Solved Upgrading old computer - Which memory to choose?

[andis59]

I have an old Computer that's running Window XP at the moment.

here is the spec:

OS Version: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Service Pack 3, 32 bit
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz, x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 9
Processor Count: 2
RAM: 511 Mb
Graphics Card: RADEON 9200 SERIES, 128 Mb
Hard Drives: C: Total - 152617 MB, Free - 91723 MB; I: Total - 476937 MB, Free - 403223 MB; R: Total - 15 MB, Free - 15 MB;
Motherboard: , P4X400-8235
Antivirus: Microsoft Security Essentials, Updated: Yes, On-Demand Scanner: Enabled

One of the main things to do is to put in some more RAM, but...

According to Speccy I have:

RAM
Memory slots
Total memory slots 3
Used memory slots 1
Free memory slots 2
Memory
Type DDR
Size 512 MBytes
DRAM Frequency 133.2 MHz
CAS# Latency (CL) 2.5 clocks
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 3 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP) 3 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS) 6 clocks
Physical Memory
Memory Usage 77 %
Total Physical 511 MB
Available Physical 112 MB
Total Virtual 1.22 GB
Available Virtual 611 MB
SPD
Number Of SPD Modules 1
Slot #1

Which doesn't tell me much...

So I understand that I have 3 memory slots and I using 1
But what kind of memory should I buy, there must be gazillions of different versions...

// Anders

 

[mgp1964]

Supports up to 3.0GB DDR200/266/333 SDRAM which you can find real cheap now, heck, I might even have a few sticks around here by me.

 

[andis59]

Thanks for the info!

Just so that I get it right (hardware is NOT my thing...)

It looks like I can get some Crucial or Corsair from my local dealer. Could you please suggest which "version" to buy?

// Anders

 

[TVeblen]

These are the correct specs:
Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Memory, Desktop Memory, Corsair, 184-Pin DDR SDRAM, 2.5

Anything with identical specs will work.

 

[andis59]

I feel a bit silly, but....

I can't find the exact models that you pointed at, but what about this:

Corsair Value S. PC3200 DDR-DIMM 1GB VS1GB400C3

Would this be a suitable memory?

// Anders

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Go to Crucial.com.

When there, you can let it sniff your PC and it will tell you what Crucial RAM is known to be compatible.

Or enter your PC make and model number into the configurator and it will show you the compatible RAM.

 

[seavixen32]

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/dra...id=i3FOrDiKbQgAAI1i:20111102201800:s&mpch=ads

 

[andis59]

That was easy!

OK, now I have ordered 3 x 1GB of memory.
Hopefully I will be able to insert them into my computer
As I said Hardware isn't my cup of tea!

Thank you all for the help!

// Anders

 

[seavixen32]

Make sure your computer is switched off with the power cord disconnected.

Use an anti-static lead if you have one and be careful to hold the RAM modules by the edges.

Make sure you insert them the right way round and don't try and force them.

If you check Crucial's site I do believe it has a video showing you how to fit RAM modules.

Please keep us posted about the outcome.

 

[mgp1964]

Fyi:
DDR-266 = pc2100
DDR-333 = pc2700
DDR-400 = pc3200

 

[andis59]

Ok, so I installed the 3 < 1GB memory sticks and it looks like it worked.

I do have an error in Siw where in the Memory Summary section it says

Property Value
ELIZA (VIA Technologies, Inc. P4X400-8235)
Memory Summary Reported by BIOS
Warning! Wrong values reported by BIOS
Maximum Capacity 768 MBytes [Wrong value reported by BIOS]
Maximum Memory Module Size 32 MBytes
Memory Slots 3
Error Correction None
DRAM Frequency 133.2 MHz
Memory Timings 3-3-3-6 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

Device Locator Slot 1
Manufacturer Micron Technology
Part Number 16VDDT12864AY40BF2
Serial Number D37AD42B
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR (PC3200)
Speed 200 MHz
Supported Frequencies 133.3 MHz, 166.7 MHz, 200.0 MHz
Memory Timings 2-2-2-6-0 at 133.3 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 2-3-3-7-0 at 166.7 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 3-3-3-8-0 at 200.0 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No
Device Locator Slot 2
Manufacturer Micron Technology
Part Number 16VDDT12864AY40BF2
Serial Number D37AD40C
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR (PC3200)
Speed 200 MHz
Supported Frequencies 133.3 MHz, 166.7 MHz, 200.0 MHz
Memory Timings 2-2-2-6-0 at 133.3 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 2-3-3-7-0 at 166.7 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 3-3-3-8-0 at 200.0 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No
Device Locator Slot 3
Manufacturer Micron Technology
Part Number 16VDDT12864AY40BF2
Serial Number D37AD408
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR (PC3200)
Speed 200 MHz
Supported Frequencies 133.3 MHz, 166.7 MHz, 200.0 MHz
Memory Timings 2-2-2-6-0 at 133.3 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 2-3-3-7-0 at 166.7 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 3-3-3-8-0 at 200.0 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No

I have looked in the BIOS but I can't find any value about Max Capacity or Max Memory Module Size

Is this something I need to worry about or not?

// Anders

 

[TVeblen]

If the Bios recognizes 3GB of RAM, and Windows recognizes 3GB of RAM, then the issue may be with SIW.
Try CPU-Z instead to see if it has a problem with it.

 

[andis59]

I have run CPU-Z and saved the result to a file (since I don't understand most of it). I attach the file

An other thing (you have to tell me if I should start a new thread)

I changed some values in the BIOS setup (Which I know was kind of bold of me...)

DRAM Timing: Was manual but I changed it to By SPD

DRAM Clock: Was 133 MHz and I thought since the memory are 200 MHz I should use that. But then the computer froze at Verifying DMI Pool Data. If I change it to 166 MHz it works

 

[TVeblen]

As I said, if the BIOS recognizes all 3GB and Windows does too then you do not have a problem. CPU-Z sees all the RAM too.

As for your BIOS settings, for most people just setting them to Auto will work in most cases. In most cases the AUTO setting is the one enabled if you reset the BIOS defaults. You only start changing these settings manually if you are intent on overclocking. SPD enabled is a good choice if the settings are default AUTO.

You've already started 'overclocking'. With your current settings you can push to 166 but not to 200. That is the essence of overclocking -- playing with the settings to get the most performance and a stable system. If you want to go this route I would suggest starting a new thread in the Overclocking forum here.

If you want to start with a clean slate you can do so easily by going to the EXIT tab in the BIOS and choosing "Restore Defaults" or similar wording. Be sure to make note of all your current BIOS settings first in case you need to reset anything back to be able to boot. The most common one is the IDE/AHCI mode setting if you are running SATA hard drives, the default is normally IDE, which is fine if you have an IDE/PATA hard drive. Restoring defaults is a good thing to do when adding new hardware to the motherboard and will clear up a lot of errata.

 

[andis59]

Ok, I did reset the values and reentered where I thought the should be the old values.
Siw still reports that BIOS is reporting the wrong value, but I can live with it

A big thank you to all that have donated there knowledge and time to help me with this!

// Anders