Hi;

I have an Emachines W3115 that have the following specs:
Processor: AMD Sempron 3100+ 1.8 Ghz
Video: nvidia GeForce 6100 GPU
Mobo: K8MC51G LF
512 RAM on Slot 1
Bios: Phoenix Award
Bios Date: January 13th, 2006
Bios ID: 01/13/2006-C51MCP51-6A61HF09C-00
Bios Oem: Version NAA24EM-6.00 PG
Chipset: Athlon 1100 rev 0
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 preinstalled
120 Gb HDD

I want to upgrade the ram from 512 MB to full 2 GB (Max capacity of RAM said by Emachines Company). I bought two KVR400/1GR 1GB per stick. Kingston Value Ram 2.6v. Verified that is If I install the two Ram for a Total of 2 GB, the pc FREEZE when startup on e logo. See attached picture A.

The PC freeze also when I install only one  KVR400/1GR 1GB stick on slot #2.

Otherwise, when I install only one KVR400/1GR 1GB stick on slot #1, the PC works excellent.

Its like that slot #2 is damaged?

The two RAMs that I bought are good and working fine tested.

I think that maybe I need a BIOS Update but I don't know is there are one.

Or maybe change a setting in the current Bios? If is a setting, what setting I need to change?

Please can you help me to upgrade my Emachines W3115 to full capacity of 2 GB?

Any hint is appreciated, Thanks a LOT;
Carlos

[recovering disk space, attachment deleted by admin]What happens if you put your original 512mb stick in slot 2?  This would help determine if the slot is bad or not.Does your start-up screen always look like that with the lines, or is that just because of the photo?Hi camerongray & Maleke; when I put the original 512 mb stick in slot #2 only is the same history, when I put the 512 mb stick in slot #1 only, the pc run & works great. The start-up screen with the lines appears like that when I put whatever working memory stick (512 Mb & 1Gb) in that slot #2. The issue is with the slot #2. I notice that the Northbridge are very hot than the Southbridge.

My guess is that the slot #2 is damaged, but the solution is buy a mobo replacement? or there is a fix???

Thanks for your help an replies

CarlosLooks like it is probably that #2 slot.  There is no reasonable fix for this.  You are stuck with cramming all that ram into a single slot, or buying a new mobo.  So you could return your ram sticks and buy a single bigger one.

If you have had the PC for a while and never used the slot, maybe there is dust in there causing problems.  Maybe check with your flashlight and see, could also be corrosion or what not built up as well causing the problem.

-MalHi Mal, The PC never use that slot. I inclined in your idea that maybe there is dust. Now my question is how I clean a memory slot? What PROCESS, tools, or cleaning products I can use that not damage the mobo with static. I think only I use a air pressure can. Any ideas or hints Will be appreciated.

CarlosAir can is best...Air can is probably the safest bet.  Either way it is a long shot and the odds are against you.  But hey, it is worth a shot.  When using the air can be careful not to hold it upside down when you spray.  If you see any condensation BUILD up when you are spraying it is best to let it dry a few minutes before turning it back on.

-Mal I will try the can, but I see in the web that use a toothbrush with a little Isopropyl alcohol or WD-40 and then blow with the can in the memory slot, what is the pros & cons with this method? Really works? It's secure??

Thanks guys for your recommendations & comments, Any more ideas will be appreciate. I test the air can, later I will post if works.I was going to mention the alcohol with a q-tip or other small brush type of thing.  This can be used on many things with connectors and is worth trying.  Just make sure you let the computer dry completely before turning it on.  Another precaution is to use something like rubbing alcohol that is diluted, to much alcohol can leave a residue that can cause more problems.

-MalI suspect the Slot was dead from day 1...
However Best of Luck...bring us good news...Hello Guys, well I think that patio is right. I think I can live with one slot at full capacity, 1Gb is better than original 512Mb. Thanks everyone for all recommendations, hints and tips. Special Thanks to camerongray, Mal & patio.Welcome Aboard !...Hi

You could try INSERTING the memory and ejecting several times from the dimm2 socket. This often clears corrosion from the socket.