New RAM... how do i know if it's working?

[lightnb]

I bought some SDRAM today (256/133).

Already installed were two modules: one 64 Mg, and one 128Mg.
For a total of 192.

First I removed the 64 module, and replaced it with the new 256.
This configuration didn’t make it past the boot screen.

The next thing I tried was swapping the two (i.e. switching places, since some boards are picky about order)
This caused the computer to boot, but gave me 160 Megs as the total memory count, when 192 + 256 = 448.

I then tried the 256 alone, in both slots. No success.

Finally, I used the 256 and the 64 together. This combination booted. The problem is, when I checked the systems' properties, the total RAM registered as 96.

This makes no sense, since any 5th grader could tell you that
256 + 64 = 320.

What happened?

 

[spaceman_333]

Hello lightnb,

Does it show up in the memory count when the BIOS is posting?

Also, Go to Start / Run / msconfig / OK / General Page / Advanced...see if the box is checked that says, "limit memory to xxxMB". If checked, uncheck it.

Spaceman

 

[lightnb]

I can't see what BIOS is doing, its hidden behind a spash screen.

As for the other sugguestioon, i don't see an 'advanced' option on the general page in msconfig. I'm running Win XP home ed.

Thanks,
NMR

 

[spaceman_333]

Sorry....someone else needs to step in here. I know nothing about XP.

Wish I could help, but------

Spaceman

 

[J. Franklin]

Some or most motherboards will accept only certain types of memory, i.e. buffered, nonbuffered, parity or nonparity and so on. If you still have the operator's manual ,read what type of memory yours will accept. If not, try downloading this software from the link as follows:

http://www.aida32.hu/3237.zip

I just discoverd this system identification software today and I love it. Learned of it, in this forum as a matter of fact. Run this program on your system with your old memory installed. I'm sure you will find something there that will help.

 

[Rockn]

How bout some real specs on your system. Perhaps your motherboard won't support that memory. Are you sure you even have 192MB of memory in there now?

 

[dvk01]

Originally posted by lightnb:
I can't see what BIOS is doing, its hidden behind a spash screen.

As for the other sugguestioon, i don't see an 'advanced' option on the general page in msconfig. I'm running Win XP home ed.

Thanks,
NMR

its on boot .ini /advanced options towards botom of page


The other thing you can try is download Aida from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php

that has a memory tester built in and tellls you any mem problems

Derek

 

[lightnb]

I downloaded the Aida32 program, and got mixed results. The program recognized both modules in the individual memory page, and gave correct readings for each (256, and 128). In the general page, however, it said the TOTAL was 160 (just like windows).

Does the program look at the memory, and determine it's own results, or does it just ask windows for its opinion, and doesn't question Bill Gates' math skills?

 

[carltasha]

try ,,, http://www.belarc.com/,,,