DDR2 Compatibility Issue

[billnc]

I have an HP a1410a Desktop Computer

It has a Intel Pentium 4 running at 3.06 GHz, Runing Windows XP Home.

Motherboard ID is 63-0100-000001-00101111-090506-RS400$RC410-M
_BIOS DATE: 09/05/2006 VER: 08.00.12

Using the most recent BIOS available.

According to HP, the memory slot specs are:
2 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered non-ECC 400/533 MHZ DDR2 memory modules
Maximum HP/Compaq approved memory is 2 GB

It currently has 1 Gb memory single card which is a
DDR2 PC2 4200 4-444-11-81

I purchased a Gskill DDR2667 PD2 5300 1024MB x 1 CL5-5-5-15 1.8V
to try to increase my overall memory to 2 GB.

My computer does not recognize the memory in the 2nd slot.

If I install either memory in slot 1, the computer recognizes
it and it runs fine.

If I install either memory in slot 2, with nothing in slot 1, the computer does not
operate.

Neither memory is recognized in the 2nd slot.

If I run ONLY the Gskill memory, the BIOS identifies it as PC2 4200 memory.

My main question is: Is the additional memory slot showing empty because of the 2 disparate types? (PC5300 & PC 4200)? - Or is my 2nd memory slot bad?

Do I just need to buy another Gskill DDR2 - PC2 5300 to have my
computer recognize 2 Gb?

Thanks, in advance, for any guidance.

[Tradesman]

Can you change adjust anything in the BIOS as pertains to DRAM? (AM guessing no) What you might try is resetting the CMOS (should be a reset jumper on the mobo (can check the manual) or power down, unplug, and remove the CMOS battery for about 15 seconds (the battery is flat and sort of about the size of a nickel. Then the slower stick in slot 1 closest to the CPU and the other in slot 2. Also possible to try in the BIOS resetting to defaults and see if it picks it up. Otherwise, sounds like a bad slot, should be able to put both sticks in thought they would run at the slower speed of 4200

[billnc]

No Joy

Removed & replaced the CMOS battery.

Reset the BIOS Defaults.

Had slower stick in slot 1, G.Skill in slot 2.

Computer would not boot. Panic.

I remove the G.Skill and it booted ok.

This is telling, because this is the same configuration
as when I first installed the G.Skill today and
the computer booted, but did not recognize
the G.Skill.

My guess is that it was now trying to recognize
the 2nd stick, but because of incompatibility, would
not start the computer.

Any other way to tell if my slot is bad?

Guess I'll just have to buy a 2nd stick
and see if that will work. If not, then
I will have bought 2 GB for nothing.

Thanks for taking the time to help me.

[Tradesman]

Do you know anybody running two sticks you could borrow briefly? That would be an easy way to check

[billnc]

Friendless

No, I am friendless, but that was a good suggestion.

[Tradesman]

Could try getting another stick, and it may work well, hate to suggest doing so though, wish there was an easy way to test, going to a shop would prob cost more than a stick