He did mention that the computer beeped when it started up. I'll have him do this when I talk to him. Thanks. Alan
Hi, IBM models can be very picky in the memory they need. Some possibilities are: 1) incorrect memory type for his machine 2) memory incorrectly inserted 3) the bios could be incorrectly set for that RAM 4) his machine may require PC100 memory 5) the two memory types are incompatible on his machine 6) his machine may not take 256 MB sticks or may max at 256 MB RAM 7) unlikely but one or both memory sticks could be bad If the bios is correctly configured and his machine takes PC133 memory, have him try to start the cpu with one RAM installed and have him switch the RAMs to try it both ways. Also have him try different slots. It is a hassle, but you can go to the IBM website and look up what specific memory is required for his machine and check to see the memory is that kind. You could also check to see the both of your machines use exactly the same memory part number. Hope that helps!
The number of beeps tells you what error to look for in the motherboard manual. Try the individual sticks ALONE to see if it's just a problem with a certain stick or compatibility issue. Example: Plug in 256 memory and see if it books, then 128. Good Luck!
Doesn't memory have to be in slot #1, and then continuously from that point on? In other words, you could have memory in slots 1 and 2 but leave 3 empty, but you cannot put memory in slots 1 and 3 and leave 2 empty? Thanks. Alan
As I recall, PC133 is backwards compatible with PC100. Another possibility is he took them out of the bag, then walked across carpeting in his wool socks (with the memory in hand) and shorted them out.
You were right. My ebayer's computer has PC100 memory. Someone suggested that PC133 should still work. But it seems pretty clear that it's incompatible, at least in this situation. My next question... Could he have damaged the memory by trying to run it in his machine? Thanks, and thanks to all who tried to help(this poor bozo) today. I appreciate it. Alan
According to this site: http://www.dewassoc.com/performance/memory/pc100_std.htm PC133 should work in a PC100 system. "Are different speed SDRAM backwards compatible? To a certain extent, yes. You can use PC133 memory in a PC100 system and you can use PC100 memory in a 66MHz system, subject to the specifications of the motherboard. However, the memory will only run as fast as (A) the capability of the motherboard, and (B) the slowest memory present in the system. As an example, a PC133 module will run at PC100 speed in a system with a 100MHz Bus, or if there is a *compatible PC100 module already present, it will only run at 100MHz." It's not rocket science. The main difference between pc133 and pc100 is that the 100 and 133 indicate max supported bus speed. It's like some athlete and I going for a walk. I can't run as fast as him, but he sure can walk at my pace.