Wallbanger

I have a custom built puter (built around 2001, PENTIUM3) with the following system info:

OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Build 2600
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Name MECHMAN
System Manufacturer VIA Technologies, Inc.
System Model AWRDACPI
System Type X86-based PC
Processor x86 Family 6 Model 7 Stepping 3 GenuineIntel ~501 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date Award Software International, Inc. 4.60 PGMA, 10/12/1999
SMBIOS Version 2.2
Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS
System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume1
Locale United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "5.1.2600.5512 (xpsp.080413-2111)"
User Name MECHMAN\Harvey Bakke
Time Zone Central Daylight Time
Total Physical Memory 384.00 MB
Available Physical Memory 118.08 MB
Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB
Page File Space 948.26 MB
Page File C:\pagefile.sys

My problem arises when I try to install additional RAM.
The machine has three memory card slots and they were all filled with three 128mb modules. I removed two of the 128mb modules and replaced one of them with a 512mb module (in the first slot). So I should now have 512mb + 128mb = 640mb of memory. Hower, if you read the system info above you will see it reads 384 mb. What gives?

I would appreciate any help.

Wallbanger

Tyree

Brand and model number of your Mobo?
Are you using Onboard video or a graphics card that shares RAM?
Is the 512 stick the same brand/speed as the 128 stick?

Wallbanger

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyree Brand and model number of your Mobo? Are you using Onboard video or a graphics card that shares RAM? Is the 512 stick the same brand/speed as the 128 stick?

Thank you--the answer was in your response--I looked up the mobo discription ( AOPEN/ AX63)in the puter and with that I did a google and came up with this info:

This board's expansion capabilities are similar to most modern boards in its 5/2/1 design. This translates to 5 PCI slots, 2 ISA slots, and 1 AGP port. Also, there are three 168-pin DIMM sockets. However, DIMM slot number 3 is only 256Mb of memory, then, accoring to AOPen, the board memory capcity is 512+512+256 or 1.28 gigabyte of main memory.

Configuration of the AX63 is effected totally within the BIOS submenu "Chipset Features Setup".

Within this menu, we may: adjust the clock frequencies, choose clock multipliers, and adjust the processor's core voltage. Finally, a pair of jumpers (JP23 and JP29) permits the user to choose the range of clock frequencies available in the BIOS menu. Choices available include: automatic frequency adjustment by the system, 66Mhz to 83Mhz, 90Mhz to 124Mhz, and 124Mhz to 155Mhz. Within the BIOS, it is also possible to adjust the memory speed to that of the front side bus and to add or subtract 33Mhz from that frequency. For example, you can set your processor to operate at with a FSB of 133Mhz, and subtract 33Mhz from that frequency in order to employ PC100 memory.

As mentioned, the processor's core voltage is also adjustable via a BIOS function. The processor's voltage can be set to a level between 2.0 and 2.2v.

Available clock frequencies, according to the user's manual, include: 66/75/78/81/83/90/95/100/105/110/112/113/115/117/118/120/124/126/133/135/137/138/140/142/144/150 and 155Mhz, with clock multipliers available between 1.5X and 8X in steps of 0.5X.


Thanks for your lead. It appears I should be able to upgrade to 640mb but why does it still read only 384mb?
I am using PC133, low density 512mb for the upgrade along with the 128mb PC133, 128mb. However, the brands are different and I am not sure if the 128 is low density but believe it is since it was installed by the store I bought the computer from and I assume they knew what they were doing.

With that combo how does it get 384?

Any answer appreciated.

Wallbanger

Tyree

Sometimes, different brands of RAM don't react well to each other. It is best to match brands and speed.

Wallbanger

Thanks Tyree--I think I will look for MATCHED SET of modules.

Wallbanger