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My Triton II 430HX motherboard doesn't have enough tag RAM to support caching over 64
MB of RAM; is there anything that can be done to solve this?
Explanation: The motherboard requires a second tag RAM chip to allow caching of over
64 MB of RAM with the Intel 430HX
chipset, and the motherboard doesn't have it.
Diagnosis: In some cases the tag RAM can be increased, but in others it cannot. It
depends entirely on the design of the motherboard.
Recommendation: Consult your motherboard documentation or technical support options
to see what your choices are. Your PC will probably fall into one of these categories:
- Some motherboards don't have the second tag RAM chip needed to cache over 64 MB of RAM,
but they have a socket where the second chip can be added. If you have the socket,
consult your manufacturer for the exact specifications of the chip required. Then purchase
and install it, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and you should be
all set. You may need to change a jumper on the motherboard. Cost is probably only a few
dollars.
- Some motherboards accept a COASt
module to expand the size of the cache that contains an extra tag RAM chip on it as
well. If your motherboard is like this, then adding an extra 256 KB of cache to the
motherboard will also add the extra tag RAM and will let you cache over 64 MB. This
situation is what sometimes makes people think that it is the adding of extra cache that
enables more memory to be cached. In fact, it is the extra tag RAM chip on the module, not
the cache chips themselves.
 Note: Not all cache
modules have tag RAM on them, and not all cache modules work with all motherboards. Make
sure you find out exactly what you are buying, and if it will work with your board.
- If you don't have a socket and you can't add tag RAM via a cache module, you are
basically out of luck. You will have to either accept slower performance when going over
64 MB of RAM, use less memory, or replace your motherboard. If the motherboard was just
bought you may be able to return it for exchange or
refund.
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