Polar Light wrote:
> Hi there,
>
> I just got a call from a friend who tried to upgrade the RAM on his
> computer, after installing the new memory, the computer just wouldn't start.
> He then took out the new chips and replaced the old ones but it's still the
> same. The power comes on, the fans make noise and the monitor says there's
> no signal so presumably both the power supply and monitor are working fine,
> however, the BIOS screen doesn't come up and there are not bleeps.
>
> He says he's checked the connections and they're all OK and the system was
> working perfectly before.
>
> Can a motherboard be killed just by installing new RAM?
>
> Any ideas much appreciated.
>

If you install RAM with the power on, that can kill it.
(Unplug A.C. for safety, and observe ESD precautions when installing
RAM. Clip a wrist strap to exposed metal on the computer case,
to bring yourself and the RAM, to the same potential as the computer.)

Antistatic Wrist Strap $6.99
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2479151

If you get the RAM in the socket crooked, or not fitting properly
in some way, that could do it. Some sockets are a tight fit, and it
is possible the RAM wasn't fully seated.

If it is Athlon64/FX/X2, the processor could be damaged (as the RAM
interface is on the processor). In that case, the motherboard might
not be affected. If it is Intel, where the Northbridge chip has the
RAM interface, then the motherboard might be bad. About all you can
do, is try stripping the computer down, and see if the symptoms
change. A motherboard with a CPU installed, and power supply connected,
should be able to beep the computer speaker, when started (because
missing RAM and missing video card will cause the BIOS to beep). If
still no response, the CPU may not be executing the BIOS for some
reason. While you can try clearing the CMOS, since you know the
cause of the problem, the CMOS might not make any difference to
the symptoms. What you try replacing next, will depend on the
CPU type.

Paul