I have an older hp desktop and was recently trying to upgrade the ram. I read that it was upgradeable to 512mb pc100. I just put a stick of 256 in and it only read 128 on my computer. Hopefully someone will know something about this or maybe has seen this.
Is the 256 as well as what was already in the case? If so, it may not be compatible and the system is only seeing what was already in the PC. If it is the only stick in the system, are you sure you have 256 not 128, maybe its labelled incorrectly.
As written above, but also, the motherboard may not be compatible with 256MB modules, only 128s. That is sometimes the case, and since we're dealing with PC100, it's an old PC and therefore likely.
If you have 4 memory slots, then chances are @sammorris is correct and the slots can only handle 128 each, if you only have 2 then it should be okay, if you are correct about the system taking 512 total.
I personally don't know of any conventional SD100 mobo that takes more than 512MB total, so a four slot motherboard quite possibly will only take 128MB modules, hence why you've only got half. Still, could be worse, could not work at all!
the motherboard is supposed to take up to 512. it has two slots that are supposed to take 256 each im assuming. i guess its always possible the ram is labeled incorrectly and ive been ripped off!!! or maybe the motherboard/bios needs updated. i really appreciate the feedback!!!
Those are both possibilities, but the RAM should say on the label what it is. Updating the BIOS is a good idea though.
It's possible, but I wouldn't have thought it would just run it at half size without incident. If there are two sticks then that's of course a possibility.
i guess there is lots of possibilities. ive already upgraded the bios and that hasnt helped. i think the best thing to do is to just to get a newer computer and forget about all the frustration. maybe salvage the good stuff out of the computer. anyone know any good sites for barebone? ive always wanted to build my own and i think im ready. again, thanks for all the help from everyone!
If you're not into high tech gear then there are good deals on stuff like Sempron Motherboard RAM combos about.
