RAM / memory question - please help

Message Bookmarked
Bookmark Removed
i want to upgrade the RAM in my computer. it has a 500mhz P3. The HP website has these specs for the memory config. when it ships:

RAM (standard) - 128 megabytes (MB) SDRAM standard
Maximum - 384 MB (3 x 128 MB DIMM)
Speed - 100 MHz synchronous
Sockets - Three 168-pin DIMMs
Size - 16, 32, 64, and 128 MB DIMMs
Pairs Required - No
Type Supported - SDRAM, 100 MHz, Intel PC SDRAM unbuffered DIMM specification, revision 1.0 compliant

My question is - do i need to follow these guidelines for Maximum RAM, Speed and Size? For instance I want to upgrade to at least 512MB, and I know that some 512MB RAMs come as one card. Can I put whatever kind of SDRAM in there (512MB card, 133mhz, etc.) or am I limited by these specs and the processor speed?

THANK YOU

tk (tk), Friday, 12 November 2004 10:19 (twenty years ago)

Well, hard to say; sometimes the manufacturers claimed a "maximum" simply because the largest DIMMs around at that point were small; if you could get ahold of larger ones, they'd work.

With older machines, I'm not sure I'd recommend going with 512 meg DIMMs, because they can be a bit iffy with older equipment, especially if you're using an older OS. (I tried 512 meg sticks with Win98 on multiple occasions and ended up with unusable configs.) I'd say stick with 256 meg sticks instead, and see how that goes....on the understanding that maybe the 128 meg per slot limitation is on the motherboard itself. Maybe see if you can borrow the RAM from someone first.

Sean Carruthers (SeanC), Friday, 12 November 2004 13:53 (twenty years ago)

THANK YOU Sean.

I am running Windows XP w/ 256 currently installed and it runs OK, so i think maybe 2 x 256MB cards may be the way to go ...?

tk (tk), Friday, 12 November 2004 18:34 (twenty years ago)

That would be a safer choice than one 512MB stick, I'd guess. If the system doesn't recognize 256 meg sticks, though, well...

Sean Carruthers (SeanC), Friday, 12 November 2004 19:07 (twenty years ago)


You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.