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speedball1 · Sep 17, 2006, 04:51 PM

Hey Guys,

Got a problem that none of the computer whizzes that I know can figure out.
I have two 512 Meg memory sticks in my memory bays. Some times They both run at 512 a piece but lately one has dropped down to 32 megs from 512 to over a few days time in 64 MB jumps. The other went down to 128 Megs. At the present time one's back up to 512 while the other's at 64. We thought it was the memory sticks but I changed the 32 out for a new 512 MB stick and a few days later it dropped to 128. Has any one run into this befiore? What's going on. Do I need a new motherboard, (computer was custom built 3 years ago) went from a E-Machine to the best I could afford. 400 watt power supply, extra cooling fans, loads of memory and a 21 inch monitor. I bought to last.(I thought) Any body shed some light on this problem? Anybody?? By the way, how do I find out if I have a 64 bit machine?
Thanks, Tom

Curlyben · Sep 18, 2006, 05:19 AM

A few things here Tom,

Are these stick perminantly plugged in to your machine ?
What data do they have on them ?
Does the same thing happen when plugged in on another machine ?
Have you tried them in different USB posts ?

The only think that springs to mind it that they maybe filling up with temp files.
If you change you folder view to see hidden files, My Computer > Tools > Folder Views > View tab > SHow hidden files and folders radio button.
Ensure this is selected and have another look at your sticks.
You may find a whole bunch of normally hidden files, possibly starting with ~.
These can easily be deleted.

To answer your second question, as this machine is 3 years old it's very doubtful that it supports 64bit.

ScottGem · Sep 18, 2006, 06:02 AM

Hey Tom,
I think you are referring to memory RAM (SIMM/DIMM) modules. The phrase memory sticks is now more commonly referring to memory cards used in digital cameras and other devices, specifically Sony Memory Sticks (TM).

So I think you are talking about RAM modules installed on your motherboard.

If the total RAM being show by your PC is fluctuating, then either one or both of the modules has gone bad or the motherboard has gone bad so its not reading what's in the ports properly. I would replace the RAM Modules immediately. The good news is that 512M modules should only cost around $30-$40.

Oh, to determine if your machine has a 64bit processor you need to find out what CPU you have. Its an AMD Athlon 64 then its 64 bit. If its an Intel 700 series or early its 32 bit.

Curlyben · Sep 18, 2006, 06:17 AM

Hmmm OK can I have a second go, after rereading Scott's post I think I may of missunderstood your issue.

To add to Scott's idea, you need to ensure that they are the correct speed for your machine SD, DDR, DDR2 etc.
On a machine of this age I would imagine that they would be DDR DIMMs (Dual Inline Memory Modules ) running at PC2100 or even PC2400.
When you are install new RAM, ensure that the slot is free from dust and fluff by using Tinned air to blow them out.

speedball1 · Sep 18, 2006, 01:30 PM

Yeah guys! Sorry, I meant memory modules (dimm). Actually I did purchase another 520 MB module and replaced the one that had dwindled down to 32MB. That one appeared to be working until it went down to 128 MB. I shut the computer off and did a cold start and it jumped back up to 520 MB where it's still putting out 520 MB. I have three RAM bays so this is what I am working with now. The 520 MB that came back from 128. The 120 MB that started at 520 and a 128 module that I saved off my old E- Machine to the total of 756 MB. This is fine but every time I boot up I have to check to see what module crapped out this time. I'm no computer whiz but it sure looked like I got a couple of bad modules but what's the chances of three modules screwing up all at once?
Want to make a bet that if I reinstall the 32 MB module that it will show 520 MB when I boot up.l The mystery deepens. Thanks for the assistance. Tom

Curlyben · Sep 18, 2006, 02:17 PM

Are all the sticks the same speed as the original piece.
If you are lucky it may just be a case of mismatched speed

But, sorry to say this Tom, but if this continues to happen I would suspect the mother board being on its way out.

speedball1 · Sep 21, 2006, 09:20 AM

"Are all the sticks the same speed as the original piece?
If you are lucky it may just be a case of mismatched speed"

How do I tell if the modules are the same speed? And what speed should they be?

ScottGem · Sep 21, 2006, 10:23 AM

The speed that should be is dictacted by your motherboard. There should be some marking on the modules that indicates the speed.

speedball1 · Sep 21, 2006, 03:43 PM

OK! Here's a image of the sticker on the memory module.l This was one of the original modules that came with the computer. It dropped down to 32 MB in about 4 jumps over a weeks time. Where do I find the speed? Thanks for the help guys. Tom PS. After thought** Did I damage the module by scanning it?

Curlyben · Sep 22, 2006, 05:18 AM

This chip is PC133 which is older SDRAM
There's lots available Here
This link has pricing

They run at a higher voltage than newer DDR RAM, 3.4v Vs 2.5V, so this will cause a problem in a mismatch.

speedball1 · Sep 22, 2006, 02:05 PM

Thanks guys,

I got tired of wondering so I took all my memory modules over to a computer parts store and had them tested. They are all the same speed and they all tested good. I reinstalled them and have 1152 MB. (2) 520's and another 520 that's down to 128. Looks like I'll installing another mother board. Oops! One of the modules just went down to 128. Out of 1560 MB installed I'm working with 758MB at the present. I'll be shopping for a new motherboard unless one f you guys can pull something out of da hat.
One more problem. When I boot up it reboots once or twice before it catches. What's with this? Thanks again. Tom