Topic: Memory Question for any Tech Members

[Bob Wessner]

It's been a long time since I went inside any PC, never this one until recently. If it helps, here's some info.

Win XP Home
SP-3
Pentium 4 running at 3.00 GHz
1 GB of ram (originally)

The original ram was in two "alternate" slots, call them #1 and #3 starting from the processor side of the bank. These two slots have white lock tabs, whereas the other two had black lock tabs.

When I added two additional SIMM's (also 512's, but likely not an exact match in terms of speed), I moved the original SIMM's to slots #1 and #2 and put the newer SIMM's in slots #3 and #4.

Now, when I booted, a BIOS message came up about mismatched SIMM's followed by what I "thought" was a suggestion of how to rectify this, and said hit enter. Which I did. System came up fine, but when I check properties, it only reflects 1.5 GB of memory.

Should I reshuffle these SIMM's somehow and if so, how?

[mlinder]

It's dual channel.

Use one set in #1 and #3, and the other set in #2 and #4.

If the speed and timing is too out of whack, they may not work.

[MickeyX]

also, you may need to update your bios. yeah, I'd rearrange them 1st though.

[Bob Wessner]

I wondered if I should have just "filled in the blanks" I guess I over thought it. 

[CaféElite]

If possible just provide your motherboard info (Brand, version, etc) so we can give you the correct info.

[mlinder]

If it came stock from the factory with 1 and 3 being populated, then we already know enough of the info.

It's dual channel. 1 and 3 must be populated for dual channel operation. The 'matching' memory needs to be in the 'matching' slot.

[Laminar]

If possible just provide your motherboard info (Brand, version, etc) so we can give you the correct info.

Yes, there might be a hardware restriction limiting the amount of memory the computer can address.

[mlinder]

If possible just provide your motherboard info (Brand, version, etc) so we can give you the correct info.

Yes, there might be a hardware restriction limiting the amount of memory the computer can address.

Not ina  dual channel motherboard. Dual channel came out in the mainstream in, what, 2002? Earlier for RAMBUS, but whatever.
Never seen a dual channel mobo that would accept less than 4GB, except for a few early ones that would accept only 2GB.

So his mobo should accept 2GB minimum.

[750goes]

Bob,

I have a spare commodore 64 - if you need some parts......

[MickeyX]

Bob,

I have a spare commodore 64 - if you need some parts......

A spare? You mean you actually have more than 1? 

[Bob Wessner]

Bob,

I have a spare commodore 64 - if you need some parts......

Hey, don't laugh, I remember the things. I also remember Win #1, when it fit on a single 5.25" floppy disk.. remember those? 

[MickeyX]

I remember using an 8" floppy when I worked at the printing plant. That was one old machine. We were all glad to see that one finally get retired in 2003.

Ah, DOS. I remember thee with harsh feelings. 

[mystic_1]

DOS was better than CP/M

mystic_1

[Bob Wessner]

I actually liked DOS Assembler. How sick it that? 

[333]

Not as sick as this- I know a guy who still uses a CommodeDoor 128 for a Ham radio application.

[edbikerii]

Ha!  I used to use "debug" to disassemble, modify, and re-assemble programs, especially those from vendors with license protection schemes.  I don't remember DOS shipping with assembler, but I soon had Borland's assembler.   What a luxury it was writing machine instructions in an honest-to-goodness "editor" with integrated compiler and debugger.

I actually liked DOS Assembler. How sick it that?  

[Bob Wessner]

I used Borland products also. Many new languages, many of which never quite stood the test of time though.

[edbikerii]

Yeah, I wasted a bunch of time learning and working with Paradox.   It made me good money while I could sell product, but it sure didn't help me get better jobs.

When they killed Paradox in favor of Delphi, I just could not stand their huge paradigm shifts any longer, and I just jumped into C and C++ programming.  Best decision I ever made.

I used Borland products also. Many new languages, many of which never quite stood the test of time though.

[Bob Wessner]

If possible just provide your motherboard info (Brand, version, etc) so we can give you the correct info.

Yes, there might be a hardware restriction limiting the amount of memory the computer can address.

Just to tidy this up. All is working fine now, just had to populate the slots with the dissimilar chips correctly, so now I have 2 GB of memory. As far as I know there are no hardware limitations to max mem (other than 4 slots), but I'm running 32 bit Win XP, which I believe has an address limitation of around 3.5 GB anyway. Thanks for the help.

[750goes]

Just noticed the replies - offer still stands Bob.....

I also have distant memories of dos 1.0 - and loading up wth the system disk on my very expensive green screen ibm PC - single  sided floppy - 180k capacity and a whopping 256k of on board memory.- no hard drive..........   ah the good old days...............

[Bob Wessner]

Ah, yes. and soon followed the BBS days, no viruses or malware back then either.

[bucky katt]

Bob,

I have a spare commodore 64 - if you need some parts......

we have a complete and working co-co, a radio shack color computer in the office closet. i keep on threatening to sell it but i dont think i ever will.

[oldbiker]

I still have a "Dragon 32" which has a massive 32K  of RAM.

[demon78]

Loved DOS, when the house allows me time, I'm going to set up a dos box and run Arachne as a browser. For fun.
Bill the demon.

[syth82]

My folks had an old ibm pc jr when I was a kid. Upgrading memory involved adding a ~1" thick extension to the side of the case (ie more memory=bigger computer). I believe it had 3 memory "expansions"