RAM and Compaq

[sianews]

I have a Compaq 5000 (5BW120) and need to upgrade RAM. I was looking at a "PC100, 128MB, 168 pins DIMM SDRAM, Non-ECC, Generic". Anyone familiar with Compaq's know if this would work?

 

[sianews]

Anyone know?

 

[bozo1]

Will not work. The RAM in that system is proprietary. Also it has to be installed in sets of 4. Kingston and Goldenram still sell the kits but they are way expensive. I was looking into upgrading one of my old 5000's at work a while back...

 

[sianews]

That's nice to know, I did everything except press submit on the order form.

However, I did find this on the Compaq site:

Q: "Presario 5500 series RAM Upgrade information"

A: "RAM specs for 5500 series...
The memory needs to be 72pin, 70ns non-parity fast-page tin-lead contact simms installed in pairs.

EDO will NOT work.
Max of 72mb

The myth that you need RAM from Compaq to upgrade is just that. A myth. RAM from a local Computer Store will work fine.

It has been reported though that RAM from PNY has caused some error after loading in to Win95. There may be some intermittent GPFs, lock ups, or program crashes. This does _not_ mean that it will happen all the time with that brand. As always, your results may vary.
For information on how to install the SIMMs, please look at the following webpage:
http://www.compaq.com/athome/support/ qrg/memory/meminstall.html
You will get a "164 - Memory Size Error" after installing the RAM. This is normal, and you should simply continue with the boot up process. Also, Compaq diags may report errors with the new RAM. If you get an error in RAM when running Compaq Diags, remove any new RAM that you have installed and run Diags again."

 

[bozo1]

Ok, wait a minute. Are you talking a Presario or a Proliant? I was refering to the Proliant 5000 server.

What you quoted above is about a Presario 5500. If that is what you have, then your quote refers to 72-pin FPM RAM which will be quite hard to find and very expensive if you do. That predates EDO and SDRAM.

 

[sianews]

Actually I have a Presario 5000, but should the refrence to Compaq's beeding special RAM apply to all models?

 

[sianews]

Just got this answer from Compaq:

"Look for 100 MHz SyncDRAM. The 5BW120 has two DIMM slots, one with the 64MB chip and the other is empty. You can install up to 512MB of RAM, so you can either replace the 64MB with 256MB and add a second in the other slot, or any such combination."

So would the type I quoted in the first message be okay?