Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

[CapLeaker]

I've got finally through my computer pile... kept me busy the past few days. For some reason I haven't been able to find any information about this computer. So this Acer Veriton M498G, is basically an I3 550 and has only one stick of Samsung 2GB 10600U in it. That's it. It needs to have an upgrade to get at least 4GB or better yet 8GB of RAM. The Bios is the latest. Took the CPU out and cleaned it, new paste on the heatsink, cleaned the memory slots, etc.
It came out of a very dusty environment.

What it does:
Works absolutely fine on that 2GB Samsung 10600 RAM. Doesn't matter in which slot I put it.

What it doesn't do:
If I insert any other RAM single or as a pair, the computer will just turn off. Maybe 10 seconds, maybe 30 seconds, maybe a minute.
Done a mem test on two 4GB Kingston 10600 RAM = crash
However if I put that single 4GB stick in, I can actually finish booting, but if I load another program it will crash.

Done a mem test on two 2GB Kingston 10600 RAM = mem test pass, but the computer will crash within a minute. I also tried using only one stick of this RAM and here it didn't matter if I used a single stick or as a pair.

There is nothing much in the bios to adjust for memory. The only thing is the be adjusted is 'spread spectrum' to disable. If I leave it enabled and have 2 RAM sticks in, I cant get into / over the Bios (it will just hang there) without clearing the CMOS.

I wonder if someone knows if what RAM speed this thing uses? Unless trying a notch slower RAMs, I am out of ideas on this one for now.

[delaware74b]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

I looked at the Kingston site and their memory finder tool, no dice on their site. Not on their list.

4memory.com showed it maxing out at 16GB with 4 slots of 4GB.

Crucial shows your model using DDR3 PC3-12800 in their tool, also using 4GB in each slot.

I hope this helps.

[CapLeaker]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

Thanks! I did figure last night out that it takes DDR3 up to 4GB per slot at 1333Mhz. However I have a set of 2x2GB and 2x4GB @ 1333Mhz (both Kingston) and the machine becomes unstable with those. I guess I have to try finding a different brand RAM next, unless someone has a better idea.

[RJARRRPCGP]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

If I insert any other RAM single or as a pair, the computer will just turn off.

Is it literally shutting down like high CPU temp or is it crashing? You said "turn off" so I assumed it powered down like a CPU thermal trip or a PSU protect mode due to a secondary short.

[CapLeaker]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

It just turns off as you would press the power button for 3 seconds. However I did find the 'fix' for it.

Apparently this MOBO in this Acer is poorly built and the AMIBIOS utter crap. You can't adjust nothing much in there at all. There is tons of EMI /RFI generated on that board, going into the RAM. Samsung RAM's are not affected by this, however Kingston RAM's are. Most of these came out of the factory with Samsung sticks.
If I put the two Kingston 2GB 1333Mhz sticks in by itself, system would work for a minute tops before rebooting (it just turns of, starts to boot and load again). I put some clip on metal heat sink over the exact same 2GB Kingston RAM and the computer works as it should. I've tested this in various configurations and always got the same result. Samsung RAM, no problem in any slot. The Kingstons work also fine as kind in any slot too, as long they have that metal clip on heat sink over them. The ram gets hand warm, but not hot. Sounds weird, but it is that way. Since the problem is not heat, I can get different results by enable / disable spread spectrum on the ram, it has to be EMI / RFI something along that line. If I jam a third Kingston stick without the shield in ram slot 3 (physically located between 1 and 2), it will take a while and the system shuts down again. What gives?! Blame it on shitty RAM and the combination of a crap MOBO.

Oh yes, I did check the RAM in other MOBO's and they work absolutely fine. I also did the mem check for hours.

[ChaosLegionnaire]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

wow, thats fascinating u were able to identify the cause as poor emi-rfi filtering on the mobo. always thought the heatspreaders on enthusiast ram were for decoration purposes only and to hide what ram they were using. turns out its actually for mitigating some of the emi-rfi generated at high ram clocks! this has gotta be the bug of the year for sure!

