SDRAM 256 seen as 128

[jessiem25]

Hello all,

First off, I'm on XPpro, 80gb hd, originally 512mb RAM, Award BIOS v.4.51

I just recently added a 256mb memory chip to my machine (3 slots available, all able to hold 256mb). I started up my machine, and only 128mb is being recognized. The chip seems to be fine. Could a BIOS update remedy this? I've never updated the BIOS on this machine, so I thought that might be an option.

 

[gpalmer711]

Let us know the make and model of your motherboard and the type of Ram you have just brought.

Also have you tried taking one of your old sticks out? Does it then recognise the new stick properly or still as 128mb?

Greg Palmer

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Any feed back is appreciated.

 

[bcastner]

As a guess you are trying to use PC100/133 DRAM, and your motherboard only supports PC100. The PC100 spec commonly uses 8x16 modules, the 100/133 8x32, and the motherboard can only see 8x16.

By DRAM certified as PC100 and not dual purpose to avoid the problem. These modules usually have chips on both sides of the SIMM module, as opposed to one side, and will not be certified for use in PC133.

 

[jessiem25]

I switched out one of my other chips with the new chip (Ultra brand) and it still was only recognized as a 128. After calling about returning the chip (conveniently after, so of course I felt like an idiot) I realized that my current memory is double-sided and the new chip isn't. My board (an asus K7) does take pc-133, even though it is a pc-100, but it appears I definitely need double-sided memory.

From what I've been told, manufacturers no longer let companies know whether or not the memory is double-sided, so it looks like I'm going to have to just buy locally.

Thanks for the quick replies!

 

[SYAR2003]

Another thread in the pc general hw forum.
Same issue with half ram detected.

thread602-703771

 

[SYAR2003]

Tip !
Use the ram finder on

http://www.crucial.com

Tell what motherboard you have and the supported ram
chips is listed.

 

[cdogg]

jessie

"Double-sided" memory is almost always less dense than single-sided ones. Because of that, a lot of people will just assume that you have to have double-sided on older motherboards.

Well, that's not always true. A lot of single-sided modules will work just fine. The truth is that you can never tell for sure just by looking at it. You should always buy from a reputable vendor and brand to ensure compatibility and a return policy. Places like

http://www.crucial.com

will help you determine what's compatible for your specific motherboard.


~cdogg
[tab]"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources"
[tab][tab]- A. Einstein