Memory upgrade

[mark2000]

Currently running Pentiun 166 w/ 32 mg ram (4 8mg EDO 72 pin simms).
Crucial says it will take up to 128 mg of ram.
Questions:
1. Is 128 mg "overkill" i.e., wasted memory
2. Would (2) 64 mg simms be the same as (4) 32 mg simms ?
3. Any cautions on buying used ram ?

Thanks for any input !

[iisbob]

Is 128 MB "overkill" i.e., wasted memory

Nien mine Herr! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif The more memory you have, the better your apps {and system } will run; be aware however that W95/98 will only handle up to 384MB's w/out problems-but since your board only supports 128, you should be fine.

Would (2) 64 mg simms be the same as (4) 32 mg simms ?

Would they work the same? Yes; will they cost the same? Not likely. You may be financially better off with the 2 64's instead of the 4 32's-been awhile since i've looked at the prices for SIMMS, tho i can tell you that they are pretty expensive nowadays since it's old tech.

Any cautions on buying used ram ?

Try to stay away from " bargain " memory you find at a computer fair show; most times the quality is questionable, if not downright horrible. I would suggest trying out Crucial (http://www.crucial.com) or checking with your local BestBuy, CompUSA for a selection of Kingston memory.

Good Luck with your Upgrade! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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iisbob

CPU= 5mhz
Memory= 16 K
Storage=10.2MB's
Video=Onboard S3 4K
Modem=14.4 baud
Sound=ISA Yamaha 8bit
Mouse=2 button MS
Monitor=ACER 12.5"
OS= { dual boot }DOS 2.1 & WIN 3.1

My ultimate gaming system :)

[mark2000]

Thanks for the quick reply.
Also thanks for the heads up on Windows -- just upgraded to Windows ME.
Also understand re: memory -- price was really why I ask.

Final question -- leave the 2 4 mg stacks in the bay or leave it empty ?

Again -- thanks

MARK

[hiredgoonz]

Be careful upgrading past 64mb if you're running an Intel mobo...only certain models (440FX I think, but I could be wrong) have enough tag ram to cache more than 64mb.

If you exceed 64mb your performance will decrease tremendously. Due to "top down" caching you'll be running out of virtual memory constantly...

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When all else fails, read the instructions.

[BigBlue66]

Actually it's the Intel 430 series chipsets that can only cache 64mb, with the exception of one of them, possibly the FX as Hired pointed out.

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[eelbob]

I'm currently using a 64meg pc100 dimm in my system and have just a purchaced 128meg pc133 dimm (motherboard can run mem at 100 or 133mhz) this will give me two options.
ie 192meg at 100mhz using both dimms
or 128meg at 133mhz using only the new dimm

What option would give the best overall system performance given that i don't use any memory intensive programs?

[hiredgoonz]

Doh! 430, my mistake...knew I should've pulled out Mueller's before I wrote that...

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When all else fails, read the instructions.