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Topic: Upgrading RAM in a computer, P1, SIMM

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Jason

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Posts: 14
Joined: Oct. 2003

Posted: Aug. 11 2005,08:32

Been a while since I've logged in here, great to see a forum expansion for this type of stuff - espically since I know what OS and what Distro of that OS I plan to use on it.

Anyway, I have an old P1 Computer I got for almost free (plan on use as a 2nd/backup unit), and I needed to upgrade the RAM in the computer as it only had 12 MB EDO SIMM RAM installed.

Doing some online research on the motherboard in the computer (Elite TS54P AIO Rev: 1.3) and SIMM RAM, I determined that I should be able to load up to 128 MB of RAM on either 2 or 4 SIMM chips.

I got 2 64 MB EDO SIMM chips (128 MB total), inserted them correctly, and when booting up the computer, it only recognizes 32 MB. I've already tried moving the memory to the other set of memory slots, and there are no BIOS settings (Phoenix BIOS Version 4.04) relating to the amount of installed memory.

Any help/suggestions other than 'that computer is too old,' or 'you wasted your money, buy a new PC,' would be greatly appreciated. (Not that those that participate on this forum regularly are like that, I just want to get that clarified before someone says that.)

kopsis

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Posts: 65
Joined: July 2005

Posted: Aug. 11 2005,09:24

I don't have any first hand knowledge of this motherboard, but the first two things I'd investigate are motherboard jumper settings and BIOS updates. Also make sure you are using the correct SIMM slots (sometimes when you only populate two they have to be specific ones).

NotTheMama Offline

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Posts: 42
Joined: April 2005

Posted: Aug. 11 2005,11:14

Have you tried only placing 1 simm. If the motherboard accepts this.
I have seen problems using 2 simms. The simms were not compatible with each other...

SaidinUnleashed Offline

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Posts: 1428
Joined: Mar. 2004

Posted: Aug. 11 2005,15:29

Perhaps yout motherboard only accepts matched SIMM pairs?

Elitegroup motherboards have always been shoddy and problematic.

If nothing else, try another ram stick.

But if you are spending much money on this at all, you are throwing it away. If you have this stuff laying around, or are getting it for free, than it's a good deal. ^_^

Fry's and TigerDirect regularly have systems for around $100 USD.

-J.P.

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cbagger01

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Joined: Oct. 2003

Posted: Aug. 11 2005,16:07

Pentium 1 era computers have many possible RAM requirements because at that time the computer manufacturers had not yet standardized on an official RAM type or types for PC motherboards.

So there are standard SIMM, EDO, FPM, 60ns 70ns matched pair requirements etc.

Your best bet is to get a copy of the PC/motherboard user manual or visit an online RAM seller that will automatically tell you what RAM is available for your motherboard. Like crucial for example

But my grossly oversimplified answer is:

If it doesn't work when you plug them in, then it doesn't work.

All the research in the world isn't going to make those sticks come to life, unless there was some magic jumper or BIOS setting that you learn.

6 replies since Aug. 11 2005,08:32

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Damn Small Linux Board » Non-DSL Topics » Hardware Talk » Upgrading RAM in a computer