Standard DRAM Memory

[torqued21]

I ran Crucial Scan and this is what it returned about my installed memory:

It says I have 2 - 512MB DDR PC2700 memory modules

Each memory slot can hold DDR PC2700,DDR PC3200 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.*
*Not to exceed manufacturer supported memory.  

It also says :
Guaranteed-compatible memory upgrades for your  PC Chips M863AG v1.x Motherboard  

Q: What memory goes into my computer, and can I mix speeds?

A: DDR memory with support for DDR PC2700,DDR PC3200 speeds.

Because DDR memory is backward-compatible, you can safely upgrade your system with any of the guaranteed-compatible DDR speeds listed below, even if your manual calls for PC1600 or PC2100 speeds.
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 And thats my problem, I actually have 2 - 1 Gig DDR SDRAM 2700 Desktop 333 mhz 184-pin Non-ECC DIMM installed for a total of 2G's of memory. And I'm only getting 512MB from each slot for a  total of 1 G instead of the full 2G's
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My motherboard is a : M863G ((V5.1A))_462_socket A
 Specs read : Socket A  w/ AMD Athlon XP 2200+ (1.80GHz, 256KB, 266MHz, Socket A)OEM AMD processor
  FSB:333/266 MHz
 Memory:2 x 184-pin DIMM sockets support two 2.5V DDR SDRAMs (DDR333/266) Max:2GB

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When both 1G  DDR SDRAM 2700 Desktop 333 mhz 184-pin Non-ECC DIMM are installed, It only shows 512MB in each socket. I can put just one:  1 Gig DDR SDRAM 2700 Desktop 333 mhz 184-pin Non-ECC DIMM  in and the system wont boot, but if I add 1- 512MB pc 2700 in the 2nd slot my system remains stable but only uses 512MB from each slot for a total of 1G.I just updated the latest BIOS flash from AMI for my specific board.I also went into setup and configured my CPU and RAM to 1:1 133Mz and tried 1:1 at 166MHz .

Any ideas on how I can make them both work and be able to utilize 2G's ?

[Crucial_maulmod]

Hi torqued21,

Sorry to hear you are having problems with your upgrade. 

You said when one 1GB is installed on it's own the system fails to boot, does this happen with both modules when you try them on their own in the first slot?  Please make sure the modules are fully seated when you are trying this.

Where are you checking how much is recognised?  Are you only using the Scanner or Windows?  If possible check if full amount of memory is registered in the system BIOS. If the full amount if memory is detected in the BIOS the problem lies with Windows limiting the amount of memory.

Also, please post back with the full CT part number from the Crucial modules so we can confirm compatibility.

[torqued21]

First I want to thank you for your help, I appreciate it !

Yes , I tried both in first slot both seated well and no go.

Where are you checking how much is recognised? At system POST when booting it shows 1024MBs when I have both 1GB sticks in and system will boot when both modules are installed.

When I boot up with just 1- 1GB stick in number 1 slot It shows only 512MBs during POST.

 If possible check if full amount of memory is registered in the system BIOS.

 How do I check this ? I've gone into device Mngr and everywhere except the right place to look for the rest of possible memory usage.

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 The strange thing is that I can run just one single stick of my old memory : 512MB DDR PC2700 memory , and my system will boot and run fine, but if I put as single stick of the new memory in ; The 1 Gig DDR SDRAM 2700 Desktop 333 mhz 184-pin Non-ECC DIMM, on the screen during POST, it shows that I have only 512MB but system won't boot up!!
 Even stranger is, if I add 1 of my old sticks ; Like a 256MB DDR PC2700 memory in the second slot and 1 of my new sticks ; The 1 Gig DDR SDRAM 2700 Desktop 333 mhz 184-pin Non-ECC DIMM , in the first slot,  the system shows 512MBs in each slot !! not 512MB in one and 256MB in the other like you would think. It's adding another 256MBs to the second slot! so I'm actually,in this case, getting 512MBs of the 1GB memory in the in the first slot and then it's adding 256MBs of the RAM form the 1GB stick in the first slot to the 256MB stick in the second slot for a total of 512MBs in each slot!!!
This would tell me that The new 1 Gig DDR SDRAM 2700 Desktop 333 mhz 184-pin Non-ECC DIMM , is at least 750MB at minimum, right.But still can only get 512MBs per each slot..

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I finally got some info from where I purchased the RAM that may be helpful, below is their disclaimer :

Your pc may not be compatible to this high density module. Please read the listing for details on compatibility and chipsets required written in """"RED"""" on ebay listing. You may return along with a copy of packing slip and accordingly to written terms.

Brand New 1024MB PC2700 333Mhz DDR  1GB Memory

  1024MB PC2700 DDR333 DDR-SDRAM 333 MHz fast!
   
84 pin Dimm (for desktop PCs, not for laptops) 128x64 modules (1gb, non-  ecc), Non ecc, non registered, unbuffered

*IMPORTANT NOTE*High Density** (128mx4 configuration) chips. (Manufacturers tested following chipsets to be compatible: VIA P4M800, VIA KT400, VIA KT600, VIA PT800, SIS 645, SIS648, SIS 648FX and SIS 746FX.) NOT compatible to all(any) ASUS motherboards, name brand PCs, Apples/Macs, laptops and boards with other types of chipsets. Incompatible motherboards will only recognize a fraction of its 1gb (such as 32mb, 512mb) capacity or none at all. Limited in compatibility. Not for brand name PC.

 Please see our LOW DENSITY 1GB in our other listings for fully compatible 1gb DDR.

Brand New, First Quality and Fully Tested, non-retail.

ONE module (1 stick) 1 GB

Limited Life-Time Warranty

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Do you think that I might need the lower density RAM ?

Here is the URL to specs on my RAM :

Seller's description EBAY
http://vi.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersionDescV4&txnid=421919996018&view=desc&js=-1&it=...
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[Crucial_maulmod]

From what you have described, it does sound like it may be a density issue, however there is nothing in the link or your post which identifies this module as Crucial memory and I am only authorised to assist with Crucial products.

If it is a Crucial module, please provide us with the full CT part number from the label and we can assist you further.

If it is not a Crucial product, you should go back to the seller for more information and this post will be moved to the General Computer Issues (Non-Crucial products) board where other users may be able to assist you.

Thank you.