Upgrading Memory

[RasterBlaster]

TEPhillips,

The maximum "allowed" for the SR1300NX is 1 GB... this would be what HP recommends as the ceiling for the system. The motherboard is Kelut. And if you look at the specs... it lists 2 GB maximum (true for the component). http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00069442

Is it confusing - yes. But basically we're talking about power draw on the motherboard. If you start locking up when connecting USB devices or after installing a video card, then think about removing a PCI card, upgrading the power supply, etc...

gohkies,

Can't put 2GB in one slot and make it work (at least by what I am reading).

I'm not entirely sure what's going on... the  SR2172NX specification lists supported speed as PC2-4200 MB/sec. The motherboard is Alhena5 and lists several supported speeds - including your 667MHz Dimms. 

Single-channel memory architecture

2 x 240-pin DIMM sockets

Supports PC2-3200 (400 MHz), PC-4200 (533 MHz) and PC2-5300 (667 MHz) DDR2 DIMMs

non-ECC memory only, unbuffered

Maximum HP/Compaq approved memory is 2 GB

According to the product spec, the memory should work, but at the lower rate of PC2-4200 (according to product spec -not motherboard spec). It does not support dual channel mode so you will get no benefit from making them all the same size and manufacturer - other than increased compatibility. Is your new memory ECC?

According to the motherboard specs, you should get 2 GB @ PC2-5300 (667 MHz) minus what is used for your video card.

I don't see how you upgraded the BIOS as I do not see a BIOS upgrade available from the HP Web site. Did you install a BIOS update from another HP product or from the motherboard manufacturer? Another thing that is going to mess with your upgrade, if you are still using on-board video, is that the system automatically allocates RAM to the video system. You may want to throw in a video card (if you have a spare), just to see if that is waht is messing with you.

I also see that Crucial's memory locater service states that your PC supports dual-channel mode  - I don't think this is true. But the memory they offer should work - if you purchased it from them.

[gohokies]

RasterBlaster -

Thank you for your prompt response.  Comments/answers to your questions:  I purchased two memory modules 1) Crucial 1GB 240-Pin DIMM 128Mx64 DDR2PC2 - 5300 UNBUFF Non-ECC MODEL #CT12864AA667 purchased from Amazon.com, and 2) Kingston KVR667D2/1GR Value RAM - again PC2-5300 667 MHz non-ECC purchased from a local MicroCenter store.  Both seem to meet the specs from what I can tell.....

As I mentioned in my last post, both work fine alone in either slot but I can't get the computer to recognize both together or using one with the original 4200 memory.

I do have a GeForce 7600 with 512MB RAM video card.  I've tried running the computer with and without the extra memory module with the same results.

I did upgrade the BIOS based on the info at http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=2093&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=3375623

It had version 5.14 of the BIOS (I was running 5.07 that came with the computer) - again with no different result.

Any other ideas?  I greatly appreciate your help.

[HP_SR2172NX]

Raster,

I'm having exactly the same problem here, machine only recognizes one or the other RAM card not both.  I may try to call HP help desk support or chat to try to figure this out.  BIOS only shows one slot full.

[HP_SR2172NX]

With (2) 1 GB RAM Sticks, I tried slot 1 Memory A then Memory B. 

Then slot 2 Memory A then Memory B with 4 restarts. 

All slots and RAM work correctly up to 1 GB RAM. 

Putting both 1 GB RAM sticks in slot 1 and slot 2 still only shows 1 GB RAM. 

Interestingly, 1/2 slots are not recognized at the BIOS Level.   Please help!  Need 2 GB RAM as Windows Vista is a dog with only 1 GB RAM

[RasterBlaster]

This one is a toughie... I've been racking my brain and researching the mobo vendor. I think, *think*, that the mobo is not fully supporting 667Hz. The only 1GB supported Dimms that I found (in qualified vendor lists) were 400 or 533 Hz.

[HP_SR2172NX]

Raster,

Thanks for your message.  I thought with my 2 slots 2 RAM test that if the mobo recognized RAM in a single configuration (1 slot populated with 1GB RAM and 1 slot empty)  that it would then recognize RAM in the double configuration. I bought RAM from Crucial.com, and it ran an auto-detect so hopefully I purchased the right RAM speed.

I would agree with your explanation if one of the 2 sticks *DID NOT* work.  However, they both work great in each of the 2 slots with no problems.

Anyone, anyone?

[RasterBlaster]

Actually - we are saying the same thing. I am agreeing with you. I understand that 2 PC2-5300 @ 667 will only see  1 GB @ 4200 for your system configuration.

I found many released products in a 2 GB 4200 configuration. But only one model exists (that I have found) with 2 GB configuration with Alhena5 and PC2-5300 @ 667 (for Latin America). I am also asking around to try and get further clarification.

Do either of you have access to an extra 1 GB 4200 dimm to install it? I do not have an Alhena5 board (or a 1GB 4200 DIMM) laying around. I suspect 2 x 4200 will work.

[HP_SR2172NX]

Raster,  Thanks for the analysis.  I don't have access to (1) 1GB 4200 stick here.

I could certainly go out and buy (1) or (2) 1 GB 4200, they are about $20 each on ebay. 

I will let you know if I'm able to do that.  Thanks. 

[HP_SR2172NX]

Note crucial site:  http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/compatible-memory-for/HP+-+Compaq/Presario+SR2172NX/list.html 

Number of Slots:

 Slot 1  

 Slot 2  

Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-5300 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.*

*Not to exceed manufacturer supported memory.

[RasterBlaster]

Crusial's site also states it supports dual-channel - I don't think that is true.