PC memory upgrade - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

toomany MBZ · #1 12-31-2009, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kknudson

When you reboot, watch the things that list out before windows starts.
Somewhere it should show how much memory the board sees.
It will be quick so watch carefully.
If it doesn't list it during boot, you may need to get someone to help you get into the BIOS. Usually press DEL during the Boot process, you can go through there and see a bunch of things. If you are afraid don't worry, very carefully when you exit it will ask if you want to save changes, or leave without saving changes just don't save.

Where does it say you are getting 896, with 2gig it should read 1896meg the remainder is probably going to the video card.

Try Start -> Control Panel -> System -> General tab it should look like what I posted earlier.

Okay, that seemed to do the trick, (I hit F2, which pulled up a screen asking me if I wanted to save chamges) I now have 1.87 GB of RAM according to the properties thing in my computer, apparently only one card was making a connection.
okyoure... thanks, yet this is a desktop, I was surprised at how hard I had to press them in, being a delicate instrument, I didn't want to break anything.

Crazy_Nate · #2 12-31-2009, 12:57 AM

I would run a program called CPUz. It has a memory tab and can tell you a bit more information about what you have installed (or if one DIMM isn't showing up).

To properly seat the RAM, firmly and evenly push the DIMM into the socket until the two locking tabs on each end firmly clip into place. Sometimes if you've had empty slots, dust can prove troublesome. It can be easily thwarted with a vacuum, though

kknudson · #3 12-31-2009, 08:09 AM

Great glad to hear it's all working now.

Yes, the memory has to be seated firmly. Next time, I would recommend removing and reseating, pressing till the tabs click rather than just trying to reseat them in place.
Sometimes they won't seat right because they aren't aligned in as perfect as needed, removing and replacing cures that.

That little bit of memory missing in windows is going to the onboard video, somewhere in those BIOS settings you can adjust how much it takes. 128k is reasonable for normal users. High end video, gaming, heavy graphics would need more.

When you get your courage up you can install a video card, they are really cheap now I have 2 1gig cards in my desktop I paid about 60 bucks each. You don't need 2 or 1gig but I always hated the onboard video setups.
FYI the onboard video will limit your maximum resolution, ie you won't be able to run a 23 maybe even a 21" monitor at it's proper resolution.

toomany MBZ · #4 12-31-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy_Nate

I would run a program called CPUz. It has a memory tab and can tell you a bit more information about what you have installed (or if one DIMM isn't showing up).

To properly seat the RAM, firmly and evenly push the DIMM into the socket until the two locking tabs on each end firmly clip into place. Sometimes if you've had empty slots, dust can prove troublesome. It can be easily thwarted with a vacuum, though

Okay, I'm checking out this site, but haven't the foggiest as to where to begin.

dannym · #5 01-01-2010, 02:26 PM

You must have been reading my mind when you posted this. I am trying to increase the performance of my PC. I looked inside and only had 1 256MB ram chip. I added a 1G chip but the PC doesn't see it. However the Crucial.com scan did. Why is that?
Here's what I got;

Quote:

Currently installed memory:
256MB, DDR PC2700
1GB, DDR PC3200
EMPTY
Each memory slot can hold DDR PC2700,DDR PC3200 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.*
*Not to exceed manufacturer supported memory.

* Maximum Memory Capacity: 3072MB
* Currently Installed Memory: 1.25GB
* Available Memory Slots: 1
* Total Memory Slots: 3
* Dual Channel Support: No
* CPU Manufacturer: AuthenticAMD
* CPU Family: AMD Athlon(TM) XP 1800+ Model 8, Stepping 1
* CPU Speed: 1533 MHz
* When using DDR400 (PC3200) the system supports a maximum of 2 banks of memory, when using DDR333 (PC2700) the system supports a maximum of 4 banks of memory. A single DIMM will either have 1 or 2 banks of memory.

But under Control Panel/SystemProperties. it only shows 256 MB RAM?
Why is that?

How do you post the System properties? cut & paste won't work?

Danny

Codifex Maximus · #6 01-01-2010, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannym

You must have been reading my mind when you posted this. I am trying to increase the performance of my PC. I looked inside and only had 1 256MB ram chip. I added a 1G chip but the PC doesn't see it. However the Crucial.com scan did. Why is that?

But under Control Panel/SystemProperties. it only shows 256 MB RAM?
Why is that?

How do you post the System properties? cut & paste won't work?

Danny

Put your 1GB stick in Slot#1 and take out your 256MB stick. The BIOS may not like two different sizes of RAM. Also, with two compatible 1GB sticks, you could end up with Dual DDR memory access speed with sticks in the proper slots. Once again, some BIOS's do not like certain memory sticks - even if they are from the same manufacturer. It's weird I know but true.

Once you get your 1GB stick recognized, you can play around with getting to see your 256MB stick as well.

Edit:
Regarding System Properties, bring your information up and hit PrintScreen button. This should copy screen contents to the copy buffer. Then go into Paint and paste it. You can then crop the image to just what you want and save as 16bpp or 256color bitmap (bmp) file. We don't really need 24bit color.

kknudson · #7 01-01-2010, 02:51 PM

Well to post, might have to Shift + PrtSc then use something(Paint, Paint Shop Pro, some freeware equalalent I have one her can't remember it's name) to cut just what you want to show and save it as a JPG.

Re the memory issue.
While they say it works, I've had issue's, so I never mix speeds or even sizes per bank, generally I don't even mix brands. If you do, always put the slowest chip first, all chips then run at the slower speed.

If you have 4 slots, bank 1 is slot 1 and 3, so you pair those two initially.

Yours is showing 3 slots so you fill them in order.

For you, I'd just toss the 256Mb chip, putting the 1gig into slot 1.
I don't think the 256mb will make enough of a difference, and it means all of your memory is running at the slower speed (not really noticable true, but why). You can pick up more 1gig chips for next to nothing.

Boy Codifex, you just beat me too it, I was just looking it over when the email came in !!!!

Codifex Maximus · #8 01-01-2010, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kknudson

Well to post, might have to Shift + PrtSc then use something(Paint, Paint Shop Pro, some freeware equalalent I have one her can't remember it's name) to cut just what you want to show and save it as a JPG.

Boy Codifex, you just beat me too it, I was just looking it over when the email came in !!!!

Heh. It's just computers; been there done that.

I like helping people. I like your answers too.

toomany MBZ · #9 12-31-2009, 01:44 PM

^ I did pull 'em out and put 'em back in with, I felt too much pressure, but, hey.
I also understand some loss is normal.
My monitor is 17" square, I don't watch much full screen, but maybe later I'll try upgrading there later.
Thanks everyone for all the help and HAPPY NEW YEAR!