Tom's Hardware > Forum > Motherboards & Memory > Memory > only get half the memory

only get half the memory

Forum Motherboards & Memory : Memory - only get half the memory

Tom's Hardware: Over 1.4 million members in 6 different countries available to answer all your high-tech questions. Sign up now! Its free!
Ask the community Add a reply
Word :    Username :           
 
cmiguelcabral   02-17-2003 at 10:42:39 PM

I have a pentium III 450MHz with the intel 440bx chipset and i bought a 256MB SDRAM memory stick.

i installed the new memory, but the system (both bios and os) only recognizes half of it (128MB).

then i tried in anoter pc (intel celeron) and the memory module is correctly recognized!!

any reason why this happens? the memory is a TwinMOS PC100 256MB SDR/CL2

thanks

-----------------
cabral

Add a reply
Sponsored Links
Register or log in to remove.
cmiguelcabral   02-18-2003 at 01:15:42 AM
- 0 +

i found the problem! for 256MB modules or above the motherboard only recognizes registered memory modules.

so i'll rephrase the question:

is there a way of getting the mb to use unregistered 256MB? with a bios update, for instance?

thanks

-----------------
cabral

Reply to cmiguelcabral
knowan   02-18-2003 at 04:37:26 AM
- 0 +

That's what I figured. Check the motherboard manufactures site for a BIOS update, but it is doubtful that this will solve your dilema.

--------------
Knowan likes you. Knowan is your friend. Knowan thinks you're great.

Reply to knowan
louman99   02-18-2003 at 07:43:14 PM
- 0 +

The 440BX chipsets' memory controller will only correctly recognize memory built with 128 megabit DRAM components. Most likely your new module is build with 256 megabit components. Your mobo is only seeing half the module. The fix is to find a 256MB module built with 128 megabit components. To make it easy on you look for a 256MB module built with 16 chips total. Does the module you bought probably has 8 chips. That should take care of it for you.

Good Luck

Reply to louman99
Crashman   02-19-2003 at 09:40:06 AM
- 0 +

Look at louman99's answer. He's right. Look at the first post in this forum, titled "FAQ". You'll find the same info in there. BX chipset limited to 16MB per chip, 128MB per 8-chip side, 256MB per 16-chip module.

You want memory that's compatable? Doesn't have to be PC100. Crucial carries PC133 that works fine with the BX. Use their memory selector. Also they have CHEAP prices, LIFETIME warranty (from a company that will probably be around for your lifetime), and FREE 2-day shipping.

<font color=blue>Watts mean squat if you don't have quality!</font color=blue>

Reply to Crashman
Crashman   02-19-2003 at 09:42:04 AM
- 0 +

I bet the Celeron is NOT on a BX chipset. Most likely on an i810.

<font color=blue>Watts mean squat if you don't have quality!</font color=blue>

Reply to Crashman
cmiguelcabral   02-19-2003 at 02:02:59 PM
- 0 +

thank you all for your replies.

i'm buying a kingston KVR133X72RC3/256 which has 16 chips total plus 2 (registered):

http://216.239.33.100/search?q=cac [...] n&ie=UTF-8

again, thank you
best regards

-----------------
cabral

Reply to cmiguelcabral
Ask the community Add a reply
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Motherboards & Memory > Memory > only get half the memory
Go to:

There are 1183 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Forum map
Bestofmedia Forum ©
2000-2009 Bestofmedia Group
Page generated in 1.202 seconds
Please mind

You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months.
If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.

Add a reply Cancel
Sponsored links
  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
Related Topics
See all relatives topics
They won a badge
Join us in greeting them
How do I win badges?