any smart computer folks here?

don't anyone laugh. buying a new PC is not an option for me. I have much more pressing money needs that a new PC. I just want it to run a little better.
my PC is probably 10 years old. it has 256MB of RAM. everything I have found on the net tells me that it can be upgraded to 512MB RAM. I've tired a few years ago to upgrade it but coudn't make it work. again I've tried to get it to work and nothing. here is what I've gotten so far.

eMachines T1110 Memory Specifications
Standard Memory 256 MB (removable)
Maximum Memory 512 MB
Memory Expansion 2 sockets
Memory Comments PC100/PC133 SDRAM Modules
CPU Type 1GHz Intel Celeron
Model Comments 100MHz FSB, Intel 810 Chipset


Memory Upgrade for eMachines eMachines T1110 Computer, the eMachines eMachines T1110 Computer takes the PC100/PC133 SDRAM Modules Memory Type, and comes installed with 256 MB (removable) of Memory. You can upgrade your eMachines eMachines T1110 Computer to up to a maximum of 512 MB Memory, the system has 2 sockets to install Memory, already with 256 MB (removable) standard Memory installed. For best Computer performance use the maximum amount of allowed Memory per slot for your Computer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

after ordering a stick of ram and trying to install here is where I'm at

got the new RAM in Friday. finally got around to trying to install today. Same thing that happened last time I tired to upgrade. put in the new stick of RAM and here what happens. turn the PC on and it will come up with the Emachine screen twice then takes me to the screen asking me how to restart the PC, safe mode, normal........ no matter what I try it will not go past the EMachine start up screen. I double checked the new stick of ram before I put it in it looked pretty much the same as the old.
2 notches in it
256MB, Sync, 133MHz, CL3
32mX64 SDRAM
PC133-333-520 is what is on the old stick of ram.

I left the new stick of ram installed in the 2nd slot and pulled out the old one and the PC boots just fine.

I'm going to switch the ram out and list what the new on has printed on it.

OK, got the new stick out and the old back in. here is what is on the new stick of RAM

256MB, Sync, 133MHz, CL3
FMSD32X64 133LD168 256MB PC133 DIMM
PC133U-333-542-A

you need to make sure the ram is compatible, there is DDR DDR2 DDR3, make sure you are putting in a compatible stick or the computer will not load. Kingston Technology Company - Company Info - Contact Us

well, i posted out a huge ass thing telling you about what ram you needed, but here is one that will work

http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/conf...R133X64C3Q/256 a lot of times memory will not be compatible with your system, you also have to know if your computer takes DDR DDR2 etc etc etc etc........ infinity times 1 berjillion. this is the specific memory for your system. it is a little pricy but check out mwave.com for something cheaper.

pm me if you need any specific info. oh yeah, this is what your new stick should have said........... 256MB 133MHz Non-ECC CL3 DIMM 16Mx8

hope this helps

Rocky makes a great point. RAM compatibility isn't something most people know or think about. But the fact that the pc starts with only the new ram installed suggests to me that the ram is compatible with the system. But when both modules are installed it won't load which should mean the 2 modules are not compatible with each other. I believe if you just buy another module of the new ram and install them both you should be fine. But I won't guarantee that. That's just my assessment based on my pc experience. So take it how you will.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SBG

Rocky makes a great point. RAM compatibility isn't something most people know or think about. But the fact that the pc starts with only the new ram installed suggests to me that the ram is compatible with the system. But when both modules are installed it won't load which should mean the 2 modules are not compatible with each other. I believe if you just buy another module of the new ram and install them both you should be fine. But I won't guarantee that. That's just my assessment based on my pc experience. So take it how you will.

---

ahh yeah i read that wrong, i thought he said that he tried the OLD ram in both slots and it worked fine. make sure that your memory is a 168 pin because that is what your computer will use, you also may only be able to use one certain TYPE/BRAND of memory with what you have currently installed. another thing is that some memory WILL only work in certain slots. i found a piece of an article that can tell you better what im trying to say and i think this is your problem..............

It might be a motherboard that can run both DDR and DDR2 memory in specific memory slots and it is no doubt not possible to install both types at the same time. RAM memory modules are keyed with one or two notches in the connect edge that make it almost impossible (but not completely impossible) to install them in the wrong type of slot. Before you install a module, you just have to examine where the notch or notches is/are on the module and then look at the slot on the motherboard that you want to install it in, which will have a divider that the slot in the module connector edge fits over. That you have seemingly successfully installed the additional memory, means that it is the right type of memory for that slot, but the configuration of a 1GB module and a 512MB module might not be supported in the two slots you installed them in.

Another consideration you should be aware of is that some PC motherboards will run one make of memory and refuse to run or recognise another make, so you should have checked HP's website for information on compatible makes of RAM for that particular model. I have installed one make of RAM in a particular motherboard that made the system refuse to boot. Only the power supply unit and processor's fan worked. Even the BIOS setup program was inaccessible. The memory was not faulty, because I had it tested at a PC repair shop that uses special testing equipment. It just wasn't compatible with that particular motherboard. I then installed another make, (Crucial memory has never failed me) and the system booted up properly.

To find out exactly which type of DDR2 memory should be used, you can make use of the UK or the US Crucial Memory Advisor provided at the top of this page. You use the drop-down menu to locate the make and model of your HP PC, which then takes you to the relevant page on Crucial's site. If the model is listed, all of the sizes and types of memory that are listed can be used and should work if installed properly. Note that there is no need to buy ECC RAM for a PC because it is usually only used on mission-critical systems. Unbuffered, non-ECC memory is perfectly good. Crucial refunds your money if its memory doesn't work in a brand-name PC or motherboard that it provides memory for.

You should note that the memory has to be installed in the correct DIMM slots.
I know the articly is referring to an HP but this is basically the same rule of thumb for any computer. AND**** you may need to find a website to update your BIOS settings.

I can see how that could happen. I'm surprised I didn't do that. LoL