RAM problems

[Silent Shark]

I have a friend who accidently knocked his (rather heavy) computer case on its side.

Now when we switch it on, we get a long beep continuously repeating. The manual indicates this is a RAM problem (confirming this is difficult, as the BIOS has a Phoenix sticker on the board itself, but the manual and the beep codes we hear mean it's an Award BIOS, so we are unsure). I thought maybe the jolt had unsettled the RAM sticks, so I've tried re-seating them, but no luck. I've striped the PC down to minimum hardware, and even tried turning on without RAM in it, and we still get the same beep.

He's not in a good position to replace any hardware at the moment (it's all old-ish stuff, meaning it would have to be upgraded, and he doesn't have the money).

Any advise anyone can give would be much appreciated.

PC Specs:
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-K8NS Pro
RAM: 3x 512MB DDR
CPU: AMD Athlon64 3000+
(Other specs available on request...)

Thanks.

[vinnyT]

Here's a site that tells you what the error codes refer to http://www.bioscentral.com/beepcodes/awardbeep.htm. Unfotunately, your first feeling is correct, it does refer to a problem with the memory.

You have tried reseating the memory, that didn't work. Do you have access to some memory that you could try in your friends pc? Could you try your friends memory in your pc? If you can and the memory doesn't work, he needs new memory, if it works in you pc, then it points to a fault with his mobo.

[Silent Shark]

Thanks vinnyT. The problem is it's using DDR1, and the only other PC we have access to is mine, which uses DDR2.

It's not going to be easy to find some spare DDR1 RAM lying around, but I'll see what I can rustle up.

If anyone has any other thoughts on any other things I can try,I'd welcome them.

Thanks.

[vinnyT]

That's a shame, I took some bits to the local recycling center last week, along with 2 sticks of ddr1. Sorry can't be more help.

[Thorsson]

The chances of all 3 sticks of RAM having been damaged, but that this is not visible damage, seem exceedingly small. Possibly the motherboard slots could have been damaged, but you must have one slot that was previously unused. Try each individial stick in that slot. BTW with no RAM do you get the same beeps?

Of course it might not be that at all. My advice would be to take it all apart and put it back together again, starting with an absolute minimum configuration. Probably best to clear the CMOS too before you start.

I shipped a PC/PSU/CPU/RAM and the carriers dropped it with enough force to break the styrofoam supports and shear off all the case front lugs. I also had problems with the RAM booting when I moved the mobo to a new case, but I was able to "fix" it after taking all the RAM out and trying each stick in each slot. After I got one to boot I found some of the CMOS setting had been lost. When I corrected those I was able to get 3 sticks to boot, and a couple of tries later the final stick worked, and has been fine since.

[Silent Shark]

Thanks Thorsson for the words of optimism .

Yes the same beeps are heard with no RAM inserted... CMOS has been cleared. All 3 slots were being used, but I ahve tried each stick separatly in each slot.

The slightly weird thing is the delay between the first and second beep tends to vary quite a bit. I don't know what that could mean. After the second beep it's fairly regular.

I'll probably pull it to bits tonight and see how I get on.

[Thorsson]

Well guessing from my own exp. there was probably some slight damage to the mobo memory slots. I pressed steadily but very firmly at both ends until it settled in and fully clicked, but one slot required 3 attempts before it behaved.