The RAM speed conunDRAM

I've recently tried to install some RAM into an older computer, a 166 MMX to be precise. The computer's got DIMM's so when i tried to install the 64MB SDRAM from a newer machine i had, i was surprised to see that the clip holes in the RAM where in a different position from where the clips on the older machine wanted to go. Not letting this get me down i simply summoned up all the stupidity i could muster and forcibly removed the clips that where getting in my way. Surprise surprise, the RAM didn't work, the computer conitinued to function properly but it's white cane simply couldn't find the new RAM.
So, i went on to the Web and found out why, apparently RAM not only comes in different forms (SIMM, DIMM, RIMM...) but in different speeds aswell. The RAM i was trying to shove into the mobo is 100mghz. Now the problem is that i have no idea what speed it is that the computer wants. A website told me to look in the home owners manual to find out, but, having inherited the antique from my farther i have no idea where the manual maybe or if it's not slowly turning into a precious gem somewhere.

So now i'm left questioning you fine gentlemen, as to whether or not there is any way to find out what speed SDRAM the computer wants without having to take the computer to shop, just to have them tell me that the speed RAM i'm looking for went out of production in the mezazoic era along with bipedal fish.

Thanks for reading my rant, and a cyber cookie to anyone who answers.

Whiplash

 

Whiplash
Download this program and run it to find out whats in your system.

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/aida32.html
Stitch

 

Surprise, suprise ......... you did say DIMM so we'll assume (dangerously) that you have 168 pin memory modules. Your 166mhz processor came at about the time of 72 pin SIMMs giving way to 168 pin DIMMs, but its more than likely you have low density PC66 modules in that puppy. You can buy used modules at a very good price or go to a good shop and they'll have some laying around for a bargain price - not much call for these any more. AIDA32 should definitely help you out here as previously referenced.

Once you determine what you have for sure, post back and I'll send you shopping.

 

I've managed to avoid sounding like an idiot most of my life, unfortunatly this is a text based forum.

That said, i've downloaded Aida32, and though it is a remarkable program, i failed to find out what sort of DIMM modules i have. The program kindly informed me of what RAM (The 4 SIMM's with EDO RAM) i already have in the antediluvian sitting on my desk and even gave me a cute reminder that 32megs is only enough to power an electronic power ranger.
So, if you could be so kind as to point me to this RAM G-Spot i would greatly appreciate it, as i am currently still unsure of what voltage/type/DNA code SDRAM my machine wants.

By the way, i went to the site of the company that produced my mobo. This proved a fruitless expedition, as i received yet another reminder that the penny farthing i was using on the information super highway was to old to be supported, and any information on the mobo had been removed, proving that the infinite size of the web is just to small to help a product around 5 years old. And we wonder why health care for the elderly is at the bottom of the goverments priority list.

Anyways, could you pretty please with a hooker on top, tell me where on the Aida32 program i can find the type of DIMM's i'm using.

Thanks
Whiplash

 

Hi Wiplash
If yo start Aida32 up and on the first page top left hand side it will give a list, Computer, Motherboard, Operating System, Server etc each has a drop down menu.
On the top one Computer click on the + sign and you wil see summary. On the right hand side now you should see what your comp is made up of. About half way down under the heading motherboard you will see system memory. This is what you need to post back here. Infact you could post back all that is there under motherboard so as to help others help you find what you nee.
Stitch

 

You lost me in your dialogue - are you now saying you have 72 pin EDO SIMMS chips? 4chips x 8mb each = 32 total? Am I reading you right or just too dense to extrapolate your message from between the lines.

What's your anachronistic antediluvian MoBo - make, model? Equipped with that, I'll gladly guide you to her G spot. Then its only a question of a couple of bucks before you're watching nothing but smiles from that ol' gal.

 

Thank you for responding so quickly

Forgive me if my ubiquitous metaphors clouded the already murky depths of my question. Allow me to illuminate what I meant: My computer has 4 SIMM slots in her as well as 2 DIMM slots. In each of the four SIMM slots is 8MB of EDO RAM, for a total of 32MB of RAM. The two DIMM slots are empty. Now, I tried to install 64MB of SDRAM into one of the DIMM slots, however, the clips on the DIMM slot did not clip into the clip holes on the RAM, and after forcibly removing the offending clips it came to my attention (through keeping the RAM in place using putty, turning on the computer, and the computer then working fine, but just not seeing the new RAM) that the RAM was simply not designed to work in the DIMM slots my machine offered. After searching the internet it became clear that the reason was most likely a difference in voltage, as it was said that the clip holes on the pieces of RAM were placed in different positions depending on what voltage it was designed to run on. So I then set about trying to find out what voltage RAM my machine was asking for, a search that has leads me to you fine fellows.

