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General discussion

HP6470Z RAM problem

Feb 16, 2004 12:52AM PST

My HP6470Z refuses to recognize more than 192MB of RAM. I have tried all combinations of 4 Crucial 128 MB dimms and same problem. HP no help. Says send it in for repair. Anyone have ideas??

Discussion is locked

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Re:HP6470Z RAM problem
Feb 16, 2004 1:16AM PST

1. Did you get it repaired?

2. Latest BIOS from
http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/taskPageSelect.jhtml?reg=&plc=&lc=en&cc=us&prodId=hppavilion9404&pagetype=prodinfo&docparent=prodinfo

3. It only goes to 256M
http://h20015.www2.hp.com/en/document.jhtml?reg=&plc=&lc=en&cc=us&prodId=hppavilion9404&docName=bph04777&cat=prodinfo#P9_162

4. WHERE do you get the 192M reading?
Some take such from Windows and that can be flawed.

5. Try this test.
a. One 128M stick.
b. Does it give yoo 128M in either slot?

6. This is the KILLER ISSUE!
The limits due to the Intel 440Zx chipset: it isn?t possible to handle more than two double-faced memory benches at once, so the possible combinations are the following:

* 2 double-faced modules
* 1 module with double faces ? 2 single faced modules
* 3 single-faced modules

In short, you either still have the wrong memory or the motherboard is broken.

Bob

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Re:Re:HP6470Z RAM problem
Feb 17, 2004 3:24AM PST

Thanks Bob. I have 4 128 Mb dimms from Crucial. Two slots on the mb and I have tried the 4 dimms in all possible combinations, e.i. 1-2,1-3, 1-4, 2-2 and so on.the 192 reading shows up during boot while the ram is being tested. Also I got and installed PC Booster which has a ram monitor which show total ram and free ram. I haven't gone to HP Serviced Center as yet because while I'm upset at the ram not being available I get by without it. The book and the on line data I've found all say that 256 is max for this board. I contacted the online service and they had no answer except that my dimms were bad, but all 4 of in the same way????? Thanks again AL

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Please respond to that one test...
Feb 17, 2004 6:24AM PST

Remember I asked that ONE STICK of 128M be tested in each slot. What happens?

If it shows up as 64 M in one slot, then that's the bad slot. I know the socket technology very well as I've used such in embedded designs for years. It's all too easy for a pin to be bent out of place. Once you find the bad socket, and IF it's a bent pin, then usually I find it under about a 20 power wide field microscrope.

Since replacing the socket even in a fine lab is time consuming, I've used a stout small needle nose pliers or a strong small forceps to fix the connection. Usually that's enough to toss it into service and I make a note in the equipment log so the next person knows about it.

Wish I had read you did the tests.

-------------------

As to the memory measurement you noted, ITS FLAWED since it's under Windows! You'll want to know what the BIOS REPORTS.

Any onboard Video can STEAL some RAM. I looked it up for your first reply if this was at issue and have now forgot. Do look it up if onboard video uses that memory.

Bob

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Undone test
Feb 17, 2004 12:23PM PST

how's that for good english....
I have not done the test you suggested - no good reason except that right now I'm all messed up in moving to a new residence. 'My work bench is in pieces and the house if full of boxes. Supposed to move Thursday but I'm getting bad vibes that it may not happen then. If I can I certainly will do that as it is a darned good test and I'm bent outa shape that I didn't do it while I was checking the dimms. Oh well I can always blame it on getting old Thanks again Bob and I WILL get back to you when I have a chance to do the test. May be sooner than I think, I can always clear off a table and work there Muchas Gracias as they say in this part of the country Al

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Best of luck to you.
Feb 17, 2004 10:07PM PST

Yes, it can get crazy during a move.

And I think you "get it" as to why that test may find what it could be. If not, it points to the motherboard again.

Bob

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Re:Best of luck to you.
Feb 21, 2004 2:52AM PST

Well, Bob, this is one of those times.....
I found a few spare minutes and decided to try to look at the sockets for the dimms. Did it with a loupe and a toothpick(a dentists tool, not a table one) and found nothing wrong, scraped and jiggled a little while looking but didn't really bend anything that I know of. Anyhow when I reluctantly put it back together again, LO and BEHOLD, I had 255 MB of ram showing every place I looked. BTW, I use BELARC Advisor as an information gatherer. It reports stuff that comes in useful now and then. Whatever happened I now have all the ram I think I should have and I have to give you credit for making me look where I hadn't before. That may or may not have been the problem but Thanks a million and have a good year. Al

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Scraping and jiggling is a time honored repair method.
Feb 21, 2004 5:49AM PST

You basically fixed a broken connection in the usual way. It's a well known issue that:

a. Contacts don't make contact.
b. Connectors don't connect.

You're the hero here and about all I did was point at the suspect area. THANK YOU for the report back,

Bob