System Memory Under Reported?

[dudleydocker]

I just installed 2 - 512 MB sticks of PC2100 Registered ECC memory in my Dell 600SC. The BIOS reports 1024 MB, then flashes a message that "the amount of system memory has changed", and then a message that "only 256 MB is supported". Finally, Windows (2k Server) only reports 256 MB.

Is this a hardware or OS issue?

Unfortunately I do not have another machine to check the RAM.

Replacing the original 128 MB stick, everything returns to normal.

 

[timswim78]

I had the exact problem with an old dell Optiplex. I guess that the Dell Motherboard does not like the brand of RAM that we bought . . . .?

 

[dudleydocker]

But if the BIOS sees it why doesn't the OS?

 

[Nothinman]

If the BIOS says only 256M is support, it probably only lets you use that much. We had some Compaqs that did that until we applied a firmware update which upped the max supported memory.

 

[dudleydocker]

If the BIOS says only 256M is support, it probably only lets you use that much

256 MB max on a server?!

Or is it being picky about the RAM?

 

[Nothinman]

I didn't look to see what a "600SC" was, I assumed a workstation or laptop. Since it's a server I would suspect it's being picky, have you contacted Dell?

 

[dudleydocker]

Haven't called Dell yet. Funny, this is the first "manufactured" PC I've ever bought, at least one that comes with "support". I've already replaced the IDE drive with a 39160 and two 73 GB drives. I should be able to fix this myself right?

 

[Nothinman]

If it's a firmware issue all you can do is look for updates or talk to support. If the docs don't say what type of memory it supports there's no much anyone else can tell you.