Max RAM

[Zonk1972]

I inherited an old 233mhz computer, WIN98, 2 gig HD, 32 mg RAM. I installed 2 extra 128mg RAM and the system only moved up to 96 RAM. Could this be the max? There are two slots. I added 1-128mg and it went from 32mg to 48mg RAM. I mixed around some RAM cards and I now have the 32 mg original and 1-64mg and 1-32 mg card. I now have a total of 80mg instead of 128mg. I am geting very confused.

 

[cdogg]

Old socket 7 motherboards were typically limited to 128MB total. Does the system take EDO or SDRAM? If it's SDRAM, likely we're talking about PC-66, in which case, you would have a different issue.

~cdogg
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[Zonk1972]

The system takes SDRAM but, I used a PC 100 instead of PC66. But, if I add 1-128mg card, it does not give me 96RAM, it only gives me 48mg. I have original 32mg, 1-32mg, and 1-64mg. So, add these all up and it is 128mg, I am getting 80mg. That is why I am confused. Even if it does max out at 96RAM, why would I get only 80mg with my combination?

 

[cdogg]

First of all, a memory module has many different specifications besides speed. Even though all modules are PC66 or PC100, they might be of different compatibility.

For example, newer modules are single-sided, whereas older ones usually were double-sided (chips on both sides of the memory stick). This indicates density. Double-sided DIMMs are less dense and are generally more compatible in older motherboards.

So even though PC100 is backwards compatible to run at a slower speed of PC66, its density might not be. Unless all of your memory modules are of identical brand/model, then there's no surprise that you're getting mixed results.

~cdogg
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[paparazi]

Likey you have "shared" onboard graphics taking a slice of the system memory, hence the odd number.
There are often issues with early SDram based motherboards and later type memory modules.
You could keep a look out for some older PC66 or some early double sided PC100.
Martin

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[cdogg]

Yeah, I almost suggested that as well, but in an older motherboard like that I doubt it would be sharing any more than 4 or 8MB. Plus, most older motherboards had separate ROM chip add-ins that you fit right on the motherboard for video memory, which was separate from RAM. I think the late P-II's were the first to really incorporate "shared" memory.

In any case, it's a thought and should be looked at.

~cdogg
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[Zonk1972]

Thanks for the replies. I am just starting to get a grasp of the various computer hardware. Do you know of any good books or manuals on hardware or basically explaining how a computer is built piece by piece?