Re: Any ideas why my new RAM won't work?

Ken wrote:
>
> David wrote:
> > Hello,
> >
> > Can anyone suggest to me why my new RAM sticks won't work?
> >
> > I had 3 x 128mb PC133 SDRAM.
> > I bought 3 x 256mb PC133 SDRAM to replace them.
> >
> > The PC won't even boot up with them. I've tried one of the new with
> > two of the old etc. - every combination I can think of, but in vain.
> > I've had to go back to the 128s to be able to type this, obviously.
> >
> > Someone told me there is an mb limit on each slot, depending on the
> > make of motherboard. I presumed that must be the cause, however I've
> > just downloaded a helpful little program called "SIW" (systems info
> > Windows) and it says:-
> >
> > max. memory capacity = 764
> > max. memory module size = 256
> >
> > This now makes me think I should have been able to have 256 in each
> > slot (if I've interpreted "module" correctly), and 256 x 3 = 764, so
> > I'm confused!
> >
> > Is there any thing else I needed to change anywhere? E.g. those BIOS
> > settings?
> >
>
> You should download the complete manual on your MB if you have not
> already done so. Some MBs will not accept what is called high density
> RAM. That is determined most often by how many ICs are on each stick.
> This could be your problem. Get all the info possible before coming to
> any conclusions.

A DIMM with 8 chips should work properly. A DIMM with 4 chips might be recognized as half of its actual capacity. Your memory might not work because of a timing conflict. You might be able to change the BIOS settings to a more conservative setting. You might have to use a different brand of memory.

--
Mike Walsh