Frustrated noob upgrader seeks advice

[mevetts]

Hi,

I have been without my computer for 18 months or so and decided I would get it back up and running.

Now I don't use my machine for anything fancy, just your basic emailing, admin, net surfing and occasional digital photo and music compiling. However, my computer is slow. It only has 128MB of RAM a 1.1 chip and a 40GB hard drive.

I thought I would upgrade the RAM as a simple and faily economic way of gaining some speed. So, I did the requisite scan using Crucial and it said I had 2 slots capable of holding 512MB of RAM between them. Great, so ordered the RAM - here.

However, my computer fails to recognise the newly installed RAM. Tried it without the existing 128MB inserted, tried it in both slots, but nothing. When I tried it with just the new RAM inserted my computer just beeped at me, which I guess is its way of saying I don't like what you've stuck inside me!

So, what can I do now. I am returning the RAM I bought, but how do I ensure that when I order a replacement it is going to be totally ompatible?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[bsuttie]

I have always found Orca Logic to be very good, and their memory finder very reliable.

regards

Brian

[mevetts]

Thanks Brian,

I ran the ORCA scanner and it suggested -

168-Pin DIMM PC133 (133MHz) SDRAM

We could not detect the exact model of your computer. We have however, detected the correct type of memory required, please see below for the memory options available. Your computer currently has the following memory configuration:

Total Memory Slots: 2
Spare Memory Slots: 1
Total Installed Memory: 128MB (1 x 128MB)
Slot 1: 128MB
Slot 2: Empty

Notes: We were unable to detect the maximum amount of Memory that can be Installed in your Computer. Email us with the Unique Scan ID and we will be happy to advise you.

It suggests the same type of memory as the Crucial scanner, but how do I know which to buy that will be compatible?

My machine is an eMAchines 140DVD-A.

Cheers.

[EndlessWaves]

It seems like it should have worked, typing in your machine's model into google brings up this page which seems to list the exact ram you bought (KVR = Kingston Value Ram) as compatible with your machine.

One possibility is that you were unlucky and the ram was dead on arrival.

It's strange that the orca memory scanner can't recognise your model when they have a page for it on their site: http://www.orcalogic.co.uk/asp/prodt...ype=35042&ft=M

Typing 140DVD-A specification into google gets 0 results which is very strange, and the model isn't listed in the support section of the eMachines site.

Did you happen to notice any manufacturer's name on the motherboard when you had the case open?

[mevetts]

Originally Posted by EndlessWaves

It seems like it should have worked, typing in your machine's model into google brings up this page which seems to list the exact ram you bought (KVR = Kingston Value Ram) as compatible with your machine.

One possibility is that you were unlucky and the ram was dead on arrival.

It's strange that the orca memory scanner can't recognise your model when they have a page for it on their site: http://www.orcalogic.co.uk/asp/prodt...ype=35042&ft=M

Typing 140DVD-A specification into google gets 0 results which is very strange, and the model isn't listed in the support section of the eMachines site.

Did you happen to notice any manufacturer's name on the motherboard when you had the case open?

I did wonder whehter the RAM was dead on arrival, but how often does that happen?

I didn't notice the name on the motherboard, but I have a user guide and it calls it a - LM810E Motherboard, Is this any help?

Thanks.

[mevetts]

Originally Posted by EndlessWaves

Did you happen to notice any manufacturer's name on the motherboard when you had the case open?

Ok, having done some more research I came across this website - http://www.e4allupgraders.info/

According to this webpage the motherboard in my model is a - Trigem Lomita.

I also came across this advice on the same website -

Memory Upgrade

06.28.03

I just had to upgrade the stock 128MB PC-133 DIMM in an eMachine Model T1440. It was tricky, but I worked out the process... hopefully others will benefit from my frustrated hair-pulling.

1) Before installing additional or new memory you will have to first go into BIOS and disable "QuickBoot".

2) Save your BIOS settings and power down.

3) Install the memory.

4) Power up and verify BIOS recognizes memory size.

5) Verify Windows XP recognizes memory amount.

6) Log off and power down.

7) Power up and enter BIOS.

8) Enable "QuickBoot".

9) Save BIOS settings and allow PC to boot to Windows XP.

Specifications:
eMachine T1440
Motherboard: TriGem Lomita
MotherBoard Chipset: Intel 810e Chipset
Intel Celeron 1.4GHz Level 2 Cache 256 MB
128MB SDRAM PC-133 (Mgr. stock brands are Crucial and Samsung)
40GB Hard Drive
24x CD-RW drive
56K Modem
Windows® XP

The memory specs are:

PC133 SDRAM DIMM is used by this model
Maximum memory: 512MB (2 banks of 256MB)
Standard memory: 128MB removable
Slots: 2 (2 banks of 1)

PCWriter

However, even after disabling the QuickBoot, my computer does not seem to find the new RAM.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks.

[mevetts]

I have taken a look at my existing 128MB of RAm that came with the machine and it is made by Samsung. Perhaps I need to get this brand in order for it to be compatible?

[EndlessWaves]

Originally Posted by mevetts

I have taken a look at my existing 128MB of RAm that came with the machine and it is made by Samsung. Perhaps I need to get this brand in order for it to be compatible?

