Simple RAM question.

[Christopher Time]

I just installed more RAM to this computer, 128MB to be exact.
However, when I check System Properties in Windows XP, it shows no difference than before..
So basically, is this normal? And how can I tell it's working alright?

[shadow77]

Hmm.. that's not normal. I also have Windows XP and when I installed more it updated the total RAM in System Properties.

Are you sure the RAM is compatible with your PC?

As long as your computer seems faster, I wouldn't really worry about it.

[Nmaster]

Well, I just did the same thing a couple days ago. There is two types of RAM. SDRAM, which is for the older computers. Or DDR, for the newer computers. I suggest, maybe buying the opposite of what you have, and install that. If it shows up then you had the wrong type of RAM. Or this could not be the problem at all. Just a suggestion.

[Shadowrider]

yes. definitely you would want to put DDR with DDR.
or pc100/133 SDRAM with pc100/133 SDRAM.

you should be able to see the increase under mycomputer->properties.

i believe some motherboard support both DDR SDRAM + SDRAM, but still you don't want to mix the two together.

[Magus]

I doubt that Sage purchased the incorrect RAM type for his chipset. Sage, open the case and check again to see that the memory module is seated in the slot properly. If it is not locked down then it is not in completely. If it is installed correctly, then maybe CMOS is not recognizing it. How many RAM slots do you have on your motherboard? I need you to describe the position of all of the memory please. I assume you have two memory modules installed (counting the one you are having trouble with). Well, tell me which slot each is in.

[Del_Boy]

At the end of the day, if it isn't detected in BIOS then it won't be detected in Windows.

As stated above try reseating the memory, and/or trying it in a different slot if possible (it is possible for a slot to become defective albeit rare).

[Christopher Time]

I only have two slots for RAM actually.. One of those the computer was already using..
I can of course, check to see the RAM is seated correctly, although i'm fairly sure it is..

And to everyone else, i'm not genius on technical subjects, but I'm not idiot either.
When it comes to spending money on something like this, I make sure I buy the correct parts.
It's, SDRAM.

[Lord Riff Raff]

Does it show in the BIOS? Thats the most important place.

[Shadowrider]

if it doesn't show up in bios, could it be because of bad ram?
did you try it on other computer and see if it works fine?

[Christopher Time]

Alright, I fixed it. I don't know, I guess it wasn't seated properly.
Weird really as I could swear it was in there good.. Thanks Magus, thanks Del_Boy.

[Magus]

Heh. Everyone has this problem at least once. Double-checking is a must, regardless of how certain one might be of their RAM seating abilities.