Member Avatar for cuivenion

Hi all,

OK,
I'm using Acer Aspire 1705SMi laptop that is supposed to be able to take up to 2gb of ddr333 sdram 184 pin dimm. The is a DIMM based model with a sis650 chipset. it also takes 3.5 ide hard drives.

I've tried about 4 brands of ram to upgrade to 2gb(1gb stick per slot, it has 2 memory slots) and non will work, i just get a blank screen. the computer attempts to power up but can't manage it. Strangely. enough it will accept 2X 512meg sticks at ddr 333 with no problems.
I've tried crucial and their memory adviser, the ram didn't work and i've also flashed the bios up to the latest version. I'm sure i'm installing it properly.
Has anyone else has this problem or does anyone have any ideas on how to sort it out. Here's hoping

cheers for any help guys

ps I've tried talkingto acer their response was DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
:rolleyes:

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by flajoh

Dani AI

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Short summary and likely cause — ’s behavior (2×512 OK, any 1GB sticks -> blank POST) strongly matches two common realities: some Aspire 1700-series boards were only validated for 512MB modules (1GB total), and many older notebooks/BIOSes reject newer “high‑density” 1GB SO‑DIMMs. Kingston’s system page for the 1700/1705 series lists a 1GB maximum (so two 512MB modules is the supported upgrade path). (kingston.com)

What to check next (practical, in-order):

  • Test each 1GB stick alone in each slot (one module per boot). if neither single stick lets the system POST, the module organization is likely incompatible.
  • Inspect SPD/part numbers (CPU‑Z or Everest) for chip organization (single‑ vs double‑sided, x8/x16 or explicit “1Gbit” marking). Older controllers often need lower‑density (256M/512M‑bit) chips. Tom’s Hardware’s memory FAQ explains this density/compatibility problem and why systems can show only partial or no recognition. (forums.tomshardware.com)
  • If a single 1GB stick POSTs but two together fail, try BIOS settings/another BIOS version (you already flashed — good) and test different vendor modules — specifically buy modules sold as “system‑specific” or validated for the Aspire 1700 series.

What to do if troubleshooting fails:

  • Use tested 512MB Kingston/Crucial modules (the stable route if the machine truly tops out at 1GB). If you need >1GB and the board won’t accept 1GB parts, the only options are a different motherboard/model or keep 2×512.
  • For ’s Everest-vs-Windows discrepancy: confirm BIOS memory count, run a bootable Memtest (verifies physical RAM), and check Windows’ system info (and any integrated‑GPU memory reservation) before assuming a fault.

Practical tip: when buying a replacement, buy from a vendor who explicitly lists compatibility (and accepts returns) — that avoids wasted, incompatible 1GB sticks.

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Member Avatar for knsljo

Try kingston memory. Plum your laptop in and it will tell you what your machine can handle. It says the maximum for your model is 1GB.:sad:

Member Avatar for flajoh

I have similar problem with an about 4.5 year old ACER Aspire E300 PC that is supposed to be able to take up to 2gb of ram. The system showed that I had 1 GB, so a bought an additional DDR-400 RAM bar, but the system is still showing only 1 GB RAM. I inverted the bar, but it did not help.

The Everest software is, however, seeing two bars. In slot 1 the new one (Kingston 1024 MB) and in slot 2 the old one, which it calls Nanya NT512D64S8HCOG-ST with 512 MB. If these data are correct the system should show 1.5 GB, but it still shows only 1 GB.
Has anyone else has this problem or does anyone have any ideas on how to sort it out? I have not yet contacted ACER.
Cheers also from me for any help guys

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