Is the clip on the memory slots really needed? What I mean is the little clip that holds the memory stick in place. Will it work without it?

My friend’s PC has Windows XP but it only had a 256MB memory stick.
The slot where the memory stick was had both of the little white clips. The second slot only has one clip.

I bought a new 512MB one and put it in where the 256 was and the 256 I put it on the second slot that was empty. The computer reads now 512 on it, but it should read 768MB (512+256) and it doesn't.

I know both sticks work because I tried the PC with just one at a time to check and it reads the right amount of MB depending on what stick I put in. However, when I tried putting the 512 stick and the 256 together it only read the stick that's in the slot (with both of the clips) where the original memory stick was. I tried switching their positions and the computer only read what on the first slot and never what’s on the second slot (with only one clip on.) I made sure I pressed it in right. Not to strong to brake the motherboard in half, but strong enough to set it in.

Is it because of the missing clip? Or does something has to be changed in the BIOS?

Who knows, knows and who doesn't know, dosen't know jack!
El que sabe, sabe y el que no sabe, no sabe nada!

The clips are essential. It keeps the memory module firmly in place. With just one clip it will be pulling the module at an angle and the contacts at the far end would not make contact.

If you were to remove the one remaining clip you might get the module to work for a short while. With the expansion and contraction that goes on inside a computer case it would soon work lose.

You can bet your life that manufactures would not put these clips on motherboards unless they were essential.

Stuart

I agree with Stuart. However, that probably is not the reason for the incorrect reading. You gave no computer specs as you are supposed to but I will guess this is a RAM density issue. The MBoard may not be able to handle the memory chips on the module due to them being too dense. The other possibility is the slot can only use 256MB.

I keep a few of these clips from scrappers, as they have been known to break.

Problem is, there seems to be quite a number of different types.

Good Luck - Keep us posted.

Thank you for your imput. I'll keep trying and I'll post any results.

Who knows, knows and who doesn't know, dosen't know jack!
El que sabe, sabe y el que no sabe, no sabe nada!