Memory

[ffutures]

The computer I want to use as my linux / Windows box is a Packard Bell that currently has 2 x 512mb DDRs, Non-ECC, 400mhz CL3, PC 3200.

I just ran the Crucial memory test on it, and it says that it can take 2gb, but their site only offered me 2 x 512mb, which is what it already has. They don't say why.

What I think that they're saying is that it can be pushed to 2 gb, but they aren't prepared to give a warranty. Oddly, my current machine is much older and uses 200mhz RAM, but went to 2g without any hassle.

Anyone got any thoughts on this? Are Crucial just being ultra-cautious, or is there some extra risk of failure with this type of memory?

Comments

[nojay.livejournal.com]

I think you said the motherboard had four DIMM slots, with two 512MB DIMMs currently fitted for a total of 1GB at the moment. The Crucial tester probably reckons that adding another two similar DIMMs is best hence the 2GB total it quoted. I might have a couple of compatible PC3200 512MB DIMMs in a spare machine here if you're interested -- my regular desktop (an Intel P4 like yours) only has 2 DIMM slots but they're both 1GB sticks.

Can you identify the motherboard at all or is it a no-name board? XP can't cope with 4GB of RAM properly, it only uses about 3.5GB even if you could fit that much.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

If I said that I was mixing it up with the PC I have hooked up to the TV as a media PC, which has 4 slots but isn't nearly as fast. Apologies for the error. This one has two slots, 512mb in each.

Crucial's memory test thingy says it's a Packard-Bell Fraser, whatever that means. As I said, it says that the motherboard is capable of 2048 GB but they only offer to sell me what it already has, 2 x 512mb.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

I've just found this page which refers to FRASER motherboards:

http://www.offtek.co.uk/ModelData.php?stid=7&manu=Gigabyte&modeltype=0&model=FRASER+(GA-8S661FM)

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Just took another look at the motherboard, it says it's a Gibabyte GA-85661FM.