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

[heliograph.livejournal.com]

Actually, it was on an iMac. We're running machines with XP with more than 3GB, so I don't think it is an OS restriction... I'm pretty sure it is a hardware thing. I'm not an expert, though.

[saranjeuhal.livejournal.com]

XP does have a 3Gb restriction in its 32-bit version, so even if you have hardware than can handle it, and it reports using all of the memory (which can be done with a hack) it actually is only using 3Gb. If you're running XP, you may be running the 64-bit kernel that allows for access to all the memory.

Here's a good summary:

http://www.dansdata.com/askdan00015.htm

It has to do with hardware addressing in the operating system, and allocation of resources. There's a way to get XP 32-bit to wean more memory, but that requires messing around with Physical Address Extension and isn't something the layperson will do. At least that's my understanding of it, but I'm not the geek I used to be.