BIOS won't recognize new ram modules

[ze5547wm]

Hi my friend.

I found out that the hole-reset mechanism in my laptop is not for bios. According to the documentation, it is only a conventional reset to use when the computers hangs(most of the time due to Windows software)... I was chatting with a hp technician, and I was told to remove the case, keyboard, speakers, etc. in order to take the bios battery out. I think this is a very delicate procedure, and I guess I will be searching for local technical help tomorrow.

Anyway, thanks for your valuable tips... You gave me the idea to remove the bios battery, and then try again with the new ram  modules, and I really thank you that. I don't know if it is gonna work, but anyway I will keep you posted. Thanks my friend!

[ClintonTam]

What is the version of your BIOS?

According to the url below, the latest one should be KH.F.25

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=228&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=374367

Before I try to answer your question about your problem with New RAM modules, could you confirm that your notebook has the following label on top of your RAM socket?

31KT9MB00XX Where XX is numeric.

[ze5547wm]

Hi. Thanks for your reply.I hope you can help me with this issue.

Yes, that's the bios version that I updated and I tried with the new modules, but they were not recognized. I also noticed that windows started to crash (blue screens) after I did that update. So I decided to rollback the bios version to KH.F.15 (after all, the new modules were not recognized at all); after doing so, windows doesn't crash, but the new modules are not recognized yet.

On the other hand, you are right...The ram socket on my laptop has one big sticker with these numbers printed (in this order) :

340IQAMBQTF46241          31KT9MB0056            (Then, at the right end of the sticker there is this code printed: CE3D

Thank you so much for any help you can give me.

Thanks.

[erico]

Crucial does guarantee their memory module compatibility on the website. Consider contacting them and letting them know. They might send you a memory module replacement that has a more compatibly programmed SPD for your PC.

[ze5547wm]

Hi. I didn't buy my memory at Crucial. 

I haven't resolved my issue yet, and I am still worried and looking for solutions.... 

Any ideas are welcome...thanks a lot!!

[ClintonTam]

What was the original BIOS version in your notebook before you attempt to upgrade your BIOS?

If my memory does not fail me, there were two different BIOS being used on this series of notebook. One started from KH.F.06 and ended at KF.F.15. Another one started with KH.F.18 and ended at KH.F.25.

During the summer of 2003, HP and ATI started to re-verify the PC2700/DDR333 memory modules on this series of notebook due to the fact the PC2700/DDR333 was being introduced and the memory vendors were phasing out the PC2100 or DDR266.

All the notebook shipped after summer of 2003 should be using the KH.F.18 or later so the the BIOS can program the memory controller correctly to use the PC2700/DDR333 memory moudles on top of the suppported PC2100/DDR266 memory modules.

31KT9MB0056 may have different version ( the additional CE3C or 4 alphanumeric to indicate the BOM ( Building Of Material ) inside this version of 0056 motherboard ). I am not 100% sure if the motherboard originally built for KH.F.15 or lower version of the BIOS can be upgraded to KH.F.25 or not.

My suggestions to you are the following;

1. Check the orginal BIOS version of your notebook. If it is equipped with KH.F.15, then

2. Try to get PC2100/DDR266 - 512MB memory module. PC2700/DDR333 memory module may not work but PC2100 memory module should work.

3. If you are able to upgrade the BIOS to KH.F.25, what happen if you are only using the old memory modules?

4. Try to get another type ( vendor, configuration such as 1Rx8, 2Rx8, 1Rx16 and etc ) to see if your system can recongize them.

I am using a similar notebook using 31KT9MB0056 CF31 with KH.F.25. The memory modules in my system are

ELPIA Japan

EDB52UCBAARA - 7B

PC2100S - 2533 -0

512MB 0312AXC 1530

I have no problem using the memory modules with Window XP SP2.

[erico]

Well it will probably be simpler if you buy memory modules from Crucial or another major memory maker.  They guarantee their memory modules are compatibile. If you start playing around with flashing and reflashing BIOS in a laptop you are eventually going to have a problem that requires disassembly of the laptop case to remove the CMOS battery. That is because you will eventually corrupt your BIOS and then you laptop will not work until you open that beast up and remove the battery while clearing CMOS.The simplest solution is usually the best. Your laptop, your choice. 

