Gatewate 2000: Adding ram; New HD

[Brangwen]

Fellow members:

I'm "upgrading" a friend's Gateway 2000 P166 that presently has 48MB RAM and 1.2 GB WDC HD. Mobo has 2 Dimm slots. I removed the 48 MB of RAM and replaced with 2 sticks 64MB PC100 SDRAM. Registers only 32MBs! And on POST it reads memory REDUCED. Hmm... Any ideas?

Also, can P166 handle a 15-20 GB (ATA33/5400RPM) HD?

Thx.

Brangwen http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

PS: Any good Gateway links?

[Fingers]

Do you know the model number of the PC?

Some older mobo's and BIOS's don't support high density memory modules.

I don't think the processor will have any problem with the new HDD, but if the PC's BIOS is dated prior to Feb. 1996, it may not support drives larger than 2.1GB. If the BIOS is dated prior to Jan. 1998, it may not support drives larger than 8.4GB. Both of these limitations can be overcome by using drive overlay software such as EZBios, or a BIOS update with native support for larger hdd's may also be available.

[Brangwen]

Thx, Fingers. I didn't know that about the mem modules (hi density), tho I figured as much avbout the large drive support issue.

I've no idea what model number except "Gateway 2000." And no BIOS string... I don't see anything remarkable on the mobo as to markings.

I had a program call DIMM ID at one point, but misplaced it. Any ideas how to tell what memory is hi and which is low density? The stuff I attempted to add was likely Micron PC100 CS2.

Thx

Brangwn http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[Fingers]

Peter Missel has the answer to your memory problem if you have the Intel 430VX chipset;

Gateway P166 and SDRAM question (http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum5/HTML/004727.html)

Install 2x64MB SDRAM, MB Only sees 32MB Total - Help Please (http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum5/HTML/003800.html)

Simmtester.com (http://www.simmtester.com/) (NO, it's not just for SIMM's)... but the link isn't working right now.

[Brangwen]

Fingers:

Thx a ton for your help.

The Model of this Gateway2000: # LPMINI-Desktop; PS-166.

The mobo is dated 06/19/97.
AMI BIOS ver. 1.00.07.DQ0T UAV 1992

Existing Mem modules (total of 48 MB) read:

Toshiba: THMY642051AEG-12A 9721
NANYA: 4 X 64 - 10LX KBYTE 000BR832

Again, thx for your efforts!

Brangwen http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

PS: I'm going to run that BIOS number and see if I can identify the board/chipset.

[Fingers]

I'm gonna say it's a "Mailman" or "Hitman" mobo which was made specifically for Gateway by Intel. Perhaps you'll find something useful in one of these links? (the 3rd link indicates that there's a bios upgrade to support hdd's larger than 8.4GB)

http://myweb.li.net/~glenn9/UPDIMB.HTM
http://www.magsys.co.uk/mbs/intelmb.html
http://www.firmware.com/support/bios/i5js45.htm

[Fingers]

Might be this one? Gateway G5-166 with DIMMs (http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp?model=G5-166+with+DIMMs&x=19&y=8)

It looks like it might support larger EDO DIMM's, but only up to 32MB in SDRAM ?

[Brangwen]

Fingers,

Thx for more great efforts. I'm thinking the amount of $ this lady would have to spend for a fairly out-of-date system may not make a whole lot of sense. I'm thinking if I use her Gateway case, CDROM, FDD, I need:

PS - roughly $25.00 (AMD)
Mobo - Around $70 if I search and I'm lucky?
CPU - 600 MHz Duron - $45 (w/stock HSF)
SDRAM: 128 MB PC66/100 SDRAM (generic): $?
HDD: 20GB (ata/33 5400rpm) - $70

Hmm...

Any thoughts? Kicking her system "as is" up to 64 MB SDRAM vs 48 MB she presently has plus larger (15-20GB HD) = may as well pay a few bucks more for a better system? Unless I just replaced mobo, CPU, PSU, HDD and added SDRAM? (Her current PSU 115W)

Gonna have to crunch some numbers. Any ideas would be appreciated!

Thx.

Brangwen http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[DVNT1]

I'd suggest keeping the old computer as is and just replacing it with a ~$600 unit. Use the old monitor though. Then the old one could be donated (tax deduction) or add a monitor later for the kids.

I seen many people put a fair amount of money into an old PC and then (6 months later) decide it still doesn't get the job done as desired. Then they buy a new one anyway.

[Fingers]

I just enjoy searching the web for obsure topics, so if you're talking about economics-vs- practicality, you're asking the wrong guy. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif I'll try to fix the older equipment if someone asks me to, but I don't offer to upgrade equipment that old.

I really don't think going from 48 to 64MB is going to be noticeable, (maybe if your changing from 48EDO to 64SDRAM), but still not worth the $100+ for the modules that Crucial says you'll need.

I just gave away one of my two Pentium150's (non-MMX) on identical 430VX mobo's. The one that's gone had 48MB of EDO SIMMS and a single 3.1GB HDD. The remaining one has 64MB worth of EDO SIMMS with 6.4GB & 4.3GB hdds. With Win98 on both, neither ran noticeably better than the other.

I hope someone else gives you some better ideas on your upgrade dilema.

<EDIT> I see DVNT1 already has. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by Fingers (edited 05-17-2001).]

[Brangwen]

DVNT1:

I appreciate what your opinion. Like Fingers, I tend to agree. The computer in question (P166) must be seen for what it is. And I agree that a memory upgrade would be of slim significance.

I remember going from my 386 (which "flew" at the time - cost $1500.00) to a 486 DX4 which I thought was "the most" in computer technology.

Still, the P166 could be used for word processing, say with WordPerfect 5.1 Dos Version. It also surfs the Net and sends mail. A fine backup computer or a sole business machine till the owner can afford something more current and upgradeable.

So, I too like getting the "old" machines to run, just for the sake of it. Or if a person who cannot afford a computer right now and would benefit, simply to donate to such a person, church, organization, etc.

Well, having rambled on, thank you for your time and effort, Fingers. And thanks DVNTI for your sensible opinion.

Brangwen http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[Brangwen]

The BIOS is AMI 1992. 256k Cache. I'll post the markings on the "older" mem modules upon my return from running an errand.

Brangwen http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Anyone know of Dimm ID program?