RAM Problem

[kiepie]

Hi

Have a spare PC, Pentium 3, 600Mhz..

So I bought 256MB of DDR 133 Ram, now in my System Properties it only shows 128MB.

Bios update needed?

 

[Mal1ce]

DDR133? Surely you mean PC133 right?

Have a look right at the beginning when the PC POST's, see if it displays 128MB or 256MB (131xxxkb or 262xxxkb) RAM.

If it only displays 128MB and you have a 256MB stick installed then either:

a.) the motherboard may only support 128MB modules.
b.) the motherboard may support 256MB modules, but single side instead of double side or vice versa.
c.) the motherboard may support modules only of a certain configuration (16x16, 8x32, etc).
d.) you may need a BIOS update.
e.) try another DIMM slot.

 

[kiepie]

DDR133? Surely you mean PC133 right?

Have a look right at the beginning when the PC POST's, see if it displays 128MB or 256MB (131xxxkb or 262xxxkb) RAM.

If it only displays 128MB and you have a 256MB stick installed then either:

a.) the motherboard may only support 128MB modules.
b.) the motherboard may support 256MB modules, but single side instead of double side or vice versa.
c.) the motherboard may support modules only of a certain configuration (16x16, 8x32, etc).
d.) you may need a BIOS update.
e.) try another DIMM slot.

Yes, sorry. PC133.

At a restart or in the BIOS it only shows 128mb.

I really don't know what to do?

 

[Nerfherder]

Take out the old RAM and see what happens. Possibly the new RAM is broken, it happens.

Swap the RAM around and check if it makes a difference

 

[kiepie]

Take out the old RAM and see what happens. Possibly the new RAM is broken, it happens.

Swap the RAM around and check if it makes a difference

I only have a 32 mb stick and a 256mb stick.

The 32mb shows 32mb.

The 256mb shows 128mb.
(Can it be broken when it only shows 128mb?)

 

[Nerfherder]

yes it can... but also it could be that your MB cant handle to double sided RAM.

 

[kiepie]

Is there anyway to make 100% sure it doesn't need a BIOS update?

 

[Nerfherder]

Look on the web... or try and get the manual. It will tell you if it supports that RAM

 

[kiepie]

Thanks for the help so far Nerfherder...

This is the Motherboard.

http://www.shopping.com/xPF-Asustek-Intel-810-Chipset-CUW-RM

 

[.Froot.]

I got a simple solution. Maybe the RAM he bought isn't 256MB but 128MB afterall?
Wow, what did that PC133 cost you? The last time I saw prices for a 256MB stick it was around the price of a 1GB 800 stick.

I've heard of this problem but right now I just can't put my finger on it....

 

[kiepie]

I got a simple solution. Maybe the RAM he bought isn't 256MB but 128MB afterall?
Wow, what did that PC133 cost you? The last time I saw prices for a 256MB stick it was around the price of a 1GB 800 stick.

I've heard of this problem but right now I just can't put my finger on it....

I bought it at PC Int, they always have been trustworthy!
The stick is only one sided, with 8 "chips". Is this a 128 or 256?

 

[.Froot.]

I bought it at PC Int, they always have been trustworthy!
The stick is only one sided, with 8 "chips". Is this a 128 or 256?

I can't remember the details about RAM modules but they are usually in a 8xabc or 16x 0.5(abc) format. So I can't say.... That was a long time ago. What does the packaging say?

 

[kiepie]

Here is two screenshots.


PC only picking up 128MB RAM


PC Showing 256MB in my PC

 

[.Froot.]

Here is two screenshots.


PC only picking up 128MB RAM


PC Showing 256MB in my PC

It might be that somewhere your BIOS is only allowing 128MB of RAM.
I remember that with old systems if you had two different size RAM modules (eg 128 and 256) then you had to put the 256 first and then the 128, otherwise it could only see 128MB RAM. But since you are only using one memory module, this is not the case. I stick to the current conclusion that it is to do with you BIOS.

 

[kiepie]

And if I update my BIOS? Is there a change of the PC not working after that?

 

[kiepie]

Pretty please anyone...Would anyone advice a BIOS update?

 

[.Froot.]

The only way to screw up a BIOS update (that is, if your motherboard supports it) is to use the wrong flash-update or if it gets interrupted. Check on the net if your motherboard supports it and if it does, for instructions on how to do it. Usually pretty straight forward.