On Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:55:33 +1000 Basil Chupin <blchupin@iinet.net.au> wrote:
I had no hassles with mine until the end of a couple of years ago when suddenly the system would freeze for no apparent reason AFTER I added some memory (I had a 1GB module installed but then added another 3GB into sockets #2, #3 & #4).
Memory slots that weren't in use for a long time can have dust or oxide on contacts that is not always easy to remove. This is the most frequent reason to have trouble with it. It is not only missing contact, but even increased resistance, that can prevent proper function. For instance one of contacts on data bus has increased resistance slowing down transition, so when memory via its control bus tells that data are ready, faulty line is not. As resistance will increase when computer warms up, it will work fine after boot and fail later. Another are lesser common, but possible: * old power supply electrolytic capacitors with changed properties; * factory fault that is not detected before; * design fault that wasn't apparent with older memories; * faster switching circuitry in newer memories that is not compensated with on board components (again memory tells its ok to read data, while data are still in transient state) Some of above are incompatibilities that happen even on day one and designers know about them. That is the reason to use only memory chips that either motherboard, or memory stick, manufacturer recommend. -- Regards, Rajko. -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org To contact the owner, e-mail: opensuse+owner@opensuse.org