The specifications of my motherboard as defined by Aida32 are:

CPU Type
Intel Pentium MMX, 166MHz
Motherboard Name
Amptron PM-8400C/D/8600B/C/Matasonic MS5120/PCChips M537DMA33 /Ability MB-586VX7+
Motherboard Chipset
VIA VT82c580 Apollo VPX
System Memory
32MB (EDO)\
BIOS Type
Award Modular (07/04/97)

As you can see this does not unfortunately tell me what voltage is required, nor does it even mention my DIMM slots. I’m hoping against hope that your great omniscient powers will be able to decipher the motherboard specifications above and tell me what voltage (or type as I’m not 100% sure it is the voltage) RAM I need.

Ps. Nice word "anachronismâ€, I had to use a dictionary for that one

EDIT: The SDRAM i tried to install was 100MHz if that helps at all.

 

using Amptron PM-8400C from your last post I found this page Amptron PM8400C and I'm thinking that since you using 72 pin SIMMs that you'll need to change the JP2 jumper (should be located near the DIMM slots but it also should be marked JP2) setting from pins 1-2 to pins 2-3 this will give you 3.3v which is probably what you have (if it is SDRAM). Also as far as I know you can not use Simms and Dimms together it's either one or the other.

Another option to finding out what you need is to run the Crucial system scanner that is if you are able to be online.

Hope some of this helps

Bubba169

 

Hey, thanks for the site and ideas bubba. I haven't tried it out yet (it's late now, i'll do it tomorrow), but i was wondering, if the computer does accept the jumper change and the RAM does work, how do you suggest i get the RAM to stay were it is supposed to go, i had to remove the clips to get it in, so they won't work, i tried some prestik/bluetak/putty (name depends on country) but that doesn't seem like it would hold for long.

But anyway, thanks for the tip, i'll post tomorrow with the results, either that or questions on how to swap jumpers

Whiplash

 

Whiplash,

This sounds like what you're looking for:

From: http://www.amptron.com/
under M537

"MEMORY
Up to 384MB of main memory in 4 (2 banks) auto banking 72-pin SIMM slots for Fast Page Mode or EDO DRAM, and 2 168-pin DIMM sockets for SDRAM, Fast Page Mode DRAM, or EDO DRAM modules. "

I suggest you shop as Rockster2U suggested for 2 256mb or 2 128mb edo dram to replace 2 of what's on the mobo now. Consider just either pair (you must insert a pair at a time). Remember, you're buying throw-away memory, 'cause it's not usable if you get a new computer. Check the J2 jumper; it will tell you what voltage you need for the new chips - same as old chips if you plan to keep one pair as I suggest.

I wouldn't advise using the damaged 168 pin sockets.

 

Ok, I took a look at the jumper settings, and as it turns out they were already set to 3.5v, nonetheless i tried changing them 5v, but still no luck. However, something interesting did happen. This time i simply inserted the RAM and didn't use any putty to keep it in place, and when i turned the computer on i received the Award BIOS beep code for a RAM error. Hoping this might mean something (at least i was getting a response) i changed the jumpers back to 3.5v and tried again, unfortunatly i received the same beep code.
I can only assume that the supposedly non-conductive putty had been screwing with the electricity, and once it had been removed it allowed the computer to see the RAM and then determine in the POST that it was incorrect. That said it means that the SDRAM i've got is simply never going to work in my computer, and as such i will go shopping for the SIMM EDO RAM as suggested by sparrow.

Unfortunatly this is the end note in my little foray into the world of RAM and it's associated problems, cash flow problems and the fact that i'm a completely apathetic bum mean that i don't have the required funds to purchase the overpriced old RAM i require, so for the moment i'm forced to chug along at the same speed as my computer.

