Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of hhheng
hhheng

asked on

Installing RAM onboard

I've one piece 128K RAM onboard. If installing another 2 pieces of 64K RAM each on the remaining slots, will this  cause any physical or OS problem ?
Avatar of Jez
Jez
Flag of Australia image

Look up the manual to see if the board can take the configuration...
Avatar of jsm11482
jsm11482

First of all, i think you mean to say you have 128MB of RAM and want to install 2 64MB mudules of RAM.  It should not cause problems as long as you have the right type of RAM, what is your computer make/model and how old is it??? It should nto hurt anything if you try to plug it in, if it fits, chances are it will work.  Let me know what happens!
-Josh
Avatar of Wesley Lennon
usually will not, but as the industry continues it's rapid pace, I have see on occasion that mixing will cause not all memory to read properly.  

I would suggest if you have 128mb/100 or 128mb/133 that you get the same module.

Look at www.tigerdirect.com for memory, and configs.

wlennon
You certainly can ask alot of questions by only offering 10 pts at a time...
to be sure whther your system to work fine with those new pieces of ram, just fit it in and see if the system boot. If suring the system test the memory test shows the correct amount of memeory, then it s fine.

But there is a the catch. Certain mobos are quie sensitive with  certain brand type of brand. And secondly, tryto have all the ram running at 133 MHz or 100Mhz, try not to mix the up.
Avatar of hhheng

ASKER

My mobos manual doesn't say about mixing RAM config. Only says , use SDRAM, 168 DIMM , supports Table Free Memory , 3.3 volt , 133mhz. I think better not to take a risk on my new mobos. Better to discard the 1 pc 64MB from my old PC and buy I another 128MB.
Can somebody hint me who shall get the points here..

The motherboard will almost certainly take the two 64s provided the 64s are 133 MHz Bus (most likely, I'd guess they are not - but, memory is very cheap right now, and I'd suggest buying new.

Another factor is your CPU speed.  If you have a Pentium 3 with a 100 MHz bus, then the 64s could be either 100 or 133 MHz.  Basically, the memory must be at least the speed of the buses current speed.  If you have a Celeron 466 in that motherboard then there is NO REASON AT ALL that your 64s shouldn't work.  Anything else, and I'd have doubts - but it really depends on the specs of your hardware.
you dont have to discard, just place in the new piece aof ram and runs it together withthe existing one. It wont do anything harm to your mobo. If it is imcompability, it wont boot after all, just swap those ram.

Avatar of hhheng

ASKER

My CPU is P3 800mhz / 133mhz fsb. Currently my 128MB RAM is also at 133mhz but the 64MB one is PC100 . I guess this make it incompatible to run properly.

Yes, if your CPU is 800 MHz with 133 FSB, then the 64 MB PC100 DIMM will likely cause instability in your operating system.  So, I'd get a new one.  I personally suggest www.crucial.com - Best prices from a reliable vendor I know of.  (Hundreds of places sell memory, but do you really want memory from a mom & pop shop with no real way of knowing quality or ease of return...?)
well since this is the case if you will be able to run all of your ram together, you might achieve up t o100 MHz perfromance of your ram only, just plug it in and see for yourself in perfromance.
WHY DO THAT....WHAT A WAIST of mem slots

why not just but 128mb for #20.00 and slot another stick in.

this will run you memory quicker

the problem you will have is your memory will slow up

SDRAM 168 DIMS will probley run at 100 or 133 but your 64mb ram will only run at 66mhz cycles.

this will no dowt slow down your memory process.

you are better to stick another 128mb stick the same as what you have in there so that there is an even memory cycle.

cheers
Andy
Avatar of hhheng

ASKER

Andy
Agreed. Just discard the 64MB RAM and buy another 128MB
cheers..

Heng
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of Microsoft
Microsoft

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
Avatar of hhheng

ASKER

thanks everybody for your input
cheers...
<I would suggest if you have 128mb/100 or 128mb/133 that you get the same module.<

Is that not the same thing...I think you agree with my above comment.
Some good answers\comments, however, the first correct one IMHO is jmcclell! The motherboard book explains in detail if one reads it not only how to configure but what type too use! Dave
Avatar of hhheng

ASKER

Hi emery800
I've already mentioned above and I re-quote "My mobos manual doesn't say about mixing RAM config.." My question was whether different RAM configuration will cause any physical or OS problem.
From the answers/comments, it will not cause any physical problem but will slow down the system or cause instability. So the 64MB RAM from my old system is useless and therefore not necessary to buy another 64MB RAM instead EE recommends to get a new 128MB RAM.
If you are member of EE community maybe you can arrange to deduct from my account and award 10 points to all commentors above. Some EE are not concern about points but some do and I very concern with those who do cares, so they can be happy as I am.

cheers..