BIOS and memory

[mikezum]

My computer is very slow and looking for suggestions.

Windows 7 Professional w/64 bit.  New OS system HDD and fresh install of Windows on HDD.

Factory installed Kingston 8 GB (4 x 2/each GB) of memory.  The BIOS however shows that only DIMM slots 3 and 4 have memory and BIOS show that DIMM slots 1 and 2 are unused.  I have all 4 DIMM slots installed with memory. 

System Properties shows that I have 4 GB of memory installed.

I have removed the memory cards and reinstalled the cards to ensure that they are properly seated. In addition, I have changed the memory cards to different slots to determine if the actual cards may be defective.  BIOS still shows only DIMM slots 3 and 4 having memory regardless of memory card in slot.

I have checked the maximum memory to make sure that the box is unchecked and restarted the computer via msconfig.

BIOS version appears to be update via HP Site.

Does this indicated that the motherboard DIMM slots (1 and 2) are defective?

Any assistance woule be appreciated!

I ran Windows Memory Diagnostics this morning and no errors were detected.

[Grzwacz]

Hi

You have two issues.

Your PC is running slow.

You installed W7 recently. Take a look at Task Manager to see what is eating memory, CPU, and disk activity. The system could be indexing or Windows Update may be be working. New installations of W7 have a problem getting updates if you don't install this OS offline.

You then have to install some W7 updates offline before you connect the PC to the Internet.

Memory problem.

Please provide the specs on the additional RAM you purchased. Your PC supports the following RAM upgrades:

Memory upgrade information:

• Supports DDR3 DIMMs only
• Dual channel memory architecture
• Four DDR3 DIMM (240-pin) sockets
• DIMM types:
  • PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333)
  • PC3-8500 (DDR3-1066)
• Non-ECC memory only, unbuffered
• Supports up to 16 GB on 64-bit PCs
• Maximum memory only if using 4GB DDR3 DIMM modules.

You may be using incompatible RAM.

I have upgraded RAM on many HP PCs. I suggest you check Crucial for compatible memory.

It is possible you may have a memory slot problem. But dual channel memory requires you install memory which complies with the OEM specs.

It is best practice to use compatible memory kits. You would see optimal results installing a four 4 GB module kit that meets HP memory CAS and timing specifications.

Tom

[mikezum]

Hi Grzwacz.

Thank you for your reply.

I did not purchase any RAM, only a new Hard drive for the OS.

All the memory is factory OEM at came with the unit.  All four are DIMM 3 units (HP497157-C01-ELDW) that are 2 GB/each and therfore, compatibility is NOT an issue.

I checked the system to see if anything is comsuming excess memory.  At most, it shows that 34% of the available memory is used with all applications running (windows. oulook, network, etc.) and therefore, I suspect that this is adequate.

I have another HP that is newer and is listed as 23% being used for the same operations.  That unit has 32GB total memory available. 

The BIOS and Computer Properties only show 4 GB of RAM installed.

Any suggestions?

[Grzwacz]

Hi mikezum,

It sounds like you may have some bad memory slots on the MB.

Have you tried each stick of RAM (one at a time) in each memory slot to see what happens.

You would have to replace the MB if two memory slots have failed.

Try hitting the memory slots with some compressed air. Let the MB sit for a while.

Then try the memory again as per above.

Tom

[mikezum]

Tom,

Thanks for your support and input!

I am going to try some tinkering and hitting it with compressed air as per your suggestions, but suspect that your correct re: the memory slots. 

This morning I installed memory into DIMM slots 1, 2, 3, 4, one bank at a time.  Windows wouldn't start until I installed DIMM # 3.  Then it stated and ran as it should, but naturally showed only 2GB of memory.  When I added it into slot 4, I showed 4GB of RAM.

Unfortunately, I can not find a MB with a LGA 1156 socket that is new.  I found a "refurbished" unit, but the reviews by others was not good regarding used equipment.  Naturally, CPU and MB will both have to be replaced. 

Do you have a thoughts on used equipment?

Michael

[Grzwacz]

Hi Michael

You are welcome.

Buying used components is risky.

It's to bad HP does not sell new replacement components for older systems.

I would not buy a newer chipset MB because you will then have to buy a newer CPU and newer RAM.

You may as well just buy a new HP PC.

Running Windows on 4 GBs of RAM is going to negatively impact performance, which is what you are now experiencing.

Tom

[mikezum · Accepted solution]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for all your advice....

I am going to consider this matter closed,and kudos to you.....

I removed all the memory and cleaned it with compressed air/alcohol and restarted the unit. 

Upon start up, it showed 8 GB of RAM, but that that was short lived.  The system required a new Wndows update and upon restarting the computer, it reverted back to 4GB.  So I suspect that there is an intermittent problem with the memory slot, unless you have further suggestions?

Mike

[Grzwacz]

Hi Mike,

You are very welcome.

I have no further suggestions.

It appears the MB has issues.

Tom