2 questions. How to tell if MB will use high density mem,and using same mem will harm

Questions 1: How do you tell if comp can use high density memory. I have a Jetway MB 939GT4-SLI-G-VC(NF4SLI chipset0 and it gives no such info in manual. I belive I'm using such memory in it now (with no problems at all). I then tried another 1gb ddr400 stick of generic brand memory (by itself). The computer boots up to some of the bios then I get the following message on the screen "mediashield IDE ROM BIOS 5" , and it just hangs there, nothing else happens (and I've never seen that message before). Does that mean that the memory is not compatible with my MB, or is it bad memory?

Question 2: I have a MSI mb (ms-7021 that can use up to athlon xp3200 cpu with ddr 400 memory). The memory I'm using in it right now is 2 - 1gb ddr400 samsung high density sticks and the computer seems to be working without any problems. However I then tried the same generic 1gb memory stick from the first question above and all I got was a blank screen. I then found out the MSI MB supposedly can't use high density memory, even though the samsung memory I'm presently using in it is high density. Will this harm my computer/MB by doing this?? Also, does updating the bios ever enable the use of high density ram?

 

Re: 2 questions. How to tell if MB will use high density mem,and using same mem will

Geez guys, Doesn't anyone have any info about memory for me?

 

Re: 2 questions. How to tell if MB will use high density mem,and using same mem will

Well, I do believe the 2 - 1gb sticks I'm using in the MSI ms-7021 MB are actually low density. I found a guide on ebay (of all places) that does an excellent job of explaining the whole low/high density memory dilemma. It can be found here:
http://reviews.ebay.com/Myth-Low-Density-vs-High-Density-memory-modules_W0QQugidZ10000000001236178

Hope this helps anyone else this the confusion.

 

Re: 2 questions. How to tell if MB will use high density mem,and using same mem will

No, installing new memory doesn't hurt anything. If it is incompatible your computer will sit there and beep, or do flat out nothing, but to harm the motherboard with your new memory you actually have to make an effort to do so. Installing it backwards, for example,will cause it to shorten out and electrocute components it touches... like the motherboard.

Sometimes, yes. That depends on the BIOS manufacturer. Some of them are very good about releasing BIOS updates that allow your motherboard or computer to stay as updated with evolved technology as is possible. Others just leave you hanging the moment they stop selling your product. It's definitely worth your time to go search for a BIOS update on the manufacturer's website, if you find one that will help you use high density, your problems are over.