memory

[busso]

I have an HP Brio 8511 with 96 MB RAM. I want to increase memory to 128 MB. One store offers a 128 MB module ECC PC-100 for HP for $23.10 and also 128 MB module non-ECC PC-100 for HP. What is the difference between ECC and non-ECC and what is ECC?

 

[nukemaster]

EEC is a error correction method built into the ram. It is normally only used in server class systems.

 

[busso]

Thank you. But which should I buy for my computer?

 

[nukemaster]

You will have to check with the old memory. If its a home computer it should not need EEC.

You can tell the stick is EEC because it will have an ODD number of ram chips

Look an odd number of chips(9)

image from tradenote.net

 

[busso]

I described my computer to a computer sales outfit and they say I needed a non-ECC so I bought one. It has eight consecutive chips therefore non-ECC. Also it says 128 MB. Looking down on my computer, top of chips there are two same type plug-ins and a third empty slot. The plug-in to the right has four chips with a space in the middle. It has the writing G0141.1 5000238. VT QC47758. The next plug-in to the left has four chips with a space in the middle. It has the writing Replace with Comp AQ Spare M8114. Memory SDRAM 32 MB. [319326-001]. So I guess I have non-ECC. The question is what do I do? Do I put the 128 MB in the empty slot? Do I remove the 32 MB plug-in (which is in reality 96 MB the present capacity of my computer) and replace it with the 128 MB plug-in?

 

[nukemaster]

It depends on the computer, some will run with mixed capacities better then others. So try the 3rd slot(make sure the stick goes in all the way, it takes some force, the arms should lock in once the stick installed). If it does not work, remove the other sticks and run just the one then try each stick with it separately. I used to run a HP with 1 x 128 and 1 x 64 just fine.

That is a very old computer so i am not sure what its max memory capacity is either. Hp does not have it on there website.

 

[busso]

The internet says my computer has a maximum RAM of 384 MB. I think I'm getting there. I tried several combinations and I got a range of 120 MB to 224 MB. I got 224 MB with 128 MB plug in, in spare slot and 38 MB in, in original middle slot. I also got 224 MB by swapping the 128 MB plug in with 38 MB plug in. You said you used to run your HP with 1 X 128 and 1 X 64 and it ran just fine. What was your maximum RAM with this combination? I'm thinking of getting a 64 MB and put it in place of the 38 MB. What do you think I'll get?

 

[nukemaster]

If you max out at 384 thats 3 x 128 sticks.

Your memory should add up when i had 64(from HP) and added 128 it gave 192. It did not matter what order the sticks where in.

224 is what you should be getting.

 

[busso]

Are you saying 224 is the most I can get in my computer? I don't understand. If it says my computer has a maximum RAM of 384 MB and I buy and put in a 128 MB X 3 stick why don't I get 384 MB?

 

[busso]

I spoke to a HP tech and he said to get 384 MB I need two 128 MB sticks.

 

[nukemaster]

384 means you need 3 128 sticks. 2 more then you have now.

I said 224 is the most you can get with your current sticks(128 + 64 + 32). If you go get 2 more 128's you will max out(128 + 128 + 128).

 

[busso]

Good enough. I will order two more 128. Thanks.