Backward Compatability

[rbailey3711]

I have an HP Pavilion a520n with two 256M DDR SDRAM 333 MHz. HP states the max ram is 1G, ASUS states 2G.

 

I installed two Corsair Value Select 512M PC 3200 400Mz DIMM's.

 

When I initially booted the system, the BIOS identified the ram as PC2700 @ 333MHz, with 1G installed.

 

Now the system will run and then suddenly shutdown.

 

Is the PC3200 backward compatible to PC2700? Do I need different RAM or can I adjust the BIOS settings to make this work?

[RAM GUY]

Please look up your system on our memory configurator and see if the reseller will let you exchange for the part that is listed.

And yes our modules are backwards compatible however OEM systems are sometimes hit and miss and I would suggest using only whats listed.

[rbailey3711]

Hi RamGuy,

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

I took the VS512MB400 out and reinstalled the original ram, it was also pc3200. Go figure. :confused:

 

It definitely would fail with the value select ram in the system.

 

Your memory configuration and ASUS's page both state the Motherboard can handle 2G of ram, HP's website states only 1G.

 

We're going to go ahead and get the 1G PC2700 sticks.

 

Again,

 

Thanks for your help. :D:

 

rbailey3711

[Xtreeme]

Keep in mind the use a custom bios and that "can" limit ram and cpu support. Many times these custom boards are diff then the standard, they cut corners for cost savings, dont update bios as often get custom sound or other onboard periphs and therefore even flashing to the regular asus bios is no garuntee (in fact it could kill the board).

 

I would do as ramguy said if you watn garunteed to work. Else you are just taking a gamble. It may support 2gb, but it may very well not too. Only the manufacturer would know.

[RAM GUY]

NO Problem, please let us know how you make out!