Memory module cooperation

[Tieske83]

Hello!
I've got a problem with my new memory module and my motherboard. Last week I bought a KVR266X64C25/512 (single sided) module from Kingston to speed up my desktop PC. It already had a KVR266X64C25/256 module (double sided). My motherboard is a MS-6380 from MSI.
The problem is that both modules work perfect in memoryslot DIMM1, seperately. But when I put both modules in the slots (for example DIMM1 and DIMM2), only the module in DIMM1 works! With EVEREST I tryed to find out what the computer recognises and at the SPD section, he shows both modules. But in the Memory section only the 512MB module is shown. A selection of the EVEREST report is shown below.

Can anybody help me with this problem? I just got the 512MB now, but it would be a pity if I could use just this module and not be able to combine them.

Thanx in advance,

Thijs

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Summary
[ Memory Controller ]

Memory Controller Properties:
Error Detection Method 32-bit ECC
Error Correction Single-bit
Supported Memory Interleave 1-Way
Current Memory Interleave 1-Way
Supported Memory Speeds 70ns, 60ns
Supported Memory Types SPM, FPM, EDO, Parity, SIMM, DIMM
Supported Memory Voltages 3.3V
Maximum Memory Module Size 512 MB
Memory Slots 3

Memory Modules / DIMM1 ]
Memory Module Properties:
Socket Designation DIMM1
Type DIMM, SDRAM
Installed Size 512 MB
Enabled Size 512 MB

[ Memory Modules / DIMM2 ]
Memory Module Properties:
Socket Designation DIMM2
Installed Size Not Installed
Enabled Size Not Installed

[ Memory Modules / DIMM3 ]
Memory Module Properties:
Socket Designation DIMM3
Installed Size Not Installed
Enabled Size Not Installed

[ Memory Devices / DIMM1 ]
Memory Device Properties:
Form Factor DIMM
Type SDRAM
Type Detail Synchronous
Size 512 MB
Speed 100 MHz
Total Width 8-bit
Data Width 8-bit
Device Locator DIMM1
Bank Locator BANK0

[ Memory Devices / DIMM2 ]
Memory Device Properties:
Form Factor DIMM
Type SDRAM
Type Detail Synchronous
Size 512 MB
Speed 100 MHz
Total Width 8-bit
Data Width 8-bit
Device Locator DIMM2
Bank Locator BANK1

[ Motherboard ]
Motherboard Properties:
Motherboard ID 62-0911-009999-00101111-071595-VIA_K7$6ROMA6380MS V1.6 091101
Motherboard Name MSI K7T266 Pro-R (MS-6380)

Front Side Bus Properties:
Bus Type DEC Alpha EV6
Bus Width 64-bit
Real Clock 133 MHz (DDR)
Effective Clock 267 MHz
Bandwidth 2133 MB/s

Memory Bus Properties:
Bus Type DDR SDRAM
Bus Width 64-bit
Real Clock 107 MHz (DDR)
Effective Clock 213 MHz
Bandwidth 1707 MB/s

Chipset Bus Properties:
Bus Type VIA V-Link
Bus Width 8-bit
Real Clock 67 MHz (QDR)
Effective Clock 267 MHz
Bandwidth 267 MB/s

Motherboard Physical Info:
CPU Sockets/Slots 1
Expansion Slots 5 PCI, 1 AGP Pro, 1 CNR
RAM Slots 3 DIMM
Integrated Devices Audio
Form Factor ATX
Motherboard Size 230 mm x 300 mm
Motherboard Chipset KT266
Extra Features Fuzzy Logic 3, Ultra-ATA/100,

[ Memory ]

Fysiek geheugen:
Totaal 511 MB
Gebruikt 306 MB
Vrij 205 MB
Percentage 60 %

[ SPD ]
[ Kingston K ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Kingston K
Serial Number C8306846h
Manufacture Date Week 8 / 2000
Module Size 512 MB (1 rows, 4 banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR SDRAM
Memory Speed PC2100 (133 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 2.5
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us), Self-Refresh
Highest CAS Latency 2.5 (7.5 ns @ 133 MHz)
2nd Highest CAS Latency 2.0 (10.0 ns @ 100 MHz)

Memory Module Features:
Early RAS# Precharge Not Supported
Auto-Precharge Not Supported
Precharge All Not Supported
Write1/Read Burst Not Supported
Buffered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
Registered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
On-Card PLL (Clock) Not Supported
Buffered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Registered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Differential Clock Input Supported
Redundant Row Address Not Supported

[ Kingston KVR266X64C25/256 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Kingston KVR266X64C25/256
Serial Number 41086400h
Manufacture Date Week 31 / 2001
Module Size 256 MB (2 rows, 4 banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR SDRAM
Memory Speed PC2100 (133 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 2.5
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Normal (15.625 us), Self-Refresh
Highest CAS Latency 2.5 (7.5 ns @ 133 MHz)
2nd Highest CAS Latency 2.0 (10.0 ns @ 100 MHz)

Memory Module Features:
Early RAS# Precharge Not Supported
Auto-Precharge Not Supported
Precharge All Not Supported
Write1/Read Burst Not Supported
Buffered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
Registered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
On-Card PLL (Clock) Not Supported
Buffered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Registered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Differential Clock Input Supported
Redundant Row Address Not Supported

[ski]

Which O/S are you using?
Windows 98 has a problem with memory that's > 512MB.

[Tieske83]

I'm using windows XP with SP2, so that's not the case. Any other suggestions?

[Sylvander]

I did the same as you.
Bought a single-sided module to add to a double-sided module and it didn't work.
The guy in the shop reckoned I'd need to use a double sided module to match and work, and refunded the cost.

[Allez]

Call Kingston Tech Support 800-435-0640.

I had a similar problem with my memory with a different board:
MB: Gigabyte GA-K8NSPro
Processor: AMD 64 3200+
Memory: DDR400 512 MB x 2

My problem: Computer would only boot when 1 RAM module in place (3 slots total available). Placing 2nd RAM module in either of the other two slots caused it not to boot. Replaced both RAM modules - same thing. Updated BIOS, cleared CMOS - same thing.

Spoke with Chris (2nd level tech support) - problem is related to memory 'ranks'. My mother board only supports 3 ranks of DDR400. Each memory module I have has 2 ranks; therefore with 2 modules it is too many ranks for my mother board at that speed, whereas 1 module is fine. Apparently there is an unofficial problem with some AMD boards with this. The solution is to use single rank modules.

You cannot tell how many 'ranks' a memory module uses (eg by it being single- or double-sided etc), but Kingston can tell from some of the numbers on your memory.

Of course you have a different MB and different speed memory, but what you describe is so similar to my problem I'd check it out. Kingston was very helpful, and are sending me single-rank memory now.

[r53s]

It is wise to call Kingston indeed...
Your motherboard has a known issue that it likes exactly the same memory sticks, and probably the small difference is significant...

[Tieske83]

Thanks for all your replys! I just called the store where I bought the module and they said that ik could indeed be the problem of the 1-sided and 2-sided module working together. But they said that it would definetly be ok when I'd order the same 512MB module from kingston again and place the 2 modules in the K7T, so not the 256MB module. I'm considering this option, because I would like a faster computer. But is it true that they will definetly cooperate?

Greetings,
Thijs