Hello there,
wonder if anyone can come to my aid in time of crisis...
I have an Athlon 1333 running XP with 96 mg ram. Ok - I didn't really know what I was buying two years ago but thems the breaks.
So I decided a few weeks ago to get some extra ram - my machine requires PC 133 ram. So far I have tried adding a 128, a 256 and now nother 128 to my expansion slot and I still end up with the same problem. Computer runs alot faster for an hour or so then programs crash, then the computer crashes. I have tried putting the old ram in the other slot and the new ram (I have tried all 3 new rams) in the old slot and vice versa - I have tired taking out the old ram entirely and running just the new ram (same result - after a while I crash). Then after much frustration I go back to just me little ole 96 ram and no problems - runs as slow as a clock filled with marmalade - but no crashing.
If anybody could suggest a way to overcome this apart from chucking my machine out the window or myself along with it I would be extremely grateful.
Many thanks to all as I am now off to read lots of new info on the boards.
Cheers

Are you absolutely sure it's only the memory that's acting up?

I find it peculiar that your computer used to run faster for an hour until it crashes. While it's also just as unlikely an Athlon will run that long without cooling, are you certain it's fan is okay? It does sound a little like overheating.

Can you try testing your RAM using this app:
www.memtest86.com
I just found this app recently & would like to see if it actually can detect faulty RAM or simply report on dodgy segments. Still worth a look, it's a very small download!

Fingers crossed!
GF

If the 3 new modules aren't working but the old ones do, then I don't think it's memory related. It's highly unlikely that 3 new sticks all don't work. There may be a question if they are all no-name, but I highly doubt it.

It does sound like a heat issue, especially if it works normally for hours w/ the original memory in. I don't see how changing/adding RAM will cause it to crash.

Is this a brand-name system or a custom rig? If it's brand-name, you may go to the manufacturer's web site and see if there's any known issues or recommended memory.

You might also look at a BIOS upgrade; there may be instability issues at fault. Is anything overclocked? Since it does sound heat related, you might put a fan or two in the system and see what happens.

Hope this might give another starting point.

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