max memory for a system

[JCROCCO]

I have an older computer where I found a spec online for the mobo that stated 2gig mem max. (mobo ms9118E or P4m266-8233)

I ran a bios and driver update on it, (scan.esupport.com) and it stated the max is 768. I have currently only a 256 in there. That makes sense if it only can take 512 chips. The spec I found stated 2mb max.

I also ran a memory configurator on it (memory-up.com) and it stated max memory is 2 gig, 1 gig per slot.

I dont have the manual, but the documentation I found stated 2 gig max. Which one is wrong?

So I tested my own system, (mobo pc chips M922) it came up unknown max memory on the bios scan. It also came up with 2 gig max on the mempry configurator. I know mine is only 1 gig per my manual that came with my mobo. Can the manual be wrong?

I want to buy (2) 1 gig chips for the older computer but afraid the system wont take it. My own computer only has 512mb chips in it.

I dont have faith in either program.

1. How do I know really what the max memory is? Can I trust the documentation?
2. Is there a way to find out.
3. Can updating the bios or drivers increase the memory?

4. Also if you have a choice between 266 and 333 memory for the same price, will the 333 give me any more system performance over the 266?

 

[fuxxociety]

Check out the tool on crucial.com.. Based on the Brand, and Model of your equipment it will tell you what size and type memory your system supports.

According to the tool, for your Matsonic MS9118E Motherboard:

Each memory slot can hold DDR PC2700,DDR PC3200 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.*



* USB Support: 1.x Compliant
* Error Detection Support: Non-ECC only
* Chipset: VIA ProSavageDDR P4M266
* Supported DRAM Types: DDR SDRAM only
* Module Types Supported: Unbuffered only
* Max Unbuffered DDR SDRAM: 2048MB
* Max Component Density: 512Mb
* 184-pin DIMM Banking: 2 (2 banks of 1)
* Graphics Support: AGP 4X
*

Q: Will my system recognize the maximum upgrade?

A: Possibly

How much memory your Windows OS will recognize depends on which version of Windows you are running. 32-bit versions of Windows will see (and utilize) only 3GB or 3.5GB. To utilize more memory, install a 64-bit version of your OS. More information about OS memory maximums can be found at http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.aspx?qid=4251.

Q: What memory goes into my computer, and will a faster speed be backward-compatible?

A: DDR memory with support for DDR PC2700,DDR PC3200 speeds.

Because DDR memory is backward-compatible, you can safely upgrade your system with any of the guaranteed-compatible DDR speeds listed below, even if your manual calls for PC1600 or PC2100 speeds.

Q: How much memory can my computer handle?

A: 2048MB.

Adding the maximum amount of memory will improve performance and help extend the useful life of your system as you run increasingly demanding software applications in the future.

Q: Do I have to install matching pairs?

A: No.

No, you can install modules one at a time, and you can mix different densities of modules in your computer. But if your computer supports dual-channel memory configurations, you should install in identical pairs (preferably in kits) for optimal performance.

Q: Does my computer support dual-channel memory?

A: No.

Your system does not support dual channel.

Q: Does my computer support ECC memory?

A: No.

Your system does not support ECC. Because ECC and non-ECC modules should not be mixed within a system, install the same type of modules that are already in your system.

 

[JCROCCO]

Thanks Much. Very Helpful