Why does my computer only recognize 196mbs when I installed 256mb?

The origional memory i bourght for this computer was 1 module of 256mb , pc133 single sided sdram , my computer only recognised 128mb . So logically thinking if i fitted another 128mbs i would end up with 256mb this wasn't the case, i ended up with 196mb oviously it was only recognising half of the new memory!! I carried out a system check with an online company and going through the details it bourght up the frequency of this memory was pc100. By this time i was getting really pissed off so i got 2x128 sync 100mhz pc100 double sideded sdram memory off a mate, the memory was fitted and my computer recognised the 256mbs. I carried out the system check again and the frequency now says pc125, ive never heard of pc125 , can this be right and will my system be ok with this??????

This question was answered on November 11, 2004. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Assuming BOTH ramchips you have are of the SAME type & speed rating (e.g.-> both SDRAM, DDR, or RDRAM, etc.) & size NOT being a issue here since I see one is 256mb (new one) & other is 128mb size:

I don't know if you tried this or not, but mount the NEW memory all by itself at first & see how it goes.. this is a good test of it

Then, if it works & recognizes it all, mount your original RAM with it

(If you have to? Turn off ANY 2 or 4 way interleaving done by the BIOS itself as well regarding memory settings & start out with defaults speeds for your RAM type, provided it IS indeed, adjusteable.. many times it is in many modern BIOS' for various RAM types!)

Also your the motherboard you have can only take up 256MB max memory, in other words you can only use "2" 128MB double sided dimm's PC100 or PC133 = 256MB

PS: check out the specs of your PC and Motherboard, that might help to determined what type of Memory it supports and how much.

Hope this helps and Good Luck!

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Posted by julie of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on November 11, 2004

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