Memory upgrade for Dell Optiplex GX100

I have an old Dell computer - it's an Optiplex GX100. I've bought some
new memory for it, but it won't work.

When I power on the computer, it beeps and beeps and nothing happens.
When I revert back to the old memory module, everything is fine.

The old working memory is a PC133 256mb module - the sticker says
MESD256. The SD probably means SDRAM, but I don't know what the ME
stands for. The new replacement memory that doesn't work is a 256mb
module (just like the old working memory), and it also has the same
number of chips on it, 8 each side totalling 16. The speed is also the
same - PC133. However, the new module has "256Bit" written on it. I
fear that this is where the problem might be - perhaps it's the wrong
bit value? Perhaps the Dell Optiplex GX100 motherboard only supports
lower bit versions of memory modules?

Any thoughts please?

Thanks, regards, dnw.

Dot Net Developer wrote:
> I have an old Dell computer - it's an Optiplex GX100. I've bought some
> new memory for it, but it won't work.
>
> When I power on the computer, it beeps and beeps and nothing happens.
> When I revert back to the old memory module, everything is fine.
>
> The old working memory is a PC133 256mb module - the sticker says
> MESD256. The SD probably means SDRAM, but I don't know what the ME
> stands for. The new replacement memory that doesn't work is a 256mb
> module (just like the old working memory), and it also has the same
> number of chips on it, 8 each side totalling 16. The speed is also the
> same - PC133. However, the new module has "256Bit" written on it. I
> fear that this is where the problem might be - perhaps it's the wrong
> bit value? Perhaps the Dell Optiplex GX100 motherboard only supports
> lower bit versions of memory modules?
>
> Any thoughts please?
>
> Thanks, regards, dnw.
>
If the memory is of the wrong density the norm is for it to show up as
half sized, i.e. 128MB. Do you have another machine to test it in? It
sounds like it's defective.

Pen wrote:
> Do you have another machine to test it in?

I'm afraid I don't.

> It sounds like it's defective.

It's new memory, but it could be defective as you suggest..

i think it is high density, which may not work in dell's?
what led you to buy that particular memory module?
you should always check with sites like crucial.com

Dot Net Developer wrote:
> Pen wrote:
>> Do you have another machine to test it in?
>
> I'm afraid I don't.
>
>> It sounds like it's defective.
>
> It's new memory, but it could be defective as you suggest..
>

Jay B wrote:
> what led you to buy that particular memory module?

Um, I kind of guessed really. Here's the web page -

http://www.misco.co.uk/productinform...BIT%20DIMM.htm

I now realise they do Optiplex specific memory. For instance -

http://www.misco.co.uk/productinform...26%20GX110.htm

However, this module is twice the price of the module that I just
bought from them, and its speed (PC100) is slower than the old module
that works OK (PC133).

> you should always check with sites like crucial.com

Very good site.

I think I'll try and send the module back for a refund. If the correct
module to get is the one quoted above (twice the price), I don't want
to do this (too expensive).

Regards, dnw.

wise choice. send it back if you can.
look for the generic of the same chip, but less density if they have it.
the chips made for a brand always cost a little bit more. that's why
they guarantee they will work. a lot of these sites purposely confuse
viewers by not giving enough information.

the optiplex does take a standard dimm, i use them plenty. it only uses
a speed of pc100, so putting in pc133 will not make any difference. i
used to stock all my sdrams as pc133 256mb, CL2 low density and this
pretty much worked in every computer i worked on back in those days.
got them from crucial and were generic, not branded to any particular
dell model.

Jay B wrote:
> ... CL2 low density ...

Ah, CL2 = low density. Presumably CL3 = high density, and that could
be what I bought.

no, sorry to mislead you.
cl2=higher speed than cl3. that is clock cycles.

Dot Net Developer wrote:
> Jay B wrote:
>> ... CL2 low density ...
>
> Ah, CL2 = low density. Presumably CL3 = high density, and that could
> be what I bought.
>

Jay B wrote:
> no, sorry to mislead you.
> cl2=higher speed than cl3. that is clock cycles.

Thanks for the clarification. I will email tech support and ask them
about compatibility issues between the memory module sold and Optiplex
GX100 models, just so I know what module to swap it with, if necessary.

Thanks, regards, dnw.

misco is pretty good about returns, but if you read their return policy it
is potentially a problem... they say if opened it is *subject* to a 25%
restocking fee. but it is worthless to you so return it. i agree that it
is not worth spending a lot of money on this older machine. it can only
take a max of 512mb of memory as a sum of one 256mb modules in each of the
two sockets. sounds like you already have one and just need another. i
have a bunch of them that will work. working pulls. willing to sell you
one for $30 usd delivered. contact me privately if you want and we can work
out the details.

"Dot Net Developer" <> wrote in message
news: oups.com...
> Jay B wrote:
>> no, sorry to mislead you.
>> cl2=higher speed than cl3. that is clock cycles.
>
> Thanks for the clarification. I will email tech support and ask them
> about compatibility issues between the memory module sold and Optiplex
> GX100 models, just so I know what module to swap it with, if necessary.
>
> Thanks, regards, dnw.
>