HowToFixComputers.com

SH · Guest

Decided to add memory to my K7-850. System came with 1 DIMM 128MB on Jabil
AMD Motherboard.
System is upgradeable to 768MB (3 DIMM slots).
Bought a used 256MB DIMM from a friend, no problem, now have 384MB,
recognized by BelArc, Windows etc.
Decide to add another 256MB. Buy a new OEM 256MB PC133 32x64 SDRAM 168Pin -
Lifetime Warranty from Fry's. System won't boot with this in. No errors,
nothing. Try this DIMM by itself, in all slots, same problem.
Take it back, Frys checks it out, says DIMM is good, but replace it with
another brand. Same problem, system won't boot.

One other strange thing, I also have a used 6MB DIMM. When I add it to the
128MB + 256MB that are working, it recognizes the 64MB as 32MB.

Any suggestions as to why I don't seem to be able to add a new 256MB DIMM
without the system hanging on bootup and why the 64MB DIMM is only seen as
32MB?

I've talked to Gateway about the part number they have for their listed 256M
part which is a Kingston, but the best price on that part I have found is
around $80 which is more than I want to spend.

Thanks!
Howard

Ben Myers · Guest

I'll guess that the problem with the new memory is that it uses high density
chips, and the motherboard accepts only DIMMs with low density chips. This is
common with computers of a certain vintage.

Unfortunately, unlike the Intel-made boards used by Gateway in its Pentium
systems, I'll bet that there is not a detailed spec for the Jabil motherboard...
Ben Myers

On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 02:47:24 GMT, "SH" <someone@microsoft.com> wrote:

SH · Guest

Thanks, seems like I read something about this somewhere...In the detailed
specs of a DIMM, how would 'low density' vs 'high density' be specified? I'm
looking at the Kingston description for the Gateway specified part and
nowhere does it specify that in those words.
Before I spend $80 on this chip I'd like to reasonably sure that is the
problem.
Thanks!

<ben_myers_spam_me_not @ charter.net (Ben Myers)> wrote in message
news:3fbae292.13389250@news.charter.net...

Ben Myers · Guest

The best way to tell is by the chip count. For example, I have a 4-chip 128MB
DIMM here, definitely high density memory. An older low-density common
unregistered non-ECC 128MB DIMM usually has 16 chips.

Unfortunately, you can't look at the DIMMs you order over the phone or via mail
order, and it's a huge waste of time to have to send back a DIMM that won't work
in your system. All the new DIMMs made recently have high density memory and
fewer chips, because the chip fabs produce little or no older low density
memory.

If you live near Fry's, you must be in a metro area with other computer stores,
both large and small. Try Fry's again, and try some other local shops. It's
much easier to return memory bought locally... Ben Myers

On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 03:39:37 GMT, "SH" <someone@microsoft.com> wrote:

Edward J. Neth · Guest

Any chip architecture 32 bits wide (the -chip-, not the DIMM) is high
density.

"SH" <someone@microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:ZBBub.45390$Dw6.217005@attbi_s02...

Ben Myers · Guest

True. To determine the width of a memory chip requires being able to read the
manufactuirer and chip model identifier, then find the manufacturer's specs
which describe the characteristics of a chip. This is not easy to do when one
has the DIMM in one's hot little hands. It is even more difficult to do when
buying either at a store or via mail order. In some circles, I have a
reputation as a certifiable chip head, and I do not normally go this route in
figuring out chip density.

The chip count on a DIMM is not an absolutely perfect way to figure out if a
DIMM is high or low density, but it is simple. I guess I'm a simpleton at
heart... Ben Myers

On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 13:01:26 GMT, "Edward J. Neth" <ejn63@yahoo.com> wrote:

SH · Guest

Well, 3rd time was a charm. I broke down and did what I said I wasn't going
to. Went back to Fry's and bought the Kingston chip that Gateway had as the
listed part. Bingo, worked first time. Bad news was that I ended up spending
$80 as opposed to the $40 - $60 for some of the other brands.
I'm still confused, it had the same number of modules (16 I think, not at my
computer right now) as the the other DIMMs I tried. Anyway thanks for the
advice, I'm up and running now. Now to look for an updated video card smile

Thanks for the help

Howard

<ben_myers_spam_me_not @ charter.net (Ben Myers)> wrote in message
news:3fbb7ab2.3122199@news.charter.net...