A heartfelt thanks to stitch, Rockster2U, bubba169 and sparrow. You are all now the proud owners of my gratitude and adulation, may the force be with you

Signing out
Whiplash

 

Whiplash
Don't give up on that memory. Keep an eye on the prices as they change dramaticaly by the day. Three months ago i bought some and todays prices's are twice as much, you never know in a month or so they might have gone down again.
Stitch

 

Thanks for the tip stitch, i'll keep an eye out, no matter how painful that may sound

Cheers
Whiplash

 

Whiplash: Have you ever considered a career as a writer? Seems to me that with your proclivities to embelish a simple statement with those humorus analogies would catapult you to the very top of the writing profession.

What better profession for an apathetic bum than sitting at a keyboard, just having to move his fingers to make a lot of money.

Martin

 

As previously mentioned, you have to install these in pairs, so your shopping choices are 2 or 4. Regardless, these will work quite well without busting your budget too badly.
http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=8X36EDO&cat=RAM

 

OK, here's a sub $20 solution:
http://www.computersurplusoutlet.com/viewproduct.asp?PID=MEM-ED32X2&LID=137

Later Dad

 

You're welcome

 

heloooo

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile, my hectic life of crime fighting leaves little time for play, why just yersterday i saved an obese family from an evil cheese cake. However the conquering hero has now returned to bask in the glory of his mundane existence. This thread reminds me of the movie, "The Never Ending Story ", though less of an oxymoron than the hour an a half film. As you see, i had lost all hope of getting the RAM; i know that it is possible to shop around over the net looking for the best price, but unfortunatly, not having a credit card means that making these purchases is about as possible as fitting a cat up your ass, though i have seen pictures that would suggest otherwise. Also being a denizen of New Zealand means that after going through the monetary exchange i'd be paying just as much as i would here. But a glimmer of hope shone out through the darkness as though someone had given the cat a torch, my mother left on a holiday to South Africa and is determined to come back with pressies, YAY.

Not only that, but she found out that one of her friends over there has connections and may be able to get computers parts nice and cheap. The problem now is that i'm not over there to guide the doddering hands of my methuselah relatives to the right computer pieces. As such i need to send over a shopping list with the exact specifications for the parts i want, don't get me wrong, i'm grateful to not have to hug smelly old people thank you for gifts they don't remember purchasing. What i ask now is that the collective computer sentience of these boards verify that i'll be sending over the right information to those who are moist of brain in South Africa.

32 or 64 megs of 72pin SIMM EDO RAM

and

32 or 64MB PCI Video/Graphics card

Do you think that the infromation provided above will be enough to insure that i'll receive working computer parts. Is there some all important piece of info that if left out will cause a nuclear meltdown in my PC?

By the way, the graphics card is meant for the other computer in the house. It doesn't have any AGP slots, but rather has an inbuilt graphics card, probably designed just after the invention of the wheel. I'm told that if i were to install a PCI graphics card that it would take control away from the anachronistic (props to rockster) inbuilt one, and if not i would simply need to change a setting in the BIOS, is this so?

Finally, thank you rockster for the price tips. You must have spent at least some time looking for those prices and i appreciate that, sorry for not responding sooner. I've got a whole batch of cyber cookies baking in the oven right now, the man who sold me the dough assures me they aren't mint flavoured, but i keep seeing bits of green in them

And thanks for the compliment Martin, however i think you fail to understand the extent of my lethargy, the force is strong in this one.

Cheers
*Climbs onto Falcor and flys off to have his way with the child princess*

 

Hi W/L,

Don't forget about the "pairs" of RAM. For 32mb you will need two sticks of 16mb, 2 x 32 for 64mb. I think your motherboard manual would state "matched pairs ", so exactly the same make and model would be ideal, but should work with different brands but the same chip arrangement.
You might state it as:
32 or 64 megs of 72pin SIMM EDO RAM as pairs (matched).

Video card, you may have to find drivers for it, so may want to ask for ATI, nVidia or Matrox if possible.

RE: 168 pin RAM for that motherboard.
The 168 pin RAM is probably 5.5 volt only (I have a similar board). 5.5 volt sticks have slightly offset seating lugs. 5.5 volt 168pin RAM is hard to find now, but as a tip, I found a pair of 32meg sticks in an unwanted Apple computer and they work fine (edit:as singles) in my IBM PC.

Sorry I can't "wax lyrical ", but you can ask me for some swear words for computer hardware if you like.

Matt

 

Whiplash:
Took me all of about 10 seconds, but I can appreciate your thoughts re: time. As to the constraints you have placed upon yourself regarding any actual purchases, well ......... so be it. As to specs, you already have them if you followed the links. Adios.