Member Avatar for kindway

Hi everyone.
Does anyone know if I can install 2 2gig memory sticks to achive my 4 gig (3.5)max memory or if the max is 1 gig per slot?

Thanks A bunch!


Specifications
Part Number: 1009149Gateway GT5252 Media Center Computer


Following are the specifications for the Gateway® GT5252 Media Center computer.
Feature Specification
Processor AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 4600+ dual-core processor 3800+
2.4 GHz
2000 MHz front side bus
L2 cache: 512 KB ×2

Memory Installed: 2048 MB DDR2 533 MHz (PC4200) (two 1024 MB modules)
Expandable to: 4 GB (four DDR2 slots)

Video xfx 8600 GT 256MB 620MHz

Audio Integrated 8-Channel (7.l ) High Definition Audio
Hard Drive 320 GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA II hard drive with 8 MB cache)

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by sittas87

Dani AI

Generated

As and noted, whether two 2GB sticks will work is ultimately a function of the board's per‑slot support — but because reports intermittent boot failures when populating slots 3 and 4, fixing or isolating that hardware problem is the priority. Practical steps below to determine if a slot, a DIMM, or BIOS/settings are causing the trouble.

  • Safety first: unplug, hold the power button to discharge, and use an anti‑static strap or touch the metal case before handling RAM.
  • Inspect and clean: remove all modules, check the DIMM contacts and the plastic rails for damage, and blow the slots out with compressed air. Clean gold fingers gently with isopropyl if dirty.
  • Narrow it down: test each DIMM one at a time in the primary slot the manual indicates for a single module. If a stick works there but fails in slot 3 (or 4), that points to a bad slot rather than a bad module. Swap sticks between slots to confirm.
  • Verify seating and pairing: make sure modules click fully into place and are installed in the correct color‑coded pair for dual‑channel operation (pairs usually alternate colors). Mismatched sizes/speeds can cause POST failures.
  • BIOS & diagnostics: reset CMOS to defaults, disable any manual memory timing/voltage changes, and if possible flash the latest BIOS from Gateway. Boot a MemTest86 USB and run multiple passes on any module/slot combination that looks suspect.
  • If a slot is defective: continue using the working slots, replace the board, or use modules within the per‑slot limits the manual specifies. Note that on 32‑bit Windows a full 4GB will often show as about 3.0–3.5GB usable.

Four matched sticks gives better fault tolerance and (usually) bandwidth than two large sticks, as pointed out. Follow the checklist above to identify the faulty component before spending on new RAM.

Recommended Answers

All 8 Replies

Member Avatar for steven woodman

that all depends on the mother board you have. I would say if you have four slots with 4gig max then it would be 1gig per slot max and if 2 slots then.......well i guess it would have to be 2 x 2gig. it really depends on the max ram per slot allowed on your board.

Member Avatar for jermaghs07

sittas87 is right. 1 gig max per slot. besides it is a lot faster to run 4 1G sticks then it is to run 2 2G stick

Member Avatar for gtd

It is faster, and safer if one of the sticks breaks down !

Member Avatar for kindway

Yeah, I kinda figgured that. I have a problem with booting up when I have memory in slots 3 and 4...an intermittent problem that has gotten worse over time. I guess I can just stick with 2 gigs of ram....THANKS EVERYONE

Member Avatar for sittas87

check if your slots is dual channel

Member Avatar for jermaghs07

if you don't know how to tell they should be color coded. and they should alternate for example mine are yellow, blue, yellow, blue

Member Avatar for sittas87

thats right,colors suggest pairs

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