Memory not recognised?

Hi all.

Recently Got given an old Dell pc which I thought I could use to mess with old games on (love retro) lol

It came with with 1.0ghz pentium III cpu

it has 128mb PC133U ram installed

I bought a 512mb chip of PC133 ram but it wont boot and I get a single repeating BEEP (memory error)

When I intall it with the 128mb chip as well it boots but does not recognise the other chip.

There are no settings in the bios for the memory so nothing I can change.

Does it have something to do with the original chip having a 'U' suffix after the PC133 ?

Any Ideas?

Thakns in advance to all

 

Check out the on-line RAM scanner at www.crucial.com
It will scan your PC and tell you the specs on the RAM you have installed, and what RAM to get to increase the amount on your PC.
Then check if your new stick is compatible with what Crucial recommends. Bazza

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Older PC's that run SDRAM (PC100 or PC133) can be VERY picky about what RAM will work and what won't. There's not alot you can do to get the new stick working, except maybe return it and exchange it for another one. Be sure to check the Dell web site for more info about compatible memory; www.crucial.com also has a memory compatability checker that will tell you what types of RAM will work and the max the PC can handle. The only other thing I can think of is to see if there's a BIOS update available from Dell that will enhance the PC's memory compatability. But the PC is pretty old, so that may be a waste of time, and unnecessary BIOS flashing isn't recommended (IMO)..... good luck!

hd2k

 

Bazza beat me to the Crucial link.... it is a very handy site however...

 

Cheers guys, the DELL pc is not connected to the net, I just use it for games in the shed..lol lol

I have a decent pc for apps and the net.

I will try and get hold of a stick similar to whats in it, its "ELPIDA"

Thanks again for your advice..

Respect

 

Elpida is just the company that made the chips on the RAM stick and really has no bearing on compatability. You need to research your bus speeds and RAM timings (like CL2 or CL2.5, etc) and make sure you get the right sticks... visit the Crucial link that both Bazza and I provided. You put in your PC's make and model, and it'll show you EXACTLY what type of RAM you need.... guaranteed to be compatible

hd2k

 

Cheers man, youv'e all been excellent with your help and advice.

Will do as you say and hopefully be up and running those retro games soon.

Thanks again 'hopperdave2000'

Respect:cool