Forum Home
Press F1
 
Thread ID: 74026 2006-11-09 00:01:00 RAM isn't being recognised during an upgrade kamokid (11417) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
497640 2006-11-09 00:01:00 Hello. Hopefully somebody out there can help me out with my attempt at a RAM upgrade.

Basically, the problem is that I have just purchased 512mb of RAM for my computer on eBay, but only about 248mb of it is being recognised.

The specifics:
- I already have 128mb 168pin PC133 SDRAM in my computer, and I bought extra with the same specifications only with 512mb.
- My motherboard code is MS-6368. "Supports a maximum memory size of 1GB (32M x 8)"
- P3 866.
- Windows 2k

Relevant specifications:
MS-6368:
- www.msicomputer.com
- www.msi.com.tw
- "The mainboard supports a maximum memory size of 1GB. It provides
two 168-pin unbuffered SDRAM DIMM (Double In-Line Memory Module)
sockets and supports 64MB to 512MB technology."

128mb RAM: PC133-333-520 128mb. IRL DEM DP133 064163E.
- I am 98% confident that it is 168 pin, too. It has two notches where it is inserted into the motherboard.

512mb RAM: (No obvious part number) PC133 SD RAM 64Mx64 - (Is this my problem here, 64 when my motherboard says it accepts 32M x 8?).
- 168 pin

Things that I have tried but haven't solved my problem:
- Placing my 512mb module in either of my ram slots
- Performing a Microsoft RAM Diagnostic with the startup disk

Seller says that he tested before he posted it and has been helpful. The module doesn't seem to be damaged to the eye.

Right now my computer is running with both the 128 and 512 inserted, and my system memory is at 384,500kb. When the 512 is in, it is 253,428kb.

So there you go, hopefully I have covered my basis. And I am fully expecting that it is something irritating like one particular specification of the RAM means that it is not compatible. I used to be up to date with all the different combinations of RAM, but my knowledge has slipped. Not to mention how mind numbing all the acronyms and combinations can be.

Thank you for you time.
kamokid (11417)
497641 2006-11-09 00:07:00 Are you running a 256mb videocard??

Coz 512+128 = 640 - 256 ( for the videocard) = 384mb

And 512 - 256 = is near 253 mb.

It maybe the videocard using the ram.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
497642 2006-11-09 00:13:00 8mb onboard video

Sample from Dxdiag:

System Manufacturer: VIA Technologies, Inc.
System Model: VT8601
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel Pentium III processor, ~860MHz
Memory: 376MB RAM
Page File: 248MB used, 476MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINNT
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.0001.0904 32bit Unicode

Card name: VIA Tech VT8361/VT8601 Graphics Controller
Manufacturer: VIA Technologies, Inc.
Display Memory: 8.0 MB
kamokid (11417)
497643 2006-11-09 00:50:00 It looks like half of your new RAM is recognized.
It may be that your new RAM is not very compatible with your memory controller etc. For example, your memory controller may require certain chip density, or single sided modules, etc.
developer (4447)
497644 2006-11-09 01:07:00 most likly it has a limit of 256 per bank. your ram is 512 per bank. most likly you will need 512meg double sided. you might also need low density ie 8 chips per side.

i havn't checked its manual, i'll let you do that, as you will need to check that its dosn't require buffered or registered ram. some motherboards will only run max ram when useing registered ram.
tweak'e (69)
497645 2006-11-09 14:06:00 I found this in the manual:

DIMM Modules Combination
At least one DIMM module should be installed on the motherboard.
Memory modules can be installed on the slots in any order. The single-/
double-sided module each DIMM slot supports is listed below:

S: Single Side D: Double Side
Socket Memory Module Total Memory

DIMM 1 S/D 64MB ~ 512MB
(Bank0 & Bank1)

DIMM 2
(Bank2 & Bank3) S/D 64MB ~ 512MB

-Maximum System Memory Supported 64MB ~ 1GB-

I interpret this to mean that either a single or a double sided memory module can be inserted into either one of the sockets, and both of the sockets can take a maximum of 512mb each.

The manual also states "Supports four memory banks using two 168-pin unbuffered DIMM". So is my problem coming from buffered vs unbuffered?
kamokid (11417)
1