following Memory Upgrade

[Arander]

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif

I have a Pentium 200MHz MMX processor in a Tyan Titan Turbo ATX motherboard (430TX chipset) that I attempted to upgrade the memory from a 32MB SDRAM (PC66) DIMM to a 128MB SDRAM (PC100)DIMM.

Following the swap I had a normal boot sequence up (including an "Updating ESCD ..." message) until the "Verifying DMI pool ..." message. At that point my computer hung.

When I tried to restart, the computer would not boot (i.e., black screen), however there is power available to all components, and I did not get any POST errors (Award BIOS).

I checked for obvious problems like grounds from the motherboard to the case, loose connectors, etc. I even tried switching back to the original memory to try and boot the computer - same symptoms.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Andy

[Randy_tx]

There is one most probable cause.....you are not "seating" the SDRAM into the 168 pin slot firmly enough for it to make correct contact. It is crucial that the "contacts" are completely hidden from view when you place the SDRAM module into the slot (obviously being careful to note that you can only successfully put it in ONE way). The fact that it wouldnt boot when you put the old SDRAM back in tells me it's not seated right....try try again ! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[BigBlue66]

Hey,

It's quite possible that the motherboard won't support a RAM stick as large as 128mb. Check your motherboard manual.

As for getting back to square one, you may need to clear the cmos.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66

[Randy_tx]

True....mobo might not support 128 mb ram; however, when he went back to the old ram it didnt boot either! It aint in right ....trust me http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[BigBlue66]

Alrighty then, Randy_tx. Usually, when someone tells me to 'trust them', I don't. hehehe

Anyhoo, a 168pin DIMM will only go in one way. The bottom is notched so as to prevent installing it the wrong way. (This info not for you, Randy, 'cause you appear to know what's what. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif )

Additionally, there is a 'holder down thingy' on each end of the memory slot. He should make sure that the memory stick is in far enough to enable those thingys to come over and lock down against the DIMM. If they don't, then of course, the RAM is not fully seated, hence, an inoperable system.

However, I still contend that maybe the cmos has to be cleared, to get back to square one, if in fact the mobo will not support a DIMM that size, and when he successfully reinstalls the old memory stick.

Good luck, Arander.

Big Blue 66

[Paleo Pete]

I have a Pentium 200MHz MMX processor in a Tyan Titan Turbo ATX motherboard (430TX chipset) Bold text mine.

The chipset won't, in fact support 128MB. OK, it will, but it will only cache 64MB of it, and will therefore slow the system down considerably. The motherboard itself might not support more than 64MB at all, I don't know the specs on the Tyan, but they are usually good boards.

BB66 you should have caught that, you have the same i430 chipset...By the way, I did until 2 days ago, just reinstalled my old board, upgraded from P-200MMX to P-233MMX and the board happens to support SIMM & DIMM together, got a 64MB DIMM and kept 16MB of the 72 pin, and it's working fine so far with 80MB. TONS better than the 32MB I had...But that's basically off-topic, sorry guys, had to brag a bit...

I agree on clearing CMOS and going back to the original chip, try that first. And reseat everything. I had to reseat this memory chip 3 times before it would work at all, the slot had never been used, so after 4 years of sitting there it was plenty dirty.

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Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[BigBlue66]

Hey Pete,

You're right, I should have caught the fact that his chipset was the i430 series. I have the VX version. However, his problem was not really related to how much the chipset would cache, but rather, he couldn't boot at all. Guess I was more concerned about that at the moment. It's hell to get old. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif I maybe would have eventually got around to telling him the bad news, but I was more concerned with getting him back up and running first. And besides, even though the chipset wouldn't cache it, the computer should still boot, but be 'twiddle-your-thumbs' slow.

I know what you mean about 'virgin' memory slots. They are one pain in the neck, I tell ya. Congrats are getting more memory. More is better. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Cheers,

Big Blue 66

[Randy_tx]

I won't use that phrase again.......certainly hope no one around here has unusually thin skin or an unusually big ego though.......heck, I thought we were here to help folks out.........hmmmmmmmm.

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"As hard as a rock & dumb as a brick"...Windows CEMeNT

[BigBlue66]

Hey Randy,

Don't sweat the small stuff and don't get your shorts in an uproar. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif I was just pickin on ya. Much like I do Pete, when I say: Hey, your head is blinding me! hehehehe C'mon, let's have a sense of humor, hey?

From what I have seen, you give very worthwhile and correct information. And, from what I can tell, you have a genuine interest in helping people. (So do I, but I like to goof around a little, too)

The reason I elaborated on your post about seating the RAM, was to make sure Arander was not trying to install it backwards, ya know?

The reason I mentioned clearing CMOS, and the reason I think Pete did too, is that the system is no doubt totally confused now, and it would be better to start out with a fresh slate.

Hope I have explained myself well enough.

Cheers,

BB 66