View Full Version : IT bods, how do i install SDram?
Just as it says.
I currently have 128sdram and bought 256sd ram at the weekend.
Thought it was just a plug and play type thing but pc dont like it when i try that one.
Im assuming i can run them both together?
And should i replace the 128 with the 256 in its slot and move the 128 over, or just fit it in the slot beside the 128?
Its a AMD athlon 1gig if that makes any differance, and the pc is an advent.
Think i need to listen more at uni:o :D
Kev
Right,
SDRAM can be run singularly or in pairs.
When you say it doesnt like it, what happens?? beeps?? nothing on screen??
First off, your 128MB DIMM works fine I assume as you used it previously. Take that out and just put the 256MB in and see what happens. Even if ones dead it should still work (just not notice the DIMMs in there).
Dave
DIMMS??????????
Is this the name for the socket?
Dont like it as in starts to load then stops, just shows me the windows ME screen.
Try to re-boot and it gives 4 options, 1 run as normal (just does same again) 2 run from boot file (not tried) 3 run as safe mode which tells me to re-boot or restore, tried both, still same results.
4 is individually select stuff (didnt like all the questions here)
The 128 is back in just now, costhats how im online, so whatever i try ill have to go off to try it.
Kev
Maverick
16-12-2002, 16:35
The motherboard might not like the new memory. What spec is it. SDRAM comes in different flavours. PC66, PC100 or PC133, CL2 or CL3, parity or non-parity, registered or non registered. It is safest to go for PC133, CL2, non-parity, non-registered. Did you buy the machine from PC World? If so you might need to ask them if you have the right memory module.
Just check that the new one is the same as the existing one (apart from the capacity of course) and that the motherboard is capable of recognising a 256MB module.
ok, it says on it........... 256MB-32Mx64 DIMM pc133-SDRAM
So its a pc133 as u said.
I did buy the pc from pc world:( i didnt know any better at the time:o :( :(
How do i check the parity and others?
How will i know if it takes 256 on the motherboard?
Maverick
16-12-2002, 16:44
You will have to get the rest of the specifications for the RAM from any packaging that it comes with. The motherboard memory requirements will be in the manual, but if you don't have that, does the manufacturer have a website?
What brand of memory did you buy? Kingston, Crucial and some of the others will tell you if it's compatible if you give them a call.
Sorry for the techno babble Kev.
DIMM stands for Dual Inline Memory Module. Just the name for this type of RAM.
To check the parity, either look at the sticker on the RAM if it has one (or this generally works) see if there appears to be a chip missing in the middle of the stick on both sides. Kinda like an empty space for another chip. This would be the parity chip.
PC133 will work in an older motherboard as PC100. The ram runs at the speed of the slowest stick. Not sure about it running in a mobo that only takes PC66 though :(
The best place to check if the mobo supports 256MB DIMMS is to check the mobo manual (that you prolly didnt get knowing PC World lol).
It should do though.
Dave
dave_s13
16-12-2002, 16:47
Take it back to PC world and get a refund, they're a set of to$$ers.
Go to www.crucial.com
Choose the UK bit in the top left then go to the wizard that lets you choose memory that will deffo work with your system.
Their memory is top quality and it should arrive the next day (and be cheaper than PCW).
I second Crucial.
I would NEVER buy from anywhere else now :) I've been using them for about 3 years and never had a problem.
Dave
I would never buy anything from PC World, its just a rip off. A little bit of time surfing can save you ££££££££ :D
Thanx boys, but unfortunately it was me first pc about 18months ago, and i had no net access b4 that.
The new ram is in a kind of sheidling with only the connector exposed so i cant see if the middle chip is missing, but the original 128 ram has a chip missing.
As u say, i did not get a manual with it.
Is there really any point phoning pc world cos it p!sses me off any time i have to speak to them, useless w@nkers.
Btw, anyone do JAVA, cos i need to hand in a program 2moro morn that i cant get to run 100%:eek:
Kev
Sorry Kev, when I said manual, I meant for the mobo (I thought you got the PC from PC World).
If the chip has a metal cover over it (heatsink). Then are you SURE it's not DDR RAM??? (It shouldnt even fit in the socket if it is). It's just that most RAM these days doesnt have a heatsink unless it's DDR (Double Data Rate). Does it have anything written on the heatsink?
Dave
Dave, i understood u fine mate, i got no manual with the pc from pc world.
All the bits i said earlier were read directly off the casing (heatsink) so its defo SDram, and it says nout else.
fun!!!
Ive never known SDRAM to have a heatsink :confused: :confused: :confused:
any chance of taking a pic of it
BTW not doubting you, just would like to see it. How much did you pay if you dont mind me asking
Yeah thats what I was thinking too, odd isn't it ???
Dave
any of these
http://images.dixons.com/mprods/506725_01_huge.jpg
http://images.dixons.com/mprods/279184_01_huge.jpg
from the PCW website
Hope it's not the first one :eek:
SODIMM's are for laptops! :D
Dave
Heres a pic from front and back.
Cost £22 btw.
Kev
Holy S**t
What the hell is that :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
over to you Dave as i've not seen that b4
Right,
Thats definately got PC133 SDRAM written on it but its got a heatsink for some bizarre reason! They must just think they look good :)
Ok, have you tried it with JUST this DIMM in your machine and taken the 128mb out?
Dave
Yip, just clicked a couple of times, then done nout, tried re-starting etc, but nout!
Kev
hmm sounds a bit dodgy to me.
I'd suggest you take it back to PC World and get your money back. Order some Crucial RAM or failing that, I may have some kicking around the house somewhere (I'll look tomorrow for you).
Dave
I would definatly take it back and get a refund, dont be fobbed off with a replacement. Then get one from crucial or if Dave can sort you out even better. I have only got a 128MB slab spare at the mo but your welcome to that for £10
Maverick
17-12-2002, 09:52
A lot of the SDRAM that we are getting at work now has heat sinks on. Some comes from DELL, some from Kingston. I think it is the new fashion for those crazy memory manufacturers!!!
Papa Lazarou
17-12-2002, 12:28
Could be the memory timing is wrong. One I built a few years ago just would not work with PC100 CAS #3, it had to be CAS #2 memory.
Another thing to try, if you are comfortable messing with BIOS settings. Install the new 256mb RAM, go into BIOS screen and choose "Load Bios Defaults" then exit. That will choose the most non aggressive memory timing etc and might work. Failing that take it back and get Crucial memory :rolleyes:
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