Ram questions?

[vcd4me]

Ok by advice to some of you guys I upgraded my ram.

I had 256 now I added 256 more= 512 right? They are both 256sdram by pny

I installed the new ram and went to check under control panel and it said 256. I then checked to see if it was correctly installed and of course the same thing it still read only 256 . Next I put just the original 256 in the computer and under controll panel it said 128!

So here are the questions:

1. Is there something I need to do to get my computer to recognize the true 512 of ram?

2. Should it only read 256 with both of them in there?

3. Is this a problem with my mother board ?

Please HELP
Signed
VCD4ME

[The Maynard]

It sounds to me like it either may be a mobo problem or you got ripped off. If you put the new chip in by itself and it says 128mb of ram... you got ripped off. It may also be that you got an incompatible ram stick. Check with your mobo manufacturer to see what configuration you need.
But when you test the new stick by itself make sure you put it in the old stick's slot. Also move the chips around: put the new chip in the old one's slot and put the old chip in the next one. This will make sure that it's not a problem with the slot.
Hope this helps.

[neomaine]

VCD4ME,

What do you get when the system first comes up? If it doesn't display, you probably need to enable it in your BIOS. It should tell you, how much and in what banks they're in. Well, at least my Award BIOS does.

If its an older mainboard, you may have to upgrade your BIOS so that it can see the new (to it) size ram you have. Are you 100% sure you have two 256s in there?

[zodiac]

clear the cmos (bios)

[vcd4me]

I built this computer from scratch (well the kit came with a manual). Basically like building model cars when I was a kid. The manual was very basic and understandable.

No I did not get ripped off and yes I am sure the are both 256.

The kit did not come with ram, so I bought both at compusa. They are both pny 256sdram.

Like I said each one basically shows up as being 128. so when both are in it reads 256.

Maynard
I tried switching them around before I posted .

Neomaine
Can you explain more about this bios thing?
also you wrote

IF ts an older mainboard, you may have to upgrade your BIOS so that it can see the new (to it) size ram you have. Are you 100% sure you have two 256s in there?

It is an older motherboard and the company went out of business so how would I update my bios?

Just cause I built the computer doesnt mean I understand how the operations work LOL

Thanks in advance
VCD4ME

[The Maynard]

Since you've already tried the things I suggested I would only be able to say that it's either a bad chip (which I don't think it is) or it's not compatible with that motherboard. Not all boards take the same brand of memory or their configuration (32x64, 32x32 etc) so check on line to see if the brand of memory is a match for your mobo. I'll bet you that's the problem.

[vcd4me]

Thanks Maynard,

I found the book that came with my computer and it looks like I have to update the bios.
Not really sure on how to do it. It looks and sounds easy but that doen't mean anything when I'm at the controls. LOL

Thanks for the help
VCD4ME

[The Maynard]

Usually all it entails is downloading the BIOS update and saving it to a floppy. Boot from the floppy and it does the rest. Of course, that's in a perfect world and may not be that easy. Just be cautious because if you do it wrong you will render that mobo inopperable. Good luck!