Will this SDRAM work in a BX chipset???

[Eatmorebeans]

I have an old 440BX chipset---specifically the ABIT BE6. I want to order a 256MB stick of PC-133 SDRAM. Specifically, here is a link to what I was considering ordering:

http://www.googlegear.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80309-K

It is a Kingston 256MB PC133 CL3 DIMM Memory stick. The configuration is 32Mx64.

Can any of you guys confirm that this is the "low density" memory that will work in my motherboard? I remember there is some high density stuff out there that won't work, but can't remember how to tell the difference between the two.

Thanks!

 

[PG]

Nope

http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator/modelsinfo.asp?SysID=+9779+&distributor=0&submit1=Search

 

[CZroe]

The BX boards are practically the standard in SDRAM chipsets. Though only rated at 100MHz FSB, you can usually easily reach PC133 speeds. Even if not, the memory has no trouble running at 100MHz (Which a BX board's CPU will likely use). In the past, it would have been suicide to make a module that didn't work in a BX board and you can be pretty sure that anything from Kingston will work... I mean really, are the only Intel chipsets compatible with it the i815 and i845?! If so, why would they sell the module?

From the link above regarding your board:

"Virtually any configuration up to 768MB can be reached using any combination of Kingston's 64, 128, and 256MB modules."

 

[Eatmorebeans]

CZRoe---

Thanks for the help. I am not worried about the PC100-PC133 distinction, just the fact that I remember specifically that high density memory came out well after the introduction of the BX chipset, and wouldn't work with the BX chipset.

PG---you say "No", but the link doesn't seem to talk about the module I am considering (PC-133). How do you know that module is high density or otherwise won't work a BX chipset?

Thanks again.

 

[oldfart]

The rule is 128 Meg PER SIDE max. A 256 Meg module has to have 128 on each side, not 256 on one.

 

[Eatmorebeans]

Shucks, I can't tell from the picture. Does the 32Mx64 info shed any light?

Thanks.

 

[Eatmorebeans]

to the top

 

[SuperSix]

As said above, it can't be 256MB single-sided. Call Googlegear and see what configuration it is.

 

[vailr]

Some manufacturers, for example PNY, seem to have phased out the older double-sided 256 MB sticks, and have replaced them with the single-sided "high density" sticks. So you should double-check the stick, to find out which version you're buying. For example, a local Staples B&M store carries both PNY and K-byte brands of 256MB sticks. The PNY is high-density, the K-byte is low density (and more expensive).

 

[Kingofcomputer]

Kingston Valueram PC133 256MB - part number with SS ending is sure single side, without SS is double or single, depends on your luck.

 

[cutty]

I don't suggest you buy PC133 for 440BX motherboard.
I've a DELL, which is also Intel 440BX chipset. I added 256MB PC 133 generic RAM to it, in the BIOS it knows there was such a RAM in the memory slot but the system wouldn't use it. When I booted the system up, the 256MB is not showed in the total memory.
First I thought it might due to it's generic RAM, I went to Bestbuy for Kingston PC133 last week. In the case, I saw they clearly wrote for 440BX user, please use PC100 RAM, PC133 is not backward compatible with PC100!!!

 

[PCMarine]

I had a 256mb stick of High Density PC-133 and I threw it into my old 440BX and it would only detect 128mb, however it still worked fine.

 

[mrzed]

Sorry Cutty, but that is simply not the case. PC133 is backwards compatible, I have run it in many many BX and older boards, and it has always worked. The question here is about density, and that is probably the reason that your RAM did not work as well.

 

[Eug]

I have now purchased two DOUBLE-SIDED 256 MB sticks of SDRAM that didn't work in my BX board. One was Samsung and the other I dunno what brand, but it was Korean. I have an Infineon double-sided stick that works fine though.

ie. You can't judge BX-compatibility based on it being double-sided vs. single-sided only. Single-sided won't work, but double-sided also may not work.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

the memory chips have to be 16Mbitx8.
32Mbitx4 doesn't work.
single or double side doesn't matter.
this is for BX 2nd stepping.

1st generation BX chipset even doesn't support 128Mbit chips,
the memory chips have to be 8Mbitx8 configuration.

All of these are stated in the Intel BX chipset spec,
please do research first before buying any memory for any motherboard.