BIOS does not fully recognize RAM

Is your memory not fully recognized? (Intel VX chipset Memory recognition)
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datakneus
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I have a computer running Windows XP with a Biostar M7MKA motherboard and Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG. The motherboard has three slots for RAM. According to the User Manual I should be able to upgrade up to 768 MB SDRAM.

I have several DIMM's of 128 MB and 256 MB memory all of the same brand (PQI) but no matter how much I move them around the BIOS only recognizes 3x128 MB of memory.

I have tried searching for new BIOS firmware, but have been unable to find anything that I trust enough to use.

Is it possible I have missed an option in the BIOS settings so that the computer will use all of the RAM available?
KachiWachi
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Biostar M7MKA -> AMD 750 Chipset -> PC-100 DIMM @16, 64, or 128 MBit Technology
Denniss
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Ask for i440BX compatible modules, same limitations but easier for dealers to find. PC-133 should work, too; fully backwards compatible to PC-100.
datakneus
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I am sorry, but I am not following. Can you please explain using a little more English sentences? I can't follow your logic.
KachiWachi
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I was talking about the chip density...the amount of chips required on each module to make up the complete module capacity.

Code: Select all

256 MB module = 2048 Mbit module (256 x 8 bits per byte)

# of 512 Mbit chips needed =   4 => won't work (exceeds chipset specification)
# of 256 Mbit chips needed =   8 => won't work (exceeds chipset specification)
# of 128 Mbit chips needed =  16 => works
# of  64 Mbit chips needed =  32 => works (not produced - ?)
# of  16 Mbit chips needed = 128 => works (not produced - LOL!!)
datakneus
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This is the most recent module I bought: PQI DIMM 256Mb 133 16x16 PQI SS CL3

As far as I can tell this means 16 MB (128 MBit) x 16 (amount of chips) and therefore my computer should recognize the total 256 MB in stead of 128 MB. Or am I missing something!?
Denniss
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16x16 = internal structure, needs to be 16x8 to be compatible with i440BX and AMD 75x
datakneus
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I found these at my local hardware shop: PQI DIMM PQI 256Mb 100 16x08 PQI DS CL2.0

I am gonna see if I can return my recently bought memory and get this one in stead.

Thanks for the help!

Edit: These are even cheaper: PQI DIMM PQI 256Mb 133 16x08 PQI DS CL3.0. I guess I'll go and buy these.
Denniss
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CL3 is cheaper but also slower.
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