Why can't I add more than 256MB?

[rjj100]

Converting my oldest computer to Suse Linux and need more memory. Presently I have 2 X 32MB = 64MB

My manual says the max memory I can install is 2 X 128MB. Crucial says that is max all, but that is the most they have verified.

Yet there are larger memory sticks out there like this one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustRatin...820141205&SortField=0&Pagesize=&Page=4

Why can't I use it? (e.g. 2 X 256 MB = 512 MB)
Is 128MB a real limit?

Specs:
eMachine etower 333id
Uses SDRAM PC133 3.3v memory, 2 slots on my MB which must have the two notches.

 

[Lasthitlarry]

your old mobo can't handle it, mobos have their limits...

If you want to gamble, you could buy a 256 or higher module and hope for the best.

I would just deal with 2x128 or abandon that computer

 

[rjj100]

Yeah, I might try it. Have to check out the RMA policy. But sure would like to hear from some others if they did.

I'm pretty sure it wouldn't hurt the RAM.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Chances are your motherboard will see "high density" sticks as half their real size, 256 sticks as 128, 128 as 64, and 512 won't work at all.

 

[xgsound]

If the Crucial site says 2ea 128 MB sticks is the max for that system, i'd say they're probably right. If you select your system, they say they guarentee thier selection will work and print it on the reciept along with the system type.

Machines from that era can be very picky about ram type. If it was me, I'd check the price at Crucial where it's guarenteed, and get the memory there if I got it at all. That's if the price wasn't too high.


Jim

 

[Tostada]

Yeah, those old systems can get all kinds of picky. I certainly wouldn't try getting 256MB. 256MB SDRAM wasn't ever very common. There were several motherboards that said they could handle a 256MB PC66 module, but the layout of the module had to be just right . I remember getting a 256MB PC100 DIMM that worked in less than half the motherboards I tried it in. My GF has a SFF system with a P3-933 in it (she only ever uses it for email and the web), and it actually worked fine with a single 256MB DIMM, but when I tried to put 2X 256MB in it, it would lock up right after you booted XP every time.

I guess I'm saying that with a machine that old, even if it says it can handle more than 2 x 128MB, you have to get lucky. That eMachines Celeron 333 specifically says it can't handle more, so just get the 2 x 128MB.

 

[rjj100]

OK, I defer to experience.... Thanks everyone! Ordered 2 X 128 MB.