PCBUILD Archives

Personal Computer Hardware discussion List

PCBUILD@LISTSERV.ICORS.ORG

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Joe Lore <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
PCBUILD - Personal Computer Hardware discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 22 Mar 2004 14:15:46 -0500
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (58 lines)
Hi,

I haven't seen that exact specific problem, but have had some customers
with some memory up-grade problems.

The older P3's were used to dealing with low density 168 pin s-dram
memory, and now that is a lot more expensive than the new high density
memory that is available.  People being people, usually run into the
problems when they buy the cheaper high density stuff to save a buck.
It doesn't boot, it reads half of what it should, etc.  They end up
taking it back and getting the lower density more expensive modules and
all will work fine.  MORAL: Always find out what the board was
originally designed to work with and buy the correct type up front.  You
save time, and time is money.  And you save agrivation.  Saving
agrivation is priceless.

Also when I have a client wanting to do an upgrade of more than one
system that they purchased multiples of, I recommend they do an audit of
what they have, merge what they have and buy only what is needed.

For example, Say they had 4 machines and only 128M in each but the board
has 4 slots.  Take the 128M memory out of 3 of the machines, put them
all into one and then just buy a single 512 or 2 256 for each of the
other 3.  That way you can eliminate timing inconsistancies between
memory modules and possible stop the blue screening problems.

Thanks and have a Great Day!

Joe Lore
=========================================
At work we have around 700 IBM 6846-??U Pentium 3's.  The problem we are
running into is memory.  All the computers we have seem to run just find
if we use only 128MB memory modules.  The problem starts when we use
more than one 256MB or 512MB memory modules.  All the PC's have the
latest BIOS upgrade and have had or will have the system board replaced
due to the capacitor problem the entire electronics industry has with
capacitors from that era.

Some of the PC's will take two 256MB memory modules or one (or
more) 512MB memory modules but a lot will not.  The problems run from
the computer not POSTing (usually with the 512MB) to the computer
starting and running OK for a while and the blue-screening (usually with
the 2 - 256MB memory modules).  Most of our added memory is Kingston but
we have this problem with genuine IBM memory as well.  The same memory
will work in some computers and not work with other computers so it
looks like the memory modules are good.

We have been working with IBM about this problem but so far they have
not admitted to a problem or provided a solution.  Our tech here is now
up at third level support and we have provided them with a computer and
memory that demonstrates the problem.

Has any one else seen this problem or have any suggestions? Thanks.

         PCBUILD maintains hundreds of useful files for download
                     visit our download web page at:
                  http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml

ATOM RSS1 RSS2