I just upgraded my parent's Dell's RAM. I switched out a stick of 128MB for a 1GB. The problem is it's being read as a 512 stick. When determining what to get, I checked the freq. in the bios because I was told it could only take either 2100 or 2700. the freq read at 266 so i got them 2100. After I pulled out their 128 stick I saw it was labeled 2700 333. could this be part of the problem? do I have to get 2700 and run it at 266? Please help.

Eagles may soar but weasels never get sucked into jet engines

The problem could be that the computer is not capable of taking 1GB memory modules and 512kB is the maximum allowed.

Did you check the computer specs for maximum memory?

Stuart

They're reported at a 512 max per slot but all the dell forums have people who say the limit is really a gig. is there a way to tell for sure? can I change the max value somehow?

Eagles may soar but weasels never get sucked into jet engines

Use the CRUCIAL Memory Scanner, also be aware that memory comes in different CAS as well as Single & Double Sided, because it states PC700 DDR33 it does not mean any PC2700 DDR300 will work correctly:

http://www.crucial.com/uk

"When determining what to get, I checked the freq. in the bios because I was told it could only take either 2100 or 2700. the freq read at 266 so i got them 2100. After I pulled out their 128 stick I saw it was labeled 2700 333. could this be part of the problem?"

No, that's not the problem.

"They're reported at a 512 max per slot but all the dell forums have people who say the limit is really a gig"

Why would you take the advice of someone in the Dell forum over the recommendation from Dell itself?

"is there a way to tell for sure?"

Check to see what Dell recommends. Oh yeah, you already did that & didn't follow their recommendation.

"can I change the max value somehow?"

No, you can't. The RAM limit is dictated by the hardware.

You're gonna have to face the fact that you bought the wrong RAM. There's nothing you can do to get the total amount properly recognized. Return it & buy the right stuff.

ram density might be an issue, if your 1gb stick has only 8 chips on it, you might find that a 16chip 1gb stick will read as 1gb.
there is not just a max ram amount per slot, there is usually also a max per chip on the stick that the compuyter can handle.

Thanks for the quick replies, i went ahead and ordered two 512 sticks from dell directly. I didn't do it originally because it costs more. I'll just have to work harder on my homework next time. Good news is the 1 gig stick will work in my box, so yay for me.

Eagles may soar but weasels never get sucked into jet engines

I don't know why you would pay the premium price thru Dell?

Newegg has 1GB kits (2 x 512MB) of PC2100, PC2700 or PC3200 (depending on which is correct for your system) for about $32 plus shipping.