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Installing memory

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by jewelfordscott

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I attempted to upgrade a pc's memory from 128mb SDram PC100 to 512mb PC133 SDram. The operating system is windows XP. I was told that the speeds PC100 and PC133 were interchangeable. Also the new memory is non parity. Does the non parity matter, I have researched some literature and cannot find this addressed. Is it the speed that is the problem? When I booted the machine up, the monitor would not give the display.

17 replies

by drb63

The parity and non-parity really played an issue with most older systems. But on the lighter side, you shouldn't really mix the two. If you get them to work together then you may have just seen the seventh sign. Anyhow, the words "supposed to work" are all too familar. Yes, new technology is "supposed" to work with older technology. But sometimes, it just doesn't. We've had the same problem within our company and instead of looking for "work-a-rounds" or documents that "prove" otherwise, it's much easier to get what the systemboard manufactuer calls for. Yes, it may cost a few dollars more but overall, you'll be much happier.

by sgt_shultz

i think you are correct that the pc133 should work in a machine capable of pc100. it sounds like you replaced all the ram and now none of it works. (as evidenced probably by 'no display'). tell us more about exact ram configuration. which ram in which slots. what is the pc model number? my instinct is that you have something else wrong, not speed but perhaps the wrong ram for your pc or the wrong slots. do you have your motherboard documentation? from whom did you buy the RAM? armed with your motherboard info or your BIOS number, check out some memory websites, perhaps www.memory4less.com...
there are lots of things that can go wrong, best thing is to have your motherboard manual...

by edsdave

Try placing the faster 100Mhz RAM in slot 1 and follow with the 133Mhz. If that doesn't work try just the opposite. You may need to check out the motherboard manufacturers web site to get info on which is slot1.

by jewelfordscott

I don't have the motherboard documentation. But I can say that no matter which slot I installed the card in it didn't work. When I replaced the 2 DIMM 64mb the pc started up fine and the display was fine as well. If it is not the speed of the memory, could it be that the parity WAS the problem, it was non parity.

by d_v ant

It is a possibility that your PC will not accept a 512MB module. You may need to go with two 256MB modules. If you could post the make and model of your PC\motherboard, we could verify this for you.

by megasurfer

Some Mother Boards that are designed to work with PC100 memory will work with PC133, others will not. Also, some mother boards will not work with the larger memory modules (256 & 512) unless they are double sided. Also check the documentation for the MB and make sure it is designed to handle 512 MB modules

by jose_12650

You upgrade the memory but still concerned about interchangeability. Do I get it right that you install both PC100 and PC133 in your system? If not try reseating the PC133 chips in another slot.

by thechas

I suspect that you have been caught by the ever changing SDRAM specification.

Not all SDRAM DIMMs function in all motherboards.

The SDRAM specification has 'evolved' over the years, and many older motherboards will not accept the latest generation of SDRAM DIMMs.

Changes include:
Density: Single, Double, Quad
Clock Lines: 2 or 4

Some motherboards even require specific CAS latency numbers to function properly.

Your motherboard may also have DIMM capacity limits.
128MB per DIMM is common, 256MB also.
Some even allow a large DIMM in slots 1 & 2, then accept no DIMM in slot 3.

I suggest that you go to www.crucial.com
click on the more RAM link, and use the memory selector to identify the correct modules and RAM limits for your motherboard / system.

Chas

by kwduke

Are you trying to combine the 128 card with the 512 card for a total of 640mb??
If so, even though some people/books say that the speeds and memory are "interchangeable", you will find in most systems they are not.
If you have replaced the 128 with a different chip(s) then yes it is the speed that is affecting the system.... I have had this same problem.. go back and exchange the memory for 512mb @ 100mhz and you should be fine.

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