Write only 512mb of RAM

[bonestonne]

Ok, so i've been trying to overhaul my old computer, and its gone well, i've orded 1gb total of ram for it, 512 came today, another 512 is in the mail [or it had better be].

the 512MB stick of SD RAM that came today guaranteed no DOA [and stuck to it] appears to be write-only with this board. thats fine with me, because my computer is using it, i know because its performing much better, not only that, but its more responsive.

is there a way to change the state from read only to also write? in bios it appears as 640MB. theres the 512mb stick, a pair of 256mb sticks, and a single 128mb stick. am i just stuck with using it but not 100% to its potential, or is there a way to 'unleash the beast' so to speak, and get the full 1152MB or, should i just stick where i am. i'm looking for the safer route here, so if its not possible, i can always pass the ram on in time [i have newer computers that can use it too].

i've had the problem before, but never like this. in speedfan, it shows up as being write only, and its recognized as a 512mb PC133. the DIMM slots on the board only work at 100mhz, but the 256mb sticks are also PC133, so its slightly confusing. i can't complain as its helping, but i would like to try to squeeze out all possible usage.

Edited March 6, 2007 by bonestonne

[puntoMX]

First of all, RAM should not be write only, what is the use of that? Never had it and it must be some thing new you found out?

Check your mother bouard specs, see if it can handle 512*8 for example, I´m almost sure if it´s for your old dual Xeon mobo it will need 512*16 or even 512*32. PC100/133 isn´t a thing to worry about .

[nmX.Memnoch]

What's your motherboard model? Some older PII/PIII Xeon boards (particular dual PII/PIII Xeon boards) were limited in the amount of RAM they supported. Also, from the sounds of your post you have a bunch of different types/sizes of DIMMs installed right now...that can be bad too.

[bonestonne]

each DIMM slot supports up to 512MB of RAM per slot. i've read the manual of the board, it wasn't incredibly specific about the RAM and how it had to be timed.

when i have free time i'll run Aida 32 and then System Mechanic Pro and see how that goes...the RAM says its ECC, but the other RAM isn't labeled if its ECC or Non-ECC. i've tried running the RAM alone, but the system wont post. it shows up in Speedfan, so its recognized. this is an interesting situation for me...

if i can find the specs myself i'll read it thoroughly...its a Supermicro S2DGU board, so if anyone can find something on it its greatly appreciated.

[puntoMX]

each DIMM slot supports up to 512MB of RAM per slot. i've read the manual of the board, it wasn't incredibly specific about the RAM and how it had to be timed.

That must be a 32 chip modul on older models, if you are lucky it will work with 16 chips, how much chips does the 512MB DIMM have now? 8?

[bonestonne]

ooh, ok...well, the system is using it, so i can't complain much...i would have been more worried if it was incompatible.

in speedfan i've also noticed that it says 72bit in it, and the others are 64bit i think, that might be it too...well, i'm hoping the next one doesn't do the same thing to me.

about that second one...i've got to send another email to them, i ordered it two weeks ago and its still not here.

[puntoMX]

So it has a 8bit ECC... not a problem...