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ASUS P2B can't recognize 133MHz SDRAM

U

ugh

Platinum Member
Hi all,

I currently have a system using the P2B mobo with 64MB RAM (100Mhz). However, when I tried to put in 128MB of Kingston PC133 RAM, it wouldn't POST. It hangs at the startup screen as in the memory check didn't happen.

Oh one more thing, I replaced the Celeron on the system with a P3 550. The mobo detected the CPU fine.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.
 


<< well, my old p2b ran just fine on pc133. perhaps it's a bad stick? do you have another system to try it out in? >>



It's actually from my current system. Works fine there. I'm switching system coz D3D games are crapping out on me. Not sure whether it's the RAM or not, I switched back to the old 64 stick and had to try a couple of times for it to boot properly.
 
It can recognise PC133SDRAM, but if you have the cheap high density SDRAM (??x4) type, then the BX chipset has problems with this RAM and cannot recognise it
 


<< have you tried using a different ram slot?
sounds like there may be a problem with the slot you're presently using. >>



Yups, tried that. Any other ideas?
 


<< It can recognise PC133SDRAM, but if you have the cheap high density SDRAM (??x4) type, then the BX chipset has problems with this RAM and cannot recognise it >>



Umm... Can you define what is a &quot;cheap high density SDRAM&quot;? I don't think Kingston is cheap {g}
 
Actually, if it's that Kingston value RAM, that IS defined as cheap.

Normally, the BX chipset will not recognise RAM that is greater than 128mbit per chip in size. That means you need at least 8 chips of RAM if it is a single sided DIMM. If you have 4 chips, and it is a single sided DIMM, it's a no-go.

You also need to make sure that the chips are not 32x4. The BX chipset does not like 32x4 and 16x4 chips.
 
did you take your other ram out and put the 128 stick in the same slot? sometimes ram needs to be in a certain order. i think it has to do with banks but i don't remember that so good anymore.
 


<< Actually, if it's that Kingston value RAM, that IS defined as cheap. >>



Damn... Didn't know that. Thanks for the tip.



<< Normally, the BX chipset will not recognise RAM that is greater than
128mbit per chip in size. That means you need at least 8 chips of RAM if it is a single sided DIMM. If you have 4 chips, and it is a single sided DIMM, it's a no-go. >>



It's a single sided DIMM and it has 8 chips on it. I guess it's ok then?



<< You also need to make sure that the chips are not 32x4. The BX chipset does not like 32x4 and 16x4 chips. >>



That, I have no idea how to check that, but here's the description on the sticker on the RAM stick:

KVR133X64C3

Dunno whether that tells you anything or not..
 
it could be because
your kingston value 128MB is single side 8 chips, each chip is 128Mbit,
and early stepping bx chipset doesn't support 128Mbit chip.

check your bx chipset marking and compare to intel datasheet,
if it's really the early one,
your only solution is to buy 128MB DIMM with double side, total 16 chips, each chip is 64Mbit.
 


<< it could be because
your kingston value 128MB is single side 8 chips, each chip is 128Mbit,
and early stepping bx chipset doesn't support 128Mbit chip.

check your bx chipset marking and compare to intel datasheet,
if it's really the early one,
your only solution is to buy 128MB DIMM with double side, total 16 chips, each chip is 64Mbit. >>



Ok. How do I check the stepping of my mobo?
 
Like Intel's processors, chipsets have s-specs as well.

The C1 stepping of the BX North Bridge, with the s-specs SL2VH and SL378, are capable of supporting 128Mbit SDRAM. The SL2T5 and SL2T6 s-specs do not. You can find the s-spec printed on the North Bridge itself. In the case of the P2B family of motherboards, you will need to lift off the heatsink.
 


<< you will need to lift off the heatsink. >>


Oh darn. I thought there would be an easier way. Any software to do the identifying? 😉
 
Hmmm I'm doing fine with my P2b.. and so are the other 5 or so I've set up with now more than 265MB of ram...
Basically all the above suggestions are good ones...

Lemme get the situation clear tho...
You are trying to run a P2b with a 64MB and a newer 128Mb stick of Kingston RAM right?!?
if so, did you try running the Kingston by itself?
How are your Timings? Cas timings to be exact... try lowering them to 3-3-3-10
try moving the DIMMs Around in their slots, ie try combo's like 1-3, 1-2, 2-3 and so on...
Try Upping the VIO on the board from 3.5 to 3.65 that may help, but usually only when it atleast posts..



Craig
 
I have an Asus P2B-B (AT verion of the P2B) with a stick of generic pc133 256MB. The memory board has 16 chips on it (8 on each side). I am running it at(only) 100 MHz (with CAS2 timings) with no problems.

Paul
 
I have an Asus P2B-B (AT verion of the P2B) with a stick of generic pc133 256MB. The memory board has 16 chips on it (8 on each side). I am running it at(only) 100 MHz (with CAS2 timings) with no problems.

Paul
 


<< You are trying to run a P2b with a 64MB and a newer 128Mb stick of Kingston RAM right?!? >>


Tried that, but didn't work.



<< if so, did you try running the Kingston by itself? >>


I tried this first, but it didn't work either.



<< How are your Timings? Cas timings to be exact... try lowering them to 3-3-3-10 >>


I'll have to check that when I get back. But I know the RAM is CAS3.



<< try moving the DIMMs Around in their slots, ie try combo's like 1-3, 1-2, 2-3 and so on... >>


Tried that as well....



<< Try Upping the VIO on the board from 3.5 to 3.65 that may help, but usually only when it atleast posts.. >>


I think I'll try this only as a last resort 🙂 But thanks for the tip BTW.
 


<< I have an Asus P2B-B (AT verion of the P2B) with a stick of generic pc133 256MB. The memory board has 16 chips on it (8 on each side). I am running it at(only) 100 MHz (with CAS2 timings) with no problems. >>



The RAM stick I have has 8 chips on it. I guess it's a 128Mbit stick and according to Andy, older BX mobos doesn't like them 🙁
 
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