RAM isn't recognized!

Flav_cool · November 9th, 2003, 07:37 PM

Hi,

I have an AcerNote Light Laptop, (133MHz Pentium 1) I just got it working a few days ago and now there's antoher problem. It has 8MB base ram (integrated or something.) Now, I have a 16MB RAM stick, that fits in there and I think it should work. It doesn't even recognize it! Is there a switch on the mobo that would change between internal and external ram? Should i reset the mobo? (I can't find the little battery)

Please help,

Thanks

RedFury · November 9th, 2003, 07:44 PM

You may want to check the settings in the BIOS, but if it isn't detecting it, it is possibly non compatible ram ( high density ) or just bad.

Resetting the CMOS shouldn't affect it detecting additional RAM.

Flav_cool · November 9th, 2003, 07:50 PM

I checked the bios...nothing jumped out at me. What option would there be?

It could be the RAM is bad...I don't know its whereabouts...but it would suck if it's just some little thing I'm not doing right.

RedFury · November 9th, 2003, 08:00 PM

I suppose you don't have anything else to check it in...

I'm not familiar with the way laptops work specifically in regards to the bios and settings so I can't be much assistance there.

I guess try reseating the ram first..make sure you got it in properly...see if there is a jumper that you need to switch marked on the motherboard

I dunno.

I do know that some motherboards don't like high density ram.....that's about the only thing I can think of short of testing the ram in another system.

Flav_cool · November 9th, 2003, 08:15 PM

What is high-density ram? I'm pretty sure its EDO ram...its pretty old, and I don't have another laptop, or another one this old to test it in

ZL1 · November 9th, 2003, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Flav_cool
What is high-density ram? I'm pretty sure its EDO ram...its pretty old, and I don't have another laptop, or another one this old to test it in

High density ram means the module is built with higher density chips (example module built with 128mbit chips is higher density than a module with 64mbit chips)

but I seriously doubt thats the problem here since we are talking about a old machine and a old memory module

I think your problem is parity, old edo simms liked parity
do you have just one memory slot on the board or two ? you should have two and Im pretty sure you will need two modules

D

Flav_cool · November 9th, 2003, 09:00 PM

Yes, I do have two slots. SO you're saying I need 2 sticks? Damn...

ZL1 · November 9th, 2003, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Flav_cool
Yes, I do have two slots. SO you're saying I need 2 sticks? Damn...

Id say so, see all SIMMs I knew wanted to be in pairs, they get lonely or something

by the way how many pins ?

D

Flav_cool · November 9th, 2003, 09:10 PM

I just counted, I may be wrong. I got 36 (thats metal connectors on the actuall ram, not the slot) Is that what you're looking for?

ZL1 · November 9th, 2003, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Flav_cool
I just counted, I may be wrong. I got 36 (thats metal connectors on the actuall ram, not the slot) Is that what you're looking for?

yes thats the one, 36pin simms are parity
however dont worry about it too much, check ebay, there are alot of these there and cheap, but dont look for 36pin simm in the name tag, those are waaaaaaaaaaay too expensive, look for lots of simms and you will find a handful of these for $3.50

D