1GB DIMM shows only 32MB !

I have just been trying to 'upgrade' the memory in my desktop from 1.5GB to 2GB.

I thought I had better try the new 1GB DIMM by itself first to check that it worked ok. (I had a reason for doing this - it was marked as a high density module)

I disconnected my HD, removed my Ge6200 (went to on-board graphics), switched psu to a 500W OCZ model..

I inserted the test DIMM, and after a few occasions when a I got a repeated long beep (DIMM was difficult to seat), I entered the BIOS edit screen in order to see what memory I had. It didn't say 1GB as was expecting (I had expected the beeps [memory rejected], or 1GB to show) the BIOS recognized 32MB !! yes, thirty-two megabytes.

I'm not worried, it just means (I assume) that my computer won't handle/is incompatible with high density RAM....or that he RAM is damaged ? and I have two other identical 1GB modules known to work.

But could anyone offer an explanation ? if it were a compatibility issue, then "surely" the PC wouldn't POST ?

Dumb_Question
25.December.2014

set up: Compaq Presario S5160UK, MSI MS-6577 v2.1 motherboard (5187-3670), Celeron 2.7GHz CPU, 1GB PC-2700 RAM (described above) integratedgraphics (no HD), OCZ 500W PSU (can't remember the exact model or specs, must be about 5+ years old)

 

Yes. in the past It doesn't specify HD or LD RAM (my PC is no longer listed, motherboard is though). Nowhere else (that I've ever looked) does either.

but that only raises the question, with incompatible memory do systems fail to POST and give only beeps, or do they display an incorrect amount of memory ?Or do they do something else ?

It's just curiosity (but I am the curious type) now, unless I have to press that DIMM into service, because I have 2 of the proper modules from Kingston which appear to work fine.

My OCZ PSU doesn't fit in the hole in the back of the case, being a fraction of a mm too high (in the orientation I have my case)

Dumb_Question
25.December.2014