RAM Upgrade

rorym1980

rorym1980

New Member
I have 256MB DDR 266mhz PC2100 installed. I then installed 1GB DDR 400mhz PC3200 and its ok but the computer thinks it has 768MB because with my motherboard, 512 is the max i can put in each slot (512 + 256 = 768). Now, my question is are my games running with 1.2GB or because the pc thinks it has only 768, is that all thats really running? Please help bcos i need more RAM soon and need to know if i should spend the money. Those sims 2 expansions take a LOT!
 
rorym1980 said:
Now, my question is are my games running with 1.2GB or because the pc thinks it has only 768, is that all thats really running?
Click to expand...

That's all that it's running. If your motherboard can only accept 512MB per slot, then that's all it can use. There possibly may be a BIOS update that allows it to recognize more.

What is that exact model of mainboard you have?
 
If you are using the Compaq Presario 6000 you have listed in your signature your motherboard can take a 1 gigabyte memory module per slot. Your motherboard's maximum is 2 gigabytes. The Compaq Presario 6000 should recognize all 1.25 megabytes of memory that you installed. If you see it a little lower than 1.25 gigabytes it is because your video card is using some of the memory
 
Last edited:
2048Megabytes said:
If you are using the Compaq Presario 6000 you have listed in your signature your motherboard can take a 1 gigabyte memory module per slot. Your motherboard's maximum is 2 gigabytes. The Compaq Presario 6000 should recognize all 1.25 megabytes of memory that you installed. If you see it a little lower than 1.25 gigabytes it is because your video card is using some of the memory
Click to expand...

I would check for a bios update if he is correct about the amount of memory the board supports.

If you have a floppy I would recommend you download memtest86, or the UltimatebootCD and test the memory to see if it is faulty.

He has a 7600GS, and as far as the ones I have, and all the others I've seen they don't take away memory from your ram as they have their own memory. Even if it was the case as you suggested, the cards only 256mb, so a loss of 500+ wouldn't make any sense.

I think the slot is only recognizing 512mb per slot. Check for a bios update, and test the memory.
 
Here is my mainboard info, and im doing the memtest next.

System Model: VIA Technologies, Inc. KM266-8235

Main Circuit Board: KM266-8235
Serial Number: 132858-25004266
Bus Clock: 133 megahertz
BIOS: Phoenix Technologies, LTD AM37307 11/28/2002
 
Thanks 2048Megabytes i appreciate it. I ran that memtest and it had a number of errors and then i didnt know how to move forward so i just restarted the pc i dono? But i still dont know why it reads 768 when the specs say it can do 2gb. maybe if i get the exact same type of RAM, pc2100 and get 2 1GB's it might read it good? i guess the only way to find out is to buy the RAM and see. Im also trying to update my Phoenix Bios, i have already updated my Via KM266 mobo but didnt really do anything and i couldnt find a driver specific to it, i got it from the official Via Technologies website.
 
Last edited:
Where did you buy the RAM module from? If it is defective I would return it and get an exchange. Are you sure it's a 1 gigabyte stick and not a 512 megabyte stick?

Do you have the program CPU-Z? If you don't download it at the link below. Read what it says the type of random access memory you have.

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
 
Last edited:
I have a 6214AN not a 6000. I got the 1GB RAM from ebay a while back but im thinking it must not recognize it properly bcos its not compatible but its just compatible enough to work and be stable? The original 256MB RAM is DDR 266mhz PC2100 CL 2.5 (not sure what CL 2.5 means) and not sure but i think its 184pin. isnt it? And the brand is Hynix Korea 04. The 1GB RAM i got from ebay is another brand and its PC3200. There is no specifications for the 6214AN on the website or in my manual and no BIOS updates in the downloads section either. So im still not 100% sure of the capacity but i would think that it could handle 2GB, i mean its a 2002/2003 computer so 2GB would be ok for that year right?
 
Cant find much on it but what I find both sites said its max memory was 1gb. If thats so, socket As sometimes were funny, you have 2 slots with a 1gb limit. Each slot will only read up to 512mbs, thats why your seeing 768mbs. Alot of Socket As will not read the full amount in 1 slot, thats why its only seeing 512mbs of the 1gb stick you have.
 
My previous system had a Socket A 462 motherboard. The maximum my motherboard would accept was 512 megabyte memory modules per slot. I put a 1 gigabyte stick in and found the the motherboard recognized the full 1 gigabyte stick. However the 1 gigabyte stick began to get very very hot. I would remove the memory if your motherboard is only supposed to have 512 megabytes per slot.
 
hey thanks everybody, i finally solved it. i was chatting to an online technician on the Compaq website and gave them details and they assured me my pc only takes 512 in each slot so i have purchased 2 x 512 sticks for only $30 each. i had never chatted to an online technician before but they seemed to repeat questions but also said unique things, it was like talking to a half robot/half human! lol i am still having problems with my standby function tho. eversince i upgraded the graphics and PSU. i have this in another thread i started but not many replies. the online technician just gave me a link to standby help but it didnt really help. anywayz thanks for ur help :)
 
I used to use hibernate mode all the time before I started to dual boot with Linux Ubuntu and Windows XP. It's a fast way to turn your system on.
 
Hi every1 - g'day from Oz....
Happy Christmas first of all, and a happy 2008. I am new to this forum, but I felt this is the best place for my question to be answered. It is relevant to the above thread. I have just purchased a publishing program and regardless of the 110GB I have, it tells me I must have 513mb RAM. Now, being a just above-average puter user, I am not sure how to boost my RAM to the required level. Any ideas folks? I imaging it is a simple process, but how is it done pls? Cheers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top