Question about DRAM

[wawer]

Hi everyone,
I've just had a problem with an old computer (with IBM 300Mhz chipset and 64M RAM): when I turn on the computer, it just test memory, it permits acces to Bios Setup, but it is blocked there and can't boot anymore. Some time, with more chance, it can display the next page after detecting memory: the system configuration page. On this page, it regconize HDD, Floppy disk, and CDROM, but can't display anything about Bank0/1 DRAM type, Bank2/3 DRAM type...
Is there anyone who can explain me what's wrong with my computer and what should I do to make him well?
Thank you very much.

 

[CitrixEngineer]

It could be that the memory stick has gone bad - although heavy doses of static apart, that's fairly unlikely.

Try replacing the RAM with another stick (you could get a 128Mb stick quite cheaply before RAM prices go up again).

If that's not it, try resetting the BIOS to factory defaults. You may need to re-detect your hard disks, but that should be it.

I hope this helps you CitrixEngineer@yahoo.co.uk

 

[wawer]

Thank CitrixE for your help. On the mainboard, there are two DIMM banks with two 32M PC100 memory sticks. I've tried to replace them with a 128M PC133 memory stick. The memory test was suscesfull (128M already detected), but on the system configuration page, anything changed. It still displayed:
Bank0/1 DRAM:
Bank2/3 DRAM:
Bank4/5 DRAM:
without anything.
I'd like to show you how my computer detected its HDD too: on the system configuration page, it said:

Primary Master disk: CHS, mode 4, 3400 (my HDD)
Secondary Master disk: CDROM, mode 4 (my CDR drive)

I've tried resetting the BIOS to factory default. But nothing happened.
Thank you very much

 

[ceh4702]

For your Problem:

My standard disclaimer is never buy a PC from IBM: They do not know anything about making PC's. All of their parts are made by some other company. I have used their brand of Hard Drives and like them. I don't know who really makes them, but they seem to run pretty well.

If you have a PC that is 300Mhz, the sad fact is that it isnt worth spending much money on. I prefer a computer case that is a standard ATX design and not from a retailer like IBM, HP, or Dell. I would recommend buying a new case and a new Motherboard/Processor Combo and trying to use as many old parts as possible. Any custom design shop could probably take the old parts (Hard Drive, Floppy, CD, Mouse, Modem, Sound card, network card, monitor) and upgrade it for you. You might need some newer faster memory also.

Another option is to find a good shop locally that custom builds PC's and just have them diagnose the problem and have them tell you what is wrong with it. They can probably take your memory out and test it in another computer. If your memory is not bad it might be the motherboard itself. You need to know if the memory is any good before you decide what to do.

If you are testing it yourself, I would have taken all the old memory out and put just put one new stick of memory in it. If it doesn't boot to at least a floppy it is some other hardware issue. Try booting to a floppy. Can you boot to just a floppy boot disk? If it isn't the memory then it really starts getting difficult to determine what it is. You would normally remove everything except the floppy and see if you can get the computer to boot up, and proceed from there.

If it isnt the memory and it will not boot from just a floppy then it is probably the motherboard/CPU. If that is the case, then it is time to buy a new motherboard/CPU anyway. If you have to replace either one it is probably better to buy a new one of each. Buying old junk isnt worth it. I am sure IBM would sell you a new motherboard for some rediculous price that you do not want to spend for the same old computer you have when you could buy new parts for less. The problem with IBM parts is you don't know who actually made them! IBM doesnt support old equipment very much at all. To IBM the PC is just a business on the side; it is not their main business. If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.

 

[CitrixEngineer]

ceh4702;

That's true of SOME IBM machines, but I currently own 4 IBMs, and they're all fantastic.

Aptivas have a reputation, just like the original PS/2's, but I owned an original IBM PC (8088@4Mhz, 256Kb RAM, 2x360Kb floppy disks - NO HDD!), and it was entirely IBM made. Apart from the Intel chipsets!

I bought an old IBM PC365 (dual pentium pro), and it runs faster than my home built PIII 450, so those old machines can be really good - if you know what you're looking for.

It doesn't hold a candle to my roll-your-own Athlon XP, though ;-)

I just needed to clear up the fact that not all IBM kit is bad - it's truer to say that their consumer kit is bad, but the business machines are solid - probably the most solid machines I've ever used.


It sounds like the memory controller has gone, in this case. I would suggest upgrading the motherboard and processor - you should be able to get a Decent Via266A-based board and a Duron for less than £150 - and that will give you a massively upgradable machine. Note; check that the case is ATX - I think most IBMs of that era were, but since you have not posted the model, I can't be sure. CitrixEngineer@yahoo.co.uk

 

[Jakespeare]

This information about the BOOT screen was posted in your second post:

Primary Master disk: CHS, mode 4, 3400 (my HDD)

When you see the "CHS" information posted for the HD, that is bad news,,, and can mean a failed HD.

So, the entire problem maybe, a failed HD.

Can you pull a HD from another system and try it ?

*** NOTE: Be sure and use a floppy drive BOOT DISK to stop the boot process at the "A" drive if you want have a working Windows setup on the test HD, otherwise, you will boot up and ruin the setup which was for the other computer. You do not want Windows to try to detect all the new hardware that is on the IBM, not when you have a totally different computer to put that HD back in.

** ALSO: Go to the HD manufactures website and download the DIAGNOSTIC software that they offer, and use that to test the HD.