I did a search on this and couldn't find what I needed.

I am working on an old generic desktop computer that has 128M of RAM. I know this computer isn't the fastest thing around but I'm putting something together for my grandkids to learn on.

According to the manual the motherboard supports up to 256 MB of DRAM (a minimum of 8 MB) on board (72-PIN SIMM x 2, 168-Pin DIMM x 2), BIOS auto FP DRAM, EDO DRAM and SDRAM configuration.

What would I need to find to increase from the 128 MB?

Thanks,
GNormally, the answer to your question would depend heavily on your current memory configuration (that is, how you have 128MB)

Thankfully- it's not to difficult to narrow down. Although I'm not 100% sure, I've never seen or heard of a SIMM module that was larger then 8MB; in fact, motherboards such as the one you're working with were "transitional" the idea was to allow you to upgrade your Motherboard and Processor from your older model and still be able to use the SIMMs from it; the DIMMs are probably what would CONSTITUTE the 256MB limit-

Now, that being said, the 128MB you have in there is either 2 64MB DIMMS or 1 128MB DIMM; if you have 2 64MB DIMMs, you'll need to rip them both out and replace them with two 128MB DIMMs; if it's just using a single 128MB DIMM, you can get a single new 128MB DIMM and plop it in the empty slot. (word of advice: you might want to get some compressed air to clean out that slot, to prevent dust interfering with the new RAM)

One you determine wether you need 1 or 2 128MB DIMMs, you need to find them... These are usually marketed as SDRAM. If you have a local computer shop (by which I mean a smaller outfit- not best buy or anything along those lines) you might inquire there, you can usually have better luck with old COMPONENTS at places like that. I have seen new SDRAM modules being sold in several larger stores as well(like best buy, future shop, london drugs, etc) so it cannot hurt to take a look around there, either.

Hope this helps! Good luck Thanks for the information. From what I can see there are 4 slots according to the motherboard manual and visually that is what I see in the computer. All 4 slots are full so you may be correct in assuming that they are 64 MB. I agree with you on the compressed air. This thing has been sitting around for a few years not used and it is pretty dusty inside.

I wonder if there is a website that has used pieces like what I need.


G It sounds like (from the mathematical calculation) that given you currently have 128 MB of ram that what you do have at the moment is 4 sticks of 32MB. However this is not really relevant given your intentions to upgrade to 256 MB. Because you do have 4 slots available it does increase your options however for a variety of combinations. It now becomes more of a matter of what you can find and the costs. I personally would recommend that if you opt for multiple sticks (as opposed to a single 256 MB) that you try to obtain all the sicks of the same manufacturer. Again personally i would try to go to the single 256 MB stick ROUTE. B.C.'s advise on sources is very good. Shops that repair computers will probably be your best bet. You should be able to find removed ram (used) from older computers there. Might be an idea to take the computer with you so as to have the store install it in their presence in case it does not work then they cannot blame you. good luck ,truenorthOk. It is obvious that I don't have a clue when it comes to memory sticks. Am I supposed to put in sticks that have the same "ns" as what I pulled out? I seem to think I remember SOMEBODY at work say something about that back in 95. I picked up 2 128 MB sticks that are 100ns for a few bucks. However, when I plugged them in, the memory test didn't change. Computer indicates at the memory test 131072K OK, but when I put the 128's in the memory test indicated 131072K like NOTHING was changes. The 2 sticks I pulled out one is 4M x64 10NS 3.3 V UA10 alone with some other numbers, the other only says 32MB 4 clock. They are 2 sided sticks so there is a total of 168 pins. I have changed sticks in one of my other older computers with success in that area, but not with this other one I'm working on.

Any ideas? Is there something that needs to be changed somewhere?


Thanks for the replys.
Quote from: 69Z28 on April 23, 2010, 07:51:58 PM

The 2 sticks I pulled out one is 4M x64 10NS 3.3 V UA10 alone with some other numbers, the other only says 32MB 4 clock.


Thanks for the replys.

Go to this site and run their free memory scan. http://crucial.cn/systemscanner/
It will tell you what you have (should only show what is actually functioning) and will also tell you what kind and how much that computer can use. truenorth

If you do they won't be cheap...

With one 128 stick in memory reads 98304K and when I replaced it with the other 128 stick, memory test also read 98304K.


With the original 4x64 in by itself, memory reads 98304K, and with the 32MB 4 clock stick in by itself memory reads 98304K.
Can the 128 sticks be bad? or just not compatible like you said? If not compatible how do I find out what is compatible?