All manufacturer's memory should be built to the same specification, and if it is proprietry then any old samsung memory isn't going to work anyway, you'd have to get the ome specific to your system. If it didn't work with the new one in and your current one out then I don't think getting the same brand will help.

One thing I did see on that site is #12 in the FAQ:

12) What kind of SDRAM memory do I need for my older eTower/eMonster eMachine?

It usually doesn't matter whether is PC 100 or 133 (some of the newer PC133 is NOT backward compatible with PC100, so make sure that it is) CAS 2, 2.5 or 3, just make sure it is 'Low Density, Double Sided'!!!

Here are some known working manufacturer/part numbers for 256Mb sticks:

Infineon HYS64V32220GU-7.5
Kingston KVR100X64C2/256
Kingston KVR-PC133/256 (not KVR-PC133/256-R)
Kingston KVR133X64C3/256 ==> Kingston has updated this number so it is no longer low density; Use number below
Kingston KVR133X64C3Q/256
Kingston KTD-OPGX1N/256
Kingston KTC6611/256
Crucial CT32M64S4D8E
Crucial CT16M64S4D7E.16T
Mushkin 990614
Toshiba THMY6432G1EG-80

I'm not sure if yours is an older eTower/eMonster machine but if it is then that could be the problem. The ram your ordered uses 32M modules like the Kingston C3 in that list, you might need to find one that uses 16M or lower like the C3Q.

[mevetts]

Thanks EndlessWaves.

The module I bought was - KVR133X64C2/256

I am not sue what theses references to 32M or 16M modules are, but I'm sure the net will have the answers.

I was wondering, is upgrading my RAM going to make much of a difference to my machine speed? After all this research I am now more aware of just how low it is on the spectrum of computer speeds. Should I just start saving for a new machine?!

Thanks.

[mickwall]

You only need more RAM if you're running out of it now. What does task manager say your running at?

With only 128MB i guess you will be though. From memory, i think even Windows 2000 has a footprint of around 100MB. What OS are you running?

[EndlessWaves]

Originally Posted by mevetts

Thanks EndlessWaves.

The module I bought was - KVR133X64C2/256

I am not sue what theses references to 32M or 16M modules are, but I'm sure the net will have the answers.

In the specifications PDF linked at the bottom of the page you bought from it says that the memory uses eight 32M modules.

If you're using windows 2000 then upgrading from 128MB will definitely make a difference. If you're still using windows 98/ME then yes, I think it's time to upgrade.

[mevetts]

Originally Posted by mickwall

You only need more RAM if you're running out of it now. What does task manager say your running at?

With only 128MB i guess you will be though. From memory, i think even Windows 2000 has a footprint of around 100MB. What OS are you running?

Where should I be checking on my Task Manager - performance?

Under the Performance tab the CPU Usage rises to 100% when opening programs like Word or Firefox or IE. It also rises to 100% when I surf the net and it is loading new pages or even if I am simply scrolling down a page! Admittedly it's only for a few seconds then drops again. Whilst writing this post it has fluctuated between about 30% and 70%?!

Would more RAM help reduce this problem?

I am running Windows XP Home SP2.

[mevetts]

Originally Posted by EndlessWaves

In the specifications PDF linked at the bottom of the page you bought from it says that the memory uses eight 32M modules.

If you're using windows 2000 then upgrading from 128MB will definitely make a difference. If you're still using windows 98/ME then yes, I think it's time to upgrade.

I see, so I need one that is perhaps made up of eight 16M modules or lower?

I'm on Windows XP Home SP2.

[EndlessWaves]

Originally Posted by mevetts

Where should I be checking on my Task Manager - performance?

Under the Performance tab the CPU Usage rises to 100% when opening programs like Word or Firefox or IE. It also rises to 100% when I surf the net and it is loading new pages or even if I am simply scrolling down a page! Admittedly it's only for a few seconds then drops again. Whilst writing this post it has fluctuated between about 30% and 70%?!

Would more RAM help reduce this problem?

I am running Windows XP Home SP2.

That's not really a problem, the CPU is there to be used.

Below CPU usage should be MEM usage, if that's reading close to or more than 128MB then getting more memory will help make the computer more responsive (when it runs out of memory it has to use the much slower hard drive).

Eight 16M modules would make a 128mb stick, if you want a 256mb stick then you'd need Sixteen 16M modules or Thirty-Two 8M modules.

[mickwall]

Originally Posted by mevetts

Where should I be checking on my Task Manager - performance?

Under the Performance tab the CPU Usage rises to 100% when opening programs like Word or Firefox or IE. It also rises to 100% when I surf the net and it is loading new pages or even if I am simply scrolling down a page! Admittedly it's only for a few seconds then drops again. Whilst writing this post it has fluctuated between about 30% and 70%?!

Would more RAM help reduce this problem?

I am running Windows XP Home SP2.

CPU is going to be a problem with such a old machine.

Memory currently used is the PF Usage total. And the total amount you have is under Physical Memory (K).

But seeing as you are using XP, then your definatley gonna need more memory than 128MB.