i recently bought a 512mb pc3100 400mhz DDR RAM. when i put it in the computer the startup screen shows is w/ black bg and red green and blue text scattered and flashing. it does nothing after this. i am installing this on my parents computer and i think that the mb might not be able to handle that speed of RAM. if you have any help that would be great

How can we help if we can't see the patient??? :confused:

What do they have for a pc and what speed RAM is being used? Many boards according to what processor is attached will use different speed RAM.

If you aren't sure, download 'Everest Home Edition' and run that on their pc to find out.