Problem fitting extra RAM in Acer Extensa E210

[philipg1969]

I have a quite old Acer Extensa E210 desktop computer. As it is now falling well behind current spec I recently decided to upgrade the processor/get a dedicated graphics card/fit more memory. I have had no problems installing the processor to an upgraded Athlon II 64 and a PCIe x16 Nvidia Graphics card is working without any problem. As I was running W7 32 that only allows 3.5G I did a fresh OS install of W7 64bit. The memory in the machine fitted at the factory is DDR2 PC5300 and I think it runs at around 555MHZ. Many websites that sell memory advise that the motherboard can take PC6400 up to 800MHZ.

 

So I have 2 1G Dimms in the blue matched memory slots and a further 1G one in one of the yellow slots. The problem arises when I fit a 2G PC6400 in the last slot. Windows loads up okay and no memory problems are detected by the Bios on boot up. However, the system loses the sound device (Realtel AC97 onboard - with updated drivers) and also the 1MB Nvidia Graphics card. Take the 2G PC6400 out and the devices return and work okay. I have tried removing the 1G PC5300 dimm in the white slot and replacing it with the 2G PC6400, I lose sound/video hardware again.

 

As I understand the faster memory should be compatible to mix with the factory installed, the speed is just downgraded. What I cannot understand is there are no issues on Bios boot up and the System information in windows recognises the RAM correctly as 5Gig.

 

In case the 800MHZ speed of the PC6400 was causing problems or just faulty memory, I have also tried a 2G PC5300 dimm running at 667MHZ. Loss of video/sound as before but recognised okay in windows.

 

Any help would be most appreciated. Many hours of looking on Google, different RAM combo's in alternate slots. Nothing works and don't know what else to try.

 

 

 

Kind regards,

 

Phil

[KenB]

Hi Phil and welcome to ExTS :)

 

According to Crucial your 2GB RAM should be compatible

click here

 

It also suggests that individual modules can be used - so no problem there.

 

Take a look at the 2GB module ........... is it Non ECC ?

What voltage is shown ? ( 1.8 v ? )

 

What is the voltage shown on the 1GB modules ?

 

=============

 

EDIT .......additional info

Is this your motherboard?

click here

[philipg1969]

Thanks for your reply.

 

Hi,

 

My MB is an Acer F690GVM. The voltage on the memory is 1.80v and I think it is non EEC. It seems that any combo of RAM I install is okay. This can be three 1G DIMMS or one of the 2G DIMMS and a 1G DIMM providing I don't exceed 3Gig.

 

If I try four 1G DIMMS or two 2G DIMMS i will always get error code 43 on the device manager for the graphics card that is an Nvidia GT610. As the on-board graphics is ATI I even tried tried a 1G ATI card but that was worse and I got a BSOD and a system re-boot to prevent hardware damage.

 

The Nvidia card just stops working in windows and I get a VGA display but do get the extra RAM showing in system properties. I'm thinking maybe some kind of IRQ conflict... I did try turning off Assign IRQ for VGA in BIOS, didn't work. I have also enabled the config table in BIOS to reset system but that didn't do a thing.

 

I have uploaded some screenshots of the memory I am using and also a CPU-Z report. Thanks for your time.

 

Three 1GB DIMMS (These work okay all installed together)

 

http://www.philgwilliam.co.uk/installed.jpg

 

Zeppelin 2GB DIMM (This is currently installed with one of the above, and works with all the above but only one at a time.. not more than 3G)

 

http://www.philgwilliam.co.uk/zeppelin%202g.jpg

 

This other 2GB DIMM works fine alongside the 1GB DIMMS

 

http://www.philgwilliam.co.uk/MT%202g.jpg

 

RAM is correctly reported as 4GB in system properties but GT610 card is not working:-

 

http://www.philgwilliam.co.uk/computer.jpg

 

Error code 43 in device manager for display adapter. Stopped by Windows with 4GB RAM:-

 

http://www.philgwilliam.co.uk/code%2043.jpg

 

And finally the CPU-Z report:-

 

http://www.philgwilliam.co.uk/PHIL-PC.html

 

I am wondering if a BIOS update would solve the problem. Don't fancy attempting that tbh as I have never done it before. Am I just asking too much from what is an old machine and hardware. The PC came installed with a Sempron 3800 and 1GB RAM. But if the MB can take up to an Athlon 64 6000+ and 8GB RAM, then why not..... Very strange.

 

Thanks,

 

Phil :-)

[KenB]

Hi Phil

 

Thanks for the pics - very useful.

 

I have tried to locate a manual for your m/board .... not having much luck.

I did discover that some suggest your board is actually a Foxconn a690gm2ma-8ekrs2hM ??

 

Put the 2GB module in along with the 1GB ones > re-set the BIOS using a jumper if you have one on the m/board or pull the CMOS battery for 1 minute.

 

Try booting up again.

[nor750ton]

The capability of using the blue and yellow slots is determined by your CPU according to Acer. If your CPU is 1 core you can only use the Blue and if 2 core then all four slots.

Hope this helps.