256mb ram upgrade recognized as 128mb

[apj77]

I just put a 256MB stick of memory in my computer and it is only recognized as 128MB. In slot 1 there is a 64MB chip and slot 2 is supposed to be 256MB but it shows up as only 128MB. The RAM is PC133 SDRAM. Is there a fix for this or did I get ripped off when I bought the RAM?

Please let me know how I can test this out.

 

[franklin97355]

some pc133 ram is incorrectly reported by older computers.Make sure your bios is the latest and the memory you bought is of excellent quality. Two sided ram sticks also work better.

 

[bcastner]

My guess is that the total system capacity is 256, with each slot maximum of 128. There is no BIOS fix for such a thing.

 

[Metaliczombi]

Memory might not be compatible to your MB. Happens.

 

[apj77]

bcastner, How can I verify that each slot has a maximum of 128MB? I think you may be right because I upgraded to the most recent BIOS and still doesn't recognize 256MB.

 

[bcastner]

If the box came from a known manufacturer their web site should be able to tell you enough to know. Since you have two slots just divide the maximum supported memory by 2.

If the manufacturer is essentially unknown, look on the motherboard to see if there is a manufacturer's name or model number. Google the manufacturer and/or model number to see if you have a hit.

If you can find any of the old documentation for the box it should be in there.

While BIOS changes can do a lot, they cannot do anything about the number of wires on the motherboard to the RAM sockets. That is why there really is nothing that a BIOS upgrade can do to change the maximum memory limits.

 

[TomCologne]

You might also want to try removing the 64MB module and inserting the 256MB into Slot 1. Should this change the memory reading, add the 64MB.
If the single 256MB in Slot1 is still only recognized as 128MB, the mb may not support this memory, see replies above. Check the manufacturer's website for specifications before you start a fight with the dealer.

TomCologne

 

[Dreamland]

What brand/model of mobo do you have? Which BIOS version is it using?

 

[Grenage]

Try it in another machine if possible, if you have the same issue take it back to the store for test/replacement.