Question Re RAM - pls advise

[mike in cinti]

First thank you for reading. I know if you deal with older technology, get get new issues. So, here it goes.
Have issues with my pc when i try to expand the RAM memory. It is a Aopen ax3s motherboard that has 3 expansion slots. I have a 128 64 bit sdram meory module in it. Its slow, but very stable. When i try to add addt 128 mb modules (from diffrent mfg) to it, it keeps locking up or crashing on me. So i tried buying a refurbished 512 mb module from a local store, installed by itself, and it wouldn't even boot up.

When i did put the addt 128 next to the other one, the system did recognize it as info

Is this an XP H/E problem? Bios issue? Bad RAM issue with the 512? Any ideas?

Mike in Cinti

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

Two 128MB - typically the problem is mixing-matching the RAM's Frequency, CAS Timings, Voltage, and Type {SS/DS} on RAM smaller than 1GB/stick density.

There are several possible MOBO's -> http://global.aopen.com/search_prod.aspx?modl=ax3s

So I picked the top one:
PC133 SDRAM
DIMM : SDRAM DIMM
DIMM Type : 8/16/32/64/128/256/512MB
Max Memory : 512MB

If the RAM isn't, OMG, PC133 then it's incompatible. If it 512MB is PC133 then try all slots.

XP minimum requirements - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314865

 

[beenthere]

Many mobos require very specific RAM to operate properly. Mixing RAM is never recommended as many times it simply will not work. You would need to check the manual for your mobo to see what size and type of DIMMs it can use as it might not handle a 512 DIMM. This info. may also be online at one of the memory suppliers like Corsair that allow you to select RAM based on mobo model.

This is NOT an O/S issue, it's a mobo/BIOS concern.

 

[mike in cinti]

Thanks for the feedback