Computer RAM Upgrade? PC100 ->PC133 = Problem, Help?

MotoSook · 12-22-2006, 08:25 PM

Guys,

I'm trying to install a PC 133 memory module to upgrade my memory from 256MB PC100 to 512MB PC133. When I put the PC133 module on the board, I can't get Windows to boot up. I get the memory check screen at the start, and I can hit delete to get to the configuration screen, but everything seems to be OK. My BIOS is suppose to recognize the memory module...but something is funny.

The guys at the computer store sad going from PC100 to PC133 wouldn't be a problem. And the PC100 and PC133 are the same gen. In the past I just replaced or added the same speed module and never had issues.

Do I need to do something when going from 100MHz to 133MHz? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Joeaksa · 12-22-2006, 08:40 PM

How many beeps do you get when it boots up? The computer has something called the POST code, and depending on your BIOS, the number of beeps will tell you if everything is ok to bad memory module.

If the computer boots up just fine with the old memory or with no RAM chips installed and will not boot up with the new 133 sticks, then I can almost guarantee you that its the new memory.

Also, how much memory are you trying to install? 1 gig... 2 gig or ?? Some older motherboards have a max limit and you cannot exceed this. Also assume that you are not trying to mix and match memory (100 and 133 at the same time) on the MB?

Pls give us some more info...

Joe

PS Tell your future wife I said hello...

MotoSook · 12-22-2006, 08:50 PM

Hey Joe! How are you?

I'm trying to install a single 512MB PC133 module. The guys at the parts shop where I usually get all my computer parts said just put the 133 mod in with the 100 mod and the BIOS would work it out. I've never don't that before, so I took their word for it.

The computer I'm typing on now is the one I'm trying to upgrade. I can switch the PC100 module in and the computer works just fine. So I guess it's the new module that's bad.

As for the spousal unit...I will definitely tell her you said hello. I hope you have a good Christmas.

masraum · 12-22-2006, 08:59 PM

I used to have an old PC that ran PC100. Everything I read and everyone that I spoke to said that if the board only supported PC100, but you put PC133 on the board it would work, it would just run an the slower speed. I can tell you with 100% certainty, that is just not the case. Some boards just will not work with PC133 if they were built for PC100. My guess is that you are running into a similar problem. I thought it was bad ram too, but it wouldn't work properly with 3 different PC133 cards that all checked out fine, then when I put a PC100 in it did work fine.

MotoSook · 12-22-2006, 09:06 PM

Thanks for the post Steve. I'll probably spend more time (and money) putzing with this old thing than I should...oh well. I'm trying to resist the urge to buy a new desktop.

MotoSook · 12-22-2006, 09:12 PM

I've got a Gigabyte Pentium 4 Titan Series GA-8IDX motherboard that has 3 memory sockets. Do you guys think I can make it run with two 512MB PC100 modules? I'd hate to go buy two 512MB PC100 modules, then find out the board won't support it.

Or! Will the 256MB PC100 module work with a 512MB PC100 to give me something close to 1gig and ...and the max the board can do?

Just figured I'd throw that out there....

Joeaksa · 12-22-2006, 09:21 PM

Souk,

You live in a fairly big city, how about taking it to a Best Buy or such and paying the tech's there to put the memory in there?

Tell them that you want one 512 chip and have them install it. If it works then take the computer home and remove the chip and go on the internet to buy two more for a much better price.

If the computer works fine with the 100 chip and not the 133 then I would not try the 133 anymore. You could also take the chip AND THE COMPUTER back to the store where you bought the 133 chip and get them to plug it in and go from there. Maybe buy a larger 100 chip from them and personally I max out the RAM in any motherboard I have. If it will take 2 gig, then buy 2 gig. You will be amazed at the performance increase.

Now after you get it running like this, and are happy with it, next is a larger and faster hard drive. You probably have a 20/40 gig 4500 rpm hard drive in it now? Buy a 80 or 120 gig hard drive running at 7200 or 10,000 rpm and keep your old "C" drive in the computer, but make it the secondary "D" drive with the new drive as the boot up drive.

Would make the computer much faster and total cost would be $200-$250 and make it last another 2 years or so.

Joe

PS Hi back.. when's the ceremony and where?

MotoSook · 12-22-2006, 09:35 PM

I think I'll take your advice and take the case in tomorrow to show the guys at the parts store that I'm not a total idiot.

The 512 module they sold me today was the last one they had in stock...so I'd be bring my cas in just to get me money back.

I would love to max out the memory on this computer, and I would love to have it last a couple more years. I like the idea of a faster hard drive too, but geez man....I'm getting to the point I might as well buy a new one. This processor is only running at 1.5GHz.

As for the day...it's within a year

Joeaksa · 12-22-2006, 09:37 PM

Souk,

Finally found the MB. It supports 3 gig of RAM and 133. Did you plug in 100 and 133 at the same time before? If so that is probably the reason its running slow.