[jiroy]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

You should take into consideration that some Boards cannot see 8 GBs if not under Windows 10 supporting environment . Read the related Microsoft Articles concerning this issue . Windows 10 is the only one right now that can support boards up to 128 GB rams .

[CapLeaker]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

wow, thats fascinating u were able to identify the cause as poor emi-rfi filtering on the mobo. always thought the heatspreaders on enthusiast ram were for decoration purposes only and to hide what ram they were using. turns out its actually for mitigating some of the emi-rfi generated at high ram clocks! this has gotta be the bug of the year for sure!

No, I didn't have time to investigate too much further. All I can report is that the computer still works A, running 24/7 until it goes back to the owner. I have a stack of computers here from the same owner that need to be cleaned, repaired, upgraded and reformatted and converted to Linux. Each one has a specific duty.

You should take into consideration that some Boards cannot see 8 GBs if not under Windows 10 supporting environment . Read the related Microsoft Articles concerning this issue . Windows 10 is the only one right now that can support boards up to 128 GB rams .

I am done with Microcrap's Windows 10. To tell you the truth, I've been very loyal to Microsoft and had every single edition, even the little a,b,c or second edition, service packs or something .1, starting from Windows 3.0 until Windows 10. All my computers have been converted to Linux a few months ago. That being said, this 'problem' computer is a first gen I3, supports 16GB RAM. If it can't see 8GB this thing should be in the dumpster. Most MOBO's can only handle either 16, 32 or 64GB RAM.

[stj]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

maybe the caps or regulator that supply the ram are stuffed,
ram usually has it's own power circuits.

[jiroy]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

No, I didn't have time to investigate too much further. All I can report is that the computer still works A, running 24/7 until it goes back to the owner. I have a stack of computers here from the same owner that need to be cleaned, repaired, upgraded and reformatted and converted to Linux. Each one has a specific duty.



I am done with Microcrap's Windows 10. To tell you the truth, I've been very loyal to Microsoft and had every single edition, even the little a,b,c or second edition, service packs or something .1, starting from Windows 3.0 until Windows 10. All my computers have been converted to Linux a few months ago. That being said, this 'problem' computer is a first gen I3, supports 16GB RAM. If it can't see 8GB this thing should be in the dumpster. Most MOBO's can only handle either 16, 32 or 64GB RAM.

Don't be surprised CapLeaker . Last case i've seen was an HP 15n Icore 5 who wouldn't take 6 GB (4+2) on Windows 7 , And when i tried to take it Windows 10 , HP didn't made a certified Vga driver , while Microcrap , still looking to make a driver , and between tit and tat , My customer was forced to buy a newer Laptop . Microcrap it is , and will always be .

[RJARRRPCGP]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

You should take into consideration that some Boards cannot see 8 GBs if not under Windows 10 supporting environment .

Sounds like tin foil hat stuff... I bet Linux is just fine...

It sounds like a faulty slot...

[CapLeaker]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

maybe the caps or regulator that supply the ram are stuffed,
ram usually has it's own power circuits.

stj, I am trying to hold on to this computer as long as I can, maybe I'll find some time to go hunting with my oscilloscope.

The only thing I cannot explain is why a Samsung RAM stick isn't affected by this.
However using Kingston RAM (doesn't matter if an early production DDR3 (2gb double sided) or the latest production (4gb single sided and half height)) won't work. All RAM sticks are 1.5V. We had a snow storm today and the computer store was closed. I need another SATA HDD, so I also wanted to borrow more (different branded) RAM and see what happens.

[stj]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

i was thinking your working ram may draw less current.

[CapLeaker]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

I should see that on the oscilloscope what happens exactly.

[CapLeaker]

Re: Acer Veriton M498G RAM problem?

A little update: I was able to acquire 2 more 2GB Samsung RAM sticks. These are older, but have the same amount of RAM and speed. Only difference is that both sides are populated. Put in these without the shield and it works like a charm on three 2GB 10600U sticks.