Compaq Presario memory question...

[Blain]

I've got some family members who are doing a deal with each other for a Compaq Presario 5020. The box only has 64mb of RAM right now.
I found a link to some "Compaq memory" upgrades.
Plain PC-100 looks like a "go" to me, but I've never messed with one of these before. Will plain old PC-100 operate in these things?

Also, does anyone know where I might find some "add-on" memory for this system's ATI 3D Rage LT Pro?

Thanks

 

[MasterHoss]

Actually, althought PC100 SDRAM should "fall back" to the speed of your FSB and the RAM that's already inside the box, Compaqs are known not to like RAM that's not really meant for the computer.

What the hell am I saying? Well, according to Compaq's website, those 5020s are not running a processor or mobo that uses a 100MHz FSB, so you'll have to get "PC66" or regular 10ns SDRAM. That's what your computer is running right now. You can buy CAS 2 or 3... that really won't matter but Compaq usually ships with RAM with CAS 2.

Hope that helps.

 

[Blain]

I was hoping that regular 168 pin, PC-100 would be backward compatable with these things. Sounds like "upgrading" won't be on the cheap for that box

 

[CubicZirconia]

I think it is. My parents owned 2 presarios which used pc 66 ram. I put regular old pc 100 in both, and they work fine to this day. I think most of the stuff compaq says is designed to make you buy grossly overpriced ram directly from them.

 

[MasterHoss]

Like I said, Compaqs are known not to work with RAM that's not really meant for the machine. It should work if you put in PC100 RAM, but it's hit or miss... I've seen more misses than anything else and I'm not sure if it's worth a try since RAM prices are pretty high now. (Unless you buy from a store that lets you return with no restocking fee or anything--then it would be worth a shot).

 

[mjolnir2k]

If that board ONLY recognizes pc-66 then you will find it won't boot if you add pc-100 to the mix. I ran into the same problem with a WAY old NEC PII that would only accept PC66 memory or it would not boot.

Just get them a computer from this decade and you'll be fine...LOL

 

[Blain]

My step-brother is buying if cheap. So I'm out of the loop on what he gets. If he wants to upgrade the 64mb of RAM, I think I'll pull that stick and try some PC-133 I've got laying around. If it works fine, if no he can go shopping for some more.
The deal is between him and my folks, so I don't want to get "too involved"

Thanks for the replies