Need RAM advice :(

[squigg]

Here are the details of my machine:

Intel Celeron MMX 333mhz on an ABIT LX6 Motherboard

Prior to installing 2 new sticks of SDRAM 128MB DIMM PC133 RAM (brand name Signature from Costco), I had the following RAM:
1 - 32MB SDRAM PC100
1 - 64MB SDRAM PC100

At first I only purchased one stick of 128MB and things seemed to be fine except for the fact I was not registering 64MB of a total of 224MB. I thought ok, they need to be the same speed (PC133) so I took out the old PC100 RAM and installed a second PC133 128MB stick.

Again, I am still not showing 64MB RAM out of total of 256MB RAM. I have 4 slots on my mother board to accomodate RAM and I have reviewed my manual with no success. The manual says that the motherboard is capable of 512MB RAM total with 1GB EDO. It also goes on to say that "the memory array is 64 or 72 bits wide. (Without parity or with parity) and those modules can be populated in any order" "Supports single and double density DIMMS"

I'm sure this might be a BIOS/CMOS issue but am unfamiliar how to approach it. Any assistance you could provide would be appreciated. Thank-you in advance.

squigg
Vancouver, Canada

[dmoltrup]

I looked up the memory specs on the LX6 board, and here is what I found:

SYSTEM MEMORY 4 x 168-Pin DIMM Socket
Support 8MB to 128MB 3.3V EDO DRAM or SDRAM
Total Memory Capacity 512MB SDRAM or 1024MB EDO
ECC Support
(Aberdeen Brand Memory (http://www.aberdeeninc.com/abcatg/memory.htm) Necessary)

I found the above information here. (http://www.aberdeeninc.com/abcatg/MB6501.htm)

MYDM404 16Mx64 3.3V SDRAM 168-pin DIMM PC133 (128MB DIMM) - PC133 backwards compatible with PC100 $41.99

At $42, it isn't exactly cheap. :(

[Beeblequix]

Do you have onboard video? If so, your system's video is dependent on system memory, in which case that missing 64 meg is just being held by video.

Get into your bios and see what your settings are. Post back with questions.

I don't have your mobo but it seems to have the old 440LX intel chipset. Your front side bus speed should be 66Mhz, so don't expect supreme performance unless you overclock your system.

If you're up for an experiment, try testing each dimm individually in the system. You know, put one of your sticks in the slot and see how much is recognized etc. Do the same with all. If you have Norton Systemworks, use their hardware diagnostic tool to see if you have bad modules.

Also, some sticks don't play nice with each other. Example: on my last system I had a 256 meg dimm and a 128 meg dimm that for whatever reason gave me errors when testing them together, but not separate.

But as far as your missing memory, it's most likely integrated video.

Beeble Quix

[squigg]

Thank-you both for your replies. I do have onboard video I'm assuming based on this line from my system settings:
Intel 82443LX/EX Pentium II Processor to AGP Controller.

Question is: what do I look for in the BIOS settings to stop 64MB RAM from being dedicated to this video setting? I am reluctant to make a change to my BIOS settings not knowing the effects. I am still green when it comes to some computer issues but am willing to give it a try:) Thanks again!

squigg

[Beeblequix]

Sorry. I looked into it and it seems that you do NOT have onboard video. Here's a review of your mobo:
<http://www.cpureview.com/rev_lx6_a.html>

That line you made the assumption by didn't ring well so I actually looked into it.

Here's a link to Tom's site:
<http://www.tomshardware.com/mainboard/97q4/971028/440lx-01.html>

You know, I'm curious if one of your '128'dimms is in fact a 64 meg dimm. Take them all out and test them one by one. I wonder if you'll show missing memory with just the 32meg in, 64 meg in, etc.

Also, it's possible that your bios doesn't support more than what it shows you. Have you ever flashed your bios? That may be an option if you're led to the bios.

As far as what to look for in the bios, well, don't go changing your cpu multiplier settings, and don't go changing your voltage. If you have a mobo manual, take 15minutes and head to the bathroom. You'll glean tons of info out of a well written (in taiwan; i know...) mobo manual.

And it's possible that your old 66Mhz memory bus has problems with pc133 memory. That may be the exact reason dmoltrup posted what he did.

[squigg]

The PC100 RAM works fine, no problem. That's the 64 and the 32.

I'll check the slots one by one as well as each 128 stick.

I'm inclined to believe that this board just isn't capable of the higher speed. Trial by elimination eh? ;)

Yup, have the mobo manual. Parts are very easy to understand and others are not. All your help is appreciated and I'll let you know how things turn out.

[squigg]

Hiya:)
boy, do I ever feel like a no-mind! I started doing the "test each slot" theory and after carefully examining the 2 sticks of RAM I noticed that one of them is indeed only 64MB! Packaging error on the store's fault:mad:

One good thing has come out of all this....I have learned a whole lot more about RAM and memory than ever before!

Thanks Beeblequix and dmoltrup! This is a great forum and I'm happy I stumbled across it. Your quick replies are truly appreciated!

Many thanks!
squigg
Vancouver, Canada