Bios/computer not reading the correct amount of ram

[Shawn]

I just got a new computer,cutsom built.I "supposedly" got 512 ram(2x256) but the bios is only reading 256.

Both dimm's are reading that ram is in them(on the bios).

I took out the ram,placed one in dimm #1 and it only read 128 in the bios,I placed the other chip in dimm#1 and same results.

According to the motherboard specs,the bios is supposed to automaticly detect the amount of ram.So I couldnt find any setting to override that.

Is there a possible jumper setting not set right on the motherboard?Is my ram not the right ram?Is my mother board toast allready?

I called up the shop that built the pc,and they said to bring it in,but I dont want to have to wait another 3-4 days to get my puter back.

I have a Gigabyte k7triton GA-7zxe mb.

I would appreciate any suggestions or ideas on how to fix this

[eviltechie]

update bios

reseat ram

and hope they didnt rip u on the ram and treat you as a noob
because you arent one

[Shawn]

Ive allready done both.Ive flashed the bios,and I have checked the ram several times for seating.I have tried pretty much everything.I downloaded memtest,and it said my ram is ok,but of course it said that it only has 256 installed.

I tried the ram in all of the dimms,and it reads actually something like 130megs on the post on all three dims with each bank of ram

As a side note,the ram is even "labled" pc 133 256 megs.Of course that label is from the shop.(SDRAM) (Hey,Im poor and Im on a tight budget) ;)

[TSmidnight]

If your Using Windows 98 either edition got to start/programs/accessories/system tools/system information .. click on Tools and then System configuratio Untility .. it will start you at the General Tab, which is right where you want to be.. then click on Advanced near the bottom of that Tab.. If the "Limit Memory to" box is selected and reads 256 uncheck the box. click ok then Apply then ok again.. restart your machine and check it again if its still not reading right try rechecking the box and inserting 512 and restarting.. GL to ya .. if its using ME it should be the same.. if its XP dude dunno where to tell ya to go.. Hope that helps you some. if not then call the company and have them send you a new stick the one they gave you is crap ^_^

Now its also possable your mother board only supports 256MB of ram, since you mention Bios not reading it (check your specs) if thats the case request a refund since they didnt inform you of this limitation. some name brand "Built PCs" like my dads.. Ex: P3 450 NEC.. dunno the specs compleatly but the MB only allows for 256 MB though it reads 311 but anyway.. Building your PC from scratch from a barebone kit gives you better quality.. ya know what your getting exactly and for less.. Good luck once again..


My Specs..

AMD Athlon XP 2000+
FIC AN11 Stealth MB
VIA KT266A chipset
640 MB DDR2100 (1x128, 2x256) the 128 came with the barebone
nVidia GF2 MX400 TV ( from previous K6-2 400 "kicked the bucket"
40 GB Maxtor ATA100
48x12x48x CD-RW
56x Max
Speeze Cooper Core Heatsink
DDR memory coolers
Total cost 555.68 ^_^