[ze5547wm]

Hi Thanks for your reply. I am not sure what was the original version of the bios, but I can tell you: when I upgraded to the latest version (K.F.25), windows crashed frequently with the old modules (besides, the new modules were not recognized). That's why I downgraded to KH.F.15 (which is the one I have right now). These are the specs of the new modules:

    * Brand: Super Talent
    * DDR 512 MB PC2100 266MHz ( 64M x 8) 200pin / ECC: No / Registered: No / Chip: Hynix / CL 2.5/3

When I put 1 old module and 1 new, the computer only recognizes the old one (256mb), but if I run the program CPU-Z, it will recognize both modules, and will give me the total amount of memory on both slots. Here is the information that I got from  CPU-Z. DIM #1 (NEW MODULE). DIMM #2 (OLD ONE). Thanks.

DIMM #1
Memory type        DDR
Size            512 MBytes
Max bandwidth        PC2300 (142 MHz)

Attributes
Number of banks        1
Data width        64 bits
Correction        None
Registered        no
Buffered        no
Nominal Voltage        2.50 Volts
EPP            no
XMP            no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz)        133    142  
CAS#            2.0    2.5  
RAS# to CAS# delay    3    3  
RAS# Precharge        3    3  
TRAS            6    7  

DIMM #2
Memory type        DDR
Size            256 MBytes
Max bandwidth        PC2100 (133 MHz)

Attributes
Number of banks        2
Data width        64 bits
Correction        None
Registered        no
Buffered        no
Nominal Voltage        2.50 Volts
EPP            no
XMP            no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz)        100    133  
CAS#            2.0    2.5  
RAS# to CAS# delay    2    3  
RAS# Precharge        2    3

TRAS            5    6

[ClintonTam]

The memory module at DIMM #1 does not look like it is PC2100/DDR266. Here are some of the technical stuff for the memory controller inside this RS200M Northbridge.

1. If different speed of memory modules are used, the default memory bus speed will be set to the lower one. In your case, the memory controller is programming all the memory timing as PC2100.

From your information;

DIMM #2 will be using CAS# = 2.5 for 133MHz but your DIMM #1 for 133MHz is using CAS# = 2.0.

Apart from this mismatch problem, the number of bank ( bank addressing bit ) is different. DIMM #2 is equipped with 2 banks and DIMM #1 is only eqipped with 1 bank.

The discrepancies between your DIMM # 1 and DIMM # 2 on the above mentioned conditions make the memory controller not to see your new memory module.

2. The programming of the memory controller for your RS200M is being done during the POST ( Power On Self Test ) sequence when the BIOS is starting.

Therefore, unless your BIOS is also equipped with the PC2700/DDR333 time parameters, your system will not able to see any PC2700/DDR333 memory modules.

As I said it before, try to get a REAL PC2100/DDR266 memory module and try again at first with your current KH.F.15 and try again with KH.F.25.

I don't have any spare 512MN memory modules that I can give you and to prove my point.

Message Edited by ClintonTam on 02-02-2009 12:35 AM

[erico]

ClintonTam has given you good advice. with a few minor exceptions.

The rules for successfully upgrading memory modules are:

1)  all modules must have the chips from the same manufacturer

2)  all modules must have the same number of banks (that generally equates to all memory chips on one side of module or on both sides)

3)  all modules must require the same voltage

4)  all modules must have the same SPD (serial presence detection) programming.( i.e 200 mhz,333 mhz, 400 mhz this is done in the modules)

5)  modules must be placed in alternate DIMM slots if four slots are on motherboard) i.e. DIMM Slots 1 and 3 or 2 and 4 for modules to run in dual chanel mode

BIOS chips are programmed for the motherboard to accept memory modules which have SPD programming that are within the range of its programmed memory tables. Here is a link to a site the explains how the BIOS works reasonably well.

Message Edited by erico on 02-02-2009 01:05 AM