Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
Adding RAM can be a cost effective upgrade, but if your computer crashes after doing so, it's time to double check a few things. Like the RAM added.
My nephew has upgraded his computer's RAM from 256MB to 512MB. It operates much faster and the system recognized it fine. But after launching his browser the system freezes up. It does not do this with 256MB. His computer has 2 slots capable of 256MB max for each. We have since purchased an additional new one to match the other but the problem still exists. He added a 128MB chip to the open slot and no problem, it reads 384MB. We performed a full factory restore, same problem. We're both scratching our heads on this one. I've assisted many family members with memory upgrades and never a problem. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Adding RAM is one of the most cost effective ways to improve your computer's speed and overall efficiency. Windows loves RAM.
Except, of course, when it doesn't work.
I'll look at some of the issues to consider when adding RAM, and of course what I think has happened in this specific case.
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Bad RAM.
The symptoms you describe are more than likely due to a bad RAM chip, particularly in an older machine. I'd replace it with another of the same size, and it's likely that the problem will go away.
If you're so motivated, you might consider running a memory test program such as the free download version of Memtest86. I'm guessing that running that for a while will indicate that there's a problem with the particular chip you're attempting to add.
Another possibility is mismatched RAM, or RAM of inferior quality. Even if you get the correct size of RAM chip - in both the physical and capacity sense - there may be other factors at play such as the required bus speed. Getting a RAM chip that is rated slower than your computer's memory access or "Front-side bus" (FSB) speed could cause the types of problems you're seeing as well. (Crucial has a good overview of memory speeds and compatibility.)
Making sure that you get the correct memory for your system is important. With so many options it's very easy to get confused. Even if you don't purchase from them (though I do), Crucial specializes in memory upgrades and has a very good analysis tool that you can download which will tell you exactly what you have, and what upgrades are available to you.
Bad or mismatched RAM is the most likely cause, by far. Windows itself should easily and transparently handle 512 Megabytes - I wouldn't expect a reinstall, for example, to have any effect on this type of problem. There are rare cases where a motherboard or other device on the system could somehow be sensitive to certain memory ranges, but ... well, like I said, it would be very unlikely.
Article C3793 - June 27, 2009
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
I have a similar problem. My windows xp BenQ 2100 laptop came with 512 mb (256 + 256) RAM. I upgraded it to 2GB (1 + 1 GB) RAM. My computer worked like a breeze:) A few months later my laptop crashed due to unkown causes. I had to re-install XP which formatted C. Then 2 GB no longer worked. It only works on my old 512 RAM. I hope this sequence that I have listed here may shed more light on RAM related windows issues. Thanks-a-heap for any further inputs :)
Posted by: TFE at November 9, 2010 10:14 PMOrdered more RAM from Crucial and I ordered the wrong size. They gave me an RMA # no problem and let me order the correct size.
Posted by: Tracy at May 16, 2011 9:28 PMSimple yet effective article....I have a XP system (SP3) which was working just fine till I decided to double its RAM form 512MB (free RAM was 130MB) to 1GB. Both RAM modules were physically and otherwise similar (though of different manufaturers). My system now just restarts suddenly when I'm surfing. This happens after sometime has elapsed since I start working on the comp. In 24 hours, this has happened thrice. Although it may not be an alarming number, I always like to know the reason why its happening at all. Please help !!!
Posted by: Manoj Sharma at June 1, 2011 4:51 AMI have had the same issues with a Toshiba Tecra 8200 older model.I installed a 256Mb into slot A to upgrade from memorystock.com,and, my system locked up also! Since then I have taken Leo's advice! So,now I am awaiting my new memory stick...Lord willing all will go well for me too.MA.
Posted by: Michael at July 11, 2011 10:45 AMHi people, I had the same issue, upgraded power supply from 300W to 550W and now everything is working ok. And with you?
Posted by: Pedro at November 11, 2011 12:58 AM