Bad memory slot or memory controller?

[yyonline]

So I have a new issue - one I haven't seen before.

I'm working on a Compaq CQ60 laptop. It would post with memory in the top slot, but not the bottom slot. I figure it's a bad motherboard. So, I order a replacement board. I received the replacement the other day. What do ya know - the new board does the same thing... Posts with memory in the top slot, but not the bottom.

Now, it would seem weird to me to have two motherboards with exactly the same issue. It's not out of the question, but it is unlikely. The memory has been tested and swapped with other known good memory. Same results every time.

This laptop has a SI-42 AMD Sempron CPU. These have an integrated memory controller. Has anybody seen a CPU with a bad memory controller? Would it cause my issue? I'm just trying to get a feel for what should be my next purchase - another motherboard, or a CPU. Any input greatly appreciated.

[toastygoodness]

Re: Bad memory slot or memory controller?

i haven't seen any bad cpu with mem controllers, but it is likely. best to find someone with a similar chip and test.

[NxB]

Re: Bad memory slot or memory controller?

Did you swap the chips? It won't post with both slots filled?

[yyonline]

Re: Bad memory slot or memory controller?

Yes, I swapped memory modules. Doesn't matter what modules were installed where. The only way it would post was with the dead slot empty.

New CPU arrived today, and now both slots work. So, it looks like something fried the memory controller on the CPU. Memtest-ing it now.

[ratdude747]

Re: Bad memory slot or memory controller?

go figure... did you get another sempron or did you upgrade it?

[weirdlookinguy]

Re: Bad memory slot or memory controller?

Egh. Sempron. My old laptop has a Sempron and it was/is a slow POS. I haven't touched the thing since I put together my new core 2 duo rig last fall.

[yyonline]

Re: Bad memory slot or memory controller?

Just another Sempron. Owner wanted it fixed as cheaply as possible. HP wouldn't warranty it, as it had damage from a drop. The laptop wasn't powered on at the time, and the drop damage seemed purely cosmetic. I don't see how a drop could cause CPU failure 6 months after it was dropped. But HP decided that they won't replace it under warranty as the warranty only covers defects, not damage.