Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Why does my PC not recognize the new RAM I installed?

by Jan 20, 2013 2:18AM PST

I have a pretty old Compaq Pressario that was running 2 512 MB sticks so I added 2 1 GB sticks today but it still shows it only utilizing 1 MB. I put the new sticks in the original slots and moved the old ones over so it is not an issue of installation. I ran CPU-Z and all four sticks show up in the SPD tab but the 2 new ones only have values in the timings table under JEDEC #1, the 2 old ones have JEDEC #1, 2, and 3. I have no idea what this means by the way. Please help!

Discussion is locked

8 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
Clarification Request
memory usage
by AngryRaisin Jan 22, 2013 3:14AM PST

what shows that the computer is only using 1 MB (task manager, system properties, certain program)? If CPUz shows the sticks that is usually a good sign that computer at least recognizes the new memory. JEDEC speeds are different speeds that the memory can use/be set at to be more compatible with more machice... If there is only one that just means that the memory is set to be used in one configuration only.

- Collapse -
memory usage
by kjguillaume Jan 23, 2013 11:23PM PST
what shows that the computer is only using 1 MB (task manager, system properties, certain program)?

When I go to control panel, system and security, view amount of RAM and processor speed, it shows 1 GB.
- Collapse -
Answer
Re: RAM
by Forum moderator Jan 20, 2013 2:22AM PST

This doesn't seem to be a Windows 7 question. More a hardware question.

Are sure this old Presario supports more than 1 GB of RAM and that it's the right kind? Did you check the memory selector at crucial.com?

Kees

- Collapse -
I'll go with Kees_B on that.
by DChrisL Jan 23, 2013 9:50PM PST

I had run a scan of my computer and the maximum that is allowed on a Compaq Presario, Model #: CQ5826 is 8 GB of RAM. Darrell

- Collapse -
Ram OS etc.
by pgc3 Jan 23, 2013 10:09PM PST

Yes, IF you are running a 64 bit OS...and only if...

- Collapse -
Re: RAM
by kjguillaume Jan 23, 2013 11:26PM PST

I did check and it can take 4 GB. I used the crucial selector to find the RAM but I bought it on Amazon. Weird thing is that although CPUz detects it, when I used the crucial selector after I put it in, it did not recognize it.

- Collapse -
I bought mine from crucial.
by DChrisL Jan 24, 2013 10:00PM PST

I had 4 GB installed and I bought 4 GB in the next slot. if you are not seeing that, even on CCleaner shows how much RAM you have. I would remove the old sticks and replace them with (2) 2 GB RAM. The other sticks may not be compatable and and will go only as fast as your lowest stick. That is mentioned on crucial.com. Scroll down that page and you will see different speeds of each RAM you install. Those older 512 MB may be slowing your speeds. Darrell PS- I have 2 one GB stcks as an extra so if the one 2 GB dies, I will have 3 GB ram.

- Collapse -
Answer
Max mem size in slot
by Jan 26, 2013 4:23AM PST

Some older computers can only have memory cards with say 512k in a slot and if you're installing 1gb (1024k) in a slot it won't recongize it. Check your manual.

Back to Windows 7 forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info