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Memory Woes

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by al_alonzo

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I've installed one new PC100-64 meg memory stick then replaced it with one new PC100-256 meg memory sick on my motherboard. I always get the wrong reading in Windows98se(sys Properties)and during bootup in the cmos. When I install (one)64 meg I get a reading of 56 meg, when I install (one)256 meg I get a reading of 130 meg in Windows98se(System properties) and the cmos. No error messages. This occurs on two MB that are about 2 years old.

Here are the specs:
MB: PC100 Sytemboard M741 & ASUSP3B-F
Proc: Pen II 400 mhz, System Bus 100Mhz
Memory: pc100 SDRAM (64 meg or 256 meg)

Why won't my system give the correct memory reading? :-(

4 replies

by thechas

I think I can explain the memory issue for the M741.
If the M741 has built in (on-board) AGP video, a minimum of 8MB of ram is dedicated to the video system. Therefore, with a 56MB dimm, windows only has 56MB that can be used for system memory.Reporting only the available memory is common for systems with built in video.

I suspect that their is some sort of BIOS or driver bug that is mis-reporting the 256MB dimm, or allocating a very large portion of the ram to video.

The ASUS boarddoes not have built in video.

Are you using the same hard drive for either MB?

It is possible that part of the chipset driver for the onboard video of the M741 is reserving the memory for the video system.

If possible, try the ASUS board with a clean install of W98 so that there are no legacy driver issues from the M741 board.
At a minimum, un-install the M741 chipset and video drivers (assuming you have back-up files) from both device manager, and add remove programs.

I suspect that the M741 was actually manufactured by PCChips. If it has on-board video, and both Slot 1, and Socket 370 on it, then it likely is.
You can download drivers and a manual from www.pcchips.com

They do not have an extensive FAQ section, or serious tech support.

by thechas

If you can identify the chipset on the M741 motherboard, and the video processor, you may be able to download updated drivers from the chip mfg. (VIA?)

This may take care of the bug with the 256MB DIMM. They may not have had a 256MB DIMM to test with when the original driver was written.

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