I just chatted with a HP Tech today. She said that the a705w recognizes a total of 1024 MB (~1 GB) of RAM, but also said that each module (each card) can be a maximum of 512 MB...which may be your problem, since you bought 1 card containing 1 GB of RAM which may be too much. Here is the pertinant part of the chat session, that I saved, shown below:
My First Questions:
What is the highest amunt of RAM my computer will recognize?
What are all the compatible types of RAM cards pc2700, pc3200, DDR, DDR SDRAM, etc?
Emma : You want a complete specifications of the RAM cards installed on this PC, am I correct?
Pat B : I already know what is in there presently: 256 MB of RAM. What is the highest amunt of RAM my computer will recognize?
What are all the compatible types of RAM cards pc2700, pc3200, DDR, DDR SDRAM, etc?
Emma : Okay thank you for elaborating on the issue.
Emma : I really appreciate your efforts
Emma : It would be my pleasure to provide you all the information.
Emma : In order to assist you in more efficient way may I have the product and serial number of the computer along with your email address please?
Pat B : hp pavilion a205w
Emma : Here is the information you need.
Emma : Memory
2 DDR-DIMM slots for PC 2100 or PC 2700 DDR-DIMMS
Maximum module size is 512 MB
Maximum total memory is 1.0 GB
Supports unbuffered, non-ECC, 2.5v DIMMS
Pat B : What is a module size?...The highest amount for a single card?
Emma : Yes.
Emma : The maximum amount one slot can hold.
Pat B : Okay. I heard that for a 32-bit based system, that with 4GB installed for ram, that the computer will recognize 3GB or 3.5GB
Emma : Yes, but this computer will not take more than 1GB.
Emma : Will there be anything else that I can assist you with?
Pat B : Here is an address that shows that maximum memory is 2048MB, and that it could recognize 3GB or 3.5GB with 4GB installed:
Pat B : http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/compatible-memory-for/HP+-+Compaq/Pavilion+a705w/list.html
Emma : Pat, it is a third party website and it is information provided by it. HP will not hold any responsibility towards this information.
Emma : I have provided the information based on the product details and through our Internal resources, of this computer specifications.
Pat B : Does the a705w recognize at least 2GB?
Emma : Maximum total memory is 1.0 GB
Pat B : Som it does not what type(s) card(s) I get, the computer will only recognize 1GB?
Pat B : "So it does not..."
Emma : Yes.
Emma : It is Motherboard capacity what we are talking about.
Pat B : Why are these 3rd party websites saying that it will recognize more?
Emma : I have no Idea on this Pat, may be the PC what they are talking about has a different motherboard than the PC what you have does.
Pat B : It cannot handle PC 3200 DDR-DIMMS?
Emma : No.
Emma : 2 DDR-DIMM slots for PC 2100 or PC 2700 DDR-DIMMS
Pat B : What is SDRAM ?..Is that what DDR-DIMMS are?
Emma : SDRAM is older version of RAM DDR. DDR 2 and DDR 3 follow.
Pat B : So SDRAM will not work in this computer?
Emma : No.
Pat B : Oh. Will DDR 2 or DDR 3 work?
Emma : No.
Pat B : How much for 2 512 DDR cards?
Pat B : 512 MB that is.
Emma : Let me check if we have one.
Emma : I am afraid we do not have the cards available at this moment. You may try contacting nearest electronic stores for this cards.
Pat B : Okay, I'll see what there is. I guess that is all for now. Thanks for the info.
Emma : You are welcome Pat.
Emma : Will there be anything else that I can assist you with?
Pat B : No; I guess that's it.
Emma : It was pleasure to provide you all the information you need Pat, have a wonderful time and do take care of your self.
Emma : Thank you for contacting HP Total Care Real-Time chat support. If you need further assistance, please contact us again at:
http://www.hp.com/support/chat
Chat support is available 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.
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