VIA VT133 and 1GB RAM

[gee_man]

I've been trying to install Linux 7.2 and/or Linux 9 on a model 12-SS-M786 mainboard with VIA VT133 chipset without success. With a single 512MB DIMM in slot 1, I can install either operating system with no problem. However, when I pop in the second 512MB DIMM, the installation always fails (complete garbage appears on the screen and eventually everything locks up). According to the manual, the mainboard can handle two 512MB DIMMs. The BIOS seems to recognize the total 1GB RAM without difficulty (counts out the entire 1GB during the boot memory check). Any suggestions?

[blackfive]

Hi,

You could try running memtest86 on the machine; it should give you a clearer idea of whether the problem is with the hardware.

BTW - Linux is available in many different distributions; to get any specific help, you need to specify which you're using (Redhat, Mandrake, SuSE, etc.)

[gee_man]

Yes, sorry. I'm installing Red Hat Linux.

[nil]

I know mandrake 9.1 has an install problem with 1GB RAM or more. The workaround is mentioned in link (http://www.mandrakelinux.com/en/errata.php3#fb). You could try that.

[gee_man]

So, I gave memtest86 a shot (great utility, by the way). Both 512MB modules test out fine in slot 0. Both 512MB modules test out fine in slot 1. But testing with one module in each slot causes video errors and eventually ends in lockup. I'm using memory from one of the suggested manufacturers (Mushkin). Anyone have any other ideas? The BIOS is Award Modular BIOS v.6.00PG. Is there an upgrade to this version somewhere? I can't even find the mainboard listed on the Via site anywhere.

[nil]

Its clear that the motherboard has a problem when both slots are used. Make sure that the timings are the slowest and see if that helps.

[gee_man]

Tried all available timings. Same results for every setting.