384MB limit in BIOS
Im getting a Compaq Deskpro EP PII-350/64MB/4.3GB/32X CD/NIC shipped to me in the mail. I read the specs, and the "Max. Memory" is 384MB. Where can I get an upgrade so my 512MB SDRAM stick is usable on this unit? Do I need to upgrade the BIOS, or get a chip?
Please be more specific.
Im purchasing the computer from Half.com (eBay). I’m guessing the seller generated the specs. I contacted the seller and asked the same question, they suggested I go to the Compaq (hp) website to DL the BIOS upgrade. Which indicated to me that it WAS possible to upgrade the BIOS to process above 384MB Ram. The website did not contain the upgrade I was looking for.
Now that you say, "I don't", means to me that I can't upgrade the BIOS. OR that the MoBoard itself can't process above 384MB.
Still very confused, but not under educated.
Im purchasing the computer from Half.com (eBay). I’m guessing the seller generated the specs. I contacted the seller and asked the same question, they suggested I go to the Compaq (hp) website to DL the BIOS upgrade. Which indicated to me that it WAS possible to upgrade the BIOS to process above 384MB Ram. The website did not contain the upgrade I was looking for.
Now that you say, "I don't", means to me that I can't upgrade the BIOS. OR that the MoBoard itself can't process above 384MB.
Still very confused, but not under educated.
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soupy
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Sorry for the vagueness.
Ok, first thing to know about Compaq is that most (all?) models have a non-DOS partition on the HDD for configuration and diagnostics. You'll need to make sure it's installed before you put on your OS. (Just FYI)
Second, without the specific model number, I can't give you references to show official max RAM support, or do more than make an educated guess at the chipset. (BX, probably.)
I can tell you, however, that if the offical Compaq spec is 3 x 128MB DIMMS, there is no chance of getting your 512MB stick recognized, especially if it's a BX chipset. And since it's a PII, it probably is.
Ok, first thing to know about Compaq is that most (all?) models have a non-DOS partition on the HDD for configuration and diagnostics. You'll need to make sure it's installed before you put on your OS. (Just FYI)
Second, without the specific model number, I can't give you references to show official max RAM support, or do more than make an educated guess at the chipset. (BX, probably.)
I can tell you, however, that if the offical Compaq spec is 3 x 128MB DIMMS, there is no chance of getting your 512MB stick recognized, especially if it's a BX chipset. And since it's a PII, it probably is.
Flash your BIOS at your own risk.
Okay, I will come back here when I get the unit, then read off the numbers. And I will be able to see the HW config and if we can come up with somethinng then. 
Anyone need a Torisan CDR/24x?Thanks for your help so far.