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Spec.aspx?ClassValue=Motherboard&ProductID=1350&ProductName=GA-8IDXH

Joe

Processor

1. Socket 478 for Intel®FC-PGA2 Pentium®4 processor in 478 pin package
2. 400 MHz FSB

Chipset

1. Intel®845 Chipset consists of Intel®Memory Controller Hub (MCH) and the Intel®I/O Controller Hub 2 (ICH2)
2. Creative CT5880 audio chip
3. ITE I/O chip
4. Realtek RTL8100L LAN chip

Memory

1. 3 x 168-pin DIMM slot
2. Supports up to 3GB of PC133 SDR-SDRAM
3. Supports 64 bits data interface, 3.3V DIMM DRAM and ECC DIMM

masraum · 12-22-2006, 09:39 PM

According to the web the thing should definitely support 512mb sticks of pc133. Actually, it should support PC133 up to 1Gig each

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Spec.aspx?ProductID=1349

Quote:

Memory

1. 3 x 168-pin DIMM slot
2. Supports up to 3GB of PC133 SDR-SDRAM
3. Supports 64 bits data interface, 3.3V DIMM DRAM and ECC DIMM

Joeaksa · 12-22-2006, 09:39 PM

Souk,

The processor is not the limitation in the computer, the speed of how fast you process the data is. Speed up the hard drive and max out the RAM and you will really be surprised at how fast it can operate.

Running programs in RAM is the fastest, then the hard drive access speed (miliseconds) is next. Hard drive companies started turning the platters faster to speed up their access speed, as well as putting more memory (cache) on the drive. Getting a fast hard drive with 16 mb cache (or more) will make a big difference.

Joe

masraum · 12-22-2006, 09:41 PM

Damn the timing
Yes, it should support the two speeds mixed together. Normally the rule for that is that the slower memory should be in the first slot because that'll set the speed and step the other memory down. It should work with two different sized chips and different speeds, but obviously you're having some sort of problem. Good luck. I cringe at the thought of taking a PC to the techs at anyplace like Best Buy, Comp USA, etc....

Joeaksa · 12-22-2006, 09:44 PM

Steve,

I agree about the tech's at places like that but try buying memory and then taking it back for a refund. Many places will not accept opened memory these days.

Souk,

Steve brings up a good point. Did you have the old memory in slot 1 on the motherboard? If you are not sure then swap them around. Remember to ground yourself everytime you touch anything inside.

Worth a try...

Joe

MotoSook · 09:57 PM

That's the board guys! I never had 100 and 133 on the board together. I just tried it tonight when I got the new 133 module home. Previously, I was running a single 256 PC100 module.

If I could get a PC133 module that I knew was working I'd be happier. I'm going to take the case in tomorrow and see if they can pull a PC133 module off one of the computers they have in the shop...and test.

Then I'll make this sucker out. I've got a 20Gig (7200RPM) harddrive in it right now, with an 80 Gig external via USB 2.0.

The thing is fast enough, but I tend to run multiple programs at once, and I can tell it's maxed out on RAM. I'm starting to freeze up when I play Windows Media files.

MotoSook · 12-22-2006, 09:56 PM

Yep, I had the PC100 in slot one (the slot that the memory was in originally), and I just added the PC133 in the slot next to it (the middle slot). I got nothing. Even when I talk the PC100 module out and put the PC133 module in it's place I get nothing.

I really think it's the memory module now. I don't think I'd ever take my case and leave it with a place like Best Buy or TigerDiret (we have an outlet in the area), but the place I go to for parts is an independent PC store, and I've been going in to them for over 4 years for parts and upgrades.

I just had them build my sister a new desktop for Christmas, so I think they'll be easy to work with on the memory. I trust the guys, but they did give me a memory module that was not sealed. Hmmm....

Joeaksa · 12-22-2006, 10:09 PM

Souk,

Put the mouse over the start button and right click it. Then click on "Explorer" when it opens up. After it finishes opening you will see your computer hard drive and such. Listed under "my computer" will be your "C" drive.

Right click on the "C" drive symbol and then at the bottom is "properties" and left click on it.

How much free space do you have on your "C" drive? Used space is blue, free space is the red or pink. Bet its not much and the fuller the hard drive gets, the slower it will be.

BTW, an external drive, no matter how fast or large is WAY SLOWER than any internal drive. For Christmas buy a 80-100 7200 rpm internal drive from your computer guys and have them install the OS (windoz) on the "C" drive and you will see an amazing increase in speed.

Joe

MotoSook · 12-22-2006, 10:16 PM

I've been trying to clean up the internal HD tonight, and I still can't free up more than 3 gig of free space. I may just blow everything away after I move it to the external drive.

You're gonna make me spend money on a computer when my 911 is still in pieces! Damn you Joe.

I'll take the case in tomorrrow and see if the guys at the shop won't let me horse around in the back with their parts bin. Damnit all to H....I didn't want to be spending my bonus check on stuff that doesn't make we go faster around the track.

Gotta go to bed....talk to you later. I think you are still overseas. Be careful, and I hope you make it home safe for Christmas!

Joeaksa · 12-22-2006, 10:20 PM

Souk,

A 80 gig hard drive should cost you no more than $100 or so and keeping the old "C" drive in the computer will help you save and store data, so its well worth it. I see them at Fry's electronics all the time for $79 or so, especially during the holidays.

Thanks and I get on the airliner in 14 hours to head home. Spent far too much time in the ME this time and will be glad to get back home in front of the fireplace with a margarita. Did two months out this time and thats too long. Hope you and the wife to be have a Merry Christmas!

Take care and stay in touch!

Joe