The Mother Board

[dve83]

Hi,

I have a problem with the above mentioned board and at max memory capacity. According to the specs it can go up to 2x 1GB DDR2. Unfortunately it only recognizes 512GB per stick.

From 'long ago' knowledge I suspect memory density is the problem (ie. the board doesn't recognize so much memory squeezed into each of those little memory chips on the circuit board / doesn't know how to address it). After googling, I came to the same conclusion - some other people have the same issue with this board. Latest BIOS update doesn't seem to solve this.

However, I though I'd still ask your most valued opinion before going on a search for double sided 1GB modules. Who knows, we've done amazing things with BIOS's in the past (like enabling features, hotflashing, soldering additional resistors onto some part of the board)

Anyways, would appreciate any input.
cheers!
dan
_________________
-dve83- Folding for 33258
Gigabyte GA-MA69VM-S2,AMD Athlon X2 5200+, 6GB DDR2-800, Seagate 250GB 7200 RPM, Western Digital 1TB 7200RPM,
460W Coolermaster PSU, Windows 7

"Perhaps it's not paranoia. Perhaps it's just finesse." - dve83

[Karlsweldt]

That not-so-old mobo model should take DDR2 DIMMS as PC2-3200 / DDR2-400MHz, 1.8 Volts, nominal.. non-Registered, non-ECC. The memory speed depends on the FSB speed. Check the BIOS page concerning memory, ensure the setting is for "non-ECC".
Ensure the memory is listed on the QVL (qualified vendor list) of Foxconn, or use the Crucial Memory Advisor at www.crucial.com/ .
The memory modules should have a tag noting the brand/type, and also the class/amount/speed. Does not matter if the modules are single-sided or double-sided. The single-density or double-density platform is set by internal lattice structure of the chips.
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F@H.. to solve mankind's maladies.. in our lifetimes!

[evasive]

What is the make/model of those memory sticks? Just how was this memory listed? Really 1GB per stick so a 2GB set or a 1GB set? Check the advertisement thoroughly...
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[dve83]

Hi guys,

@evasive
purchased 2x 1GB sticks. Wasn't a retail pack for both. I purchased both as seperate items marketed as 1GB each.

@Karlsweldt
I understand what your saying about doubleside and denstiy. ALways thought the two were necessarily related. However, It still seems like density issue to me. memory speed is good running at 533 (although the chips are DDR2 800). The board only supports up to 533.

I have found Apacer memory on fixconn's website, but unfortunately not the 1gb chips I have.

Dont have the exact details with me, will post later if still required.
_________________
-dve83- Folding for 33258
Gigabyte GA-MA69VM-S2,AMD Athlon X2 5200+, 6GB DDR2-800, Seagate 250GB 7200 RPM, Western Digital 1TB 7200RPM,
460W Coolermaster PSU, Windows 7

"Perhaps it's not paranoia. Perhaps it's just finesse." - dve83

[evasive]

Yep, that would be good info to have so we can verify you did get 1GB sticks in the first place. In windows using CPU-Z, how are the sticks reported?

http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
_________________
We hate rut, but we fear change.



System error, strike any user to continue...

[Karlsweldt]

With any memory install, all modules must be of the same speed/density/amount and voltage. If a module is slower in speed than others, that must be the first-detected module to set the overall speed. If a faster module is first-detected, it can cause slower modules to run beyond the paging limit.. causing major data dumps.. and likely a BSOD. Brand is not important.. as long as the stats are identical. Yes, DDR2-400 memory will clock down to 533.. usually without problems. But if the supply voltage is lower than the module is rated for, then it will falter.
The "mixing" of memory speed/amount is not as critical with single-channel memory designs, but is very critical with dual-channel or triple-channel designs. Matched module sets are mandated with multi-channel setups.
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F@H.. to solve mankind's maladies.. in our lifetimes!

[dve83]

Screenshot as requested


http://www.trueshift.za.net/Files/Memory.png

kind regards
_________________
-dve83- Folding for 33258
Gigabyte GA-MA69VM-S2,AMD Athlon X2 5200+, 6GB DDR2-800, Seagate 250GB 7200 RPM, Western Digital 1TB 7200RPM,
460W Coolermaster PSU, Windows 7

"Perhaps it's not paranoia. Perhaps it's just finesse." - dve83

[Mr T]

Check this... It could be a limitation of the chipset...
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I am an apprentice trained Electronics Engineer with qualifications to back it up.
I have been repairing computers since 1996.
Yet to some people I still know nothing...

[dve83]

@Mr T. Hi and thanks for the reply.
Not quite sure what to make of it though. Seems the board should at least support 2GB (there are reference to 2GB and 16GB max memory support), and I've got 2 1GB sticks. Thus from what I can read in your link, the limitation to a possible 2GB should not be a problem.

I noticed the chipset supporting speeds of up to 533, however this should be ok as the DDR800 clocks down automatically. I also noticed the dual memory support (DDR and DDR2), however this motherboard only has DDR2 slots.

http://www.foxconnchannel.com/ProductDetail.aspx?T=Motherboard&U=en-us0000191

note: I just realized that i havent got the latest BIOS update. The foxconn BIOS version numbers and release dates are slightly confusing - dates dont match version numbers and they are sorted all funny. This might be worth a try (to update to latest BIOS). You never know.
_________________
-dve83- Folding for 33258
Gigabyte GA-MA69VM-S2,AMD Athlon X2 5200+, 6GB DDR2-800, Seagate 250GB 7200 RPM, Western Digital 1TB 7200RPM,
460W Coolermaster PSU, Windows 7

"Perhaps it's not paranoia. Perhaps it's just finesse." - dve83

[evasive]

Excuse me, but CPU-Z is properly reporting 2GB total. So what program/screen is just reporting 1GB in total then?
_________________
We hate rut, but we fear change.



System error, strike any user to continue...