Are we being scammed? How do I verify DDR memory speed and size?

[Thooor]

I just bought what seems to be a Micron 512 MB stick of PC2100 DDR. That is what the package said, and my computer finds 512 MB of memory.

My question is, how do I make sure that it is indeed 512 MB, and also that it is PC2100?

I am suspicious because the chip id numbers match up with a Micron part number of 256 MB, PC1600 memory (MT46V32M8TG -8A)

Is it possible to fake the computer into thinking it is 512 MB?

Is there a way to test the speed and amount of memory?

Please help, I want to return this and demand the correct product if I got scammed.

 

[Theslowone]

are you running it now, in most cases it will not run at 2100 if it is pc1600 ram, I had micron 256mb 1600 and it would not run in any of my systems. And I also had a 256mb pc133 that was micron and their page said it was 128, i don't know what they go by but my ram was exactly what i bought.

You could use sissoft sandra and see if your marks are close to that of similar setup, i know there are programs that could probably tell you, but I can't name any.

 

[Thooor]

Edited title to try to get more responses as I am increasingly concerned about this subject.

Here is what I know from tonights research.

1. DDR Sticks contain an EEPROM that the system is capable of reading to determine the size and type of RAM.
2. There are dozens of commercially available memory testers that are capable of reading and EDITING this EEPROM info.
3. BIOS and Windows utilities use the EEPROM info as a reference for the "available memory" listings.

Question: Are there distributors out there committing fraud by reprogramming and 'restickering' memory DIMMS to make huge profits?

Anyone else had an experience like this or any input to put me back on my rocker!

 

[Theslowone]

and what does windows say it is? it should tell you size and i doubt your bios would read it wrong.

 

[Thooor]

See previous post, I was busy typing the latest info while you posted.

According to everything I've read, the bios and windows rely on info from the EEPROM. That info can easily be corrupted by DIMM testing hardware.

 

[spie34]

well they should match up if they don't than I would suggest you send it back to them. micron is a reputable company. I usually buy crucial ram from them with no problems.

 

[Thooor]

Morning bump.

I thought everyone should read this so they don't get fooled like me.

 

[AndyHui]

Motherboards do not use the EEPROM to determine the size of a DIMM.

If the POST indicates 512MB, along with Windows, then you really do have 512MB.

The part numbers for chips may be the same, of course. You simply double the number of chips from a 256MB DIMM to get a 512MB DIMM.

If your DIMM has 16 chips on it and is double sided, it is a 512MB DIMM.

 

[Killrose]

It looks as if you have 512mb, but that -8 on the ram chips is not right I don't think for true pc2100.

 

[Wind]

<< It looks as if you have 512mb, but that -8 on the ram chips is not right I don't think for true pc2100. >>


Most probably a 512 MB RAM w/ 8 ns RAM chip rated CAS 3 at 133 FSB.