Hi, I recently posted a message on the XP forum about upgrading the ram in my computer. For those who didn't read it, this computer is an Emachines T1440 with currently only 128 mb ram. It can accept a max of 512 mb distributed over 2 slots. I want to add at least another 256 mb worth. However, I am having problems finding the right type of ram. I bought a 256 stick which bears the following description: "256 MB SDRAM PC 133Mhz 32 x 8" My system would not read this stick so I will have to take it back. Can anyone suggest to me why it wouldn't work? According to the mobo book, memory must conform to the following: --------------- Each DIMM socket supports the following memory features: - 168-pin 3.3 V Dimm's with gold-plated contacts -100/133 Mhz Non-ECC unbuffered SDRAM -Single or double sided DIMMs in the following sizes: | DIMM Size | Non-Ecc Config | | 64mb | 8 Mbit x 64 bit | | 128mb | 16 Mbit x 64 bit| | 256 mb | 32 Mbit x 64 bit| ----------------- Now, can anyone tell me exactly what I need to get? The store which sold me that 32 X 8 stick also sells sticks which are 16 X 8. Should I try one of those? Thanks, all who take the time to read this post - I know it is long and rather boring but I would really appreciate someone clearing this confusion up for me!

I forgot to mention that the 128 mb currently in says CL 3 on it. What does this mean? Will it work with CL 1 or 2? Thanks again!

Try the other one. Then post back.

I'd rather not waste time buying something that won't work. Don't I need something that says 32 X 64 not 16 X 8?

Go to Crucial.com It can help you figure out what is needed for your machine. I make it a rule of thumb to get the same sticks so I don't have any compatible issues. What is in your system now? (crucial, kingston and so on) Honey X 030811 k7S5a Pro rev. 5 XP 2400+ @2200ghz Thoroughbred-B Crucial PC2100 ddr 768 Radeon 9000 64 mb Maxtor 40g (32g) Coolmax "Taurus" 450w PS Asus QT CD/RW Samsung DVD<br

You're trying to run high density RAM in a board produced before high density RAM ever existed...you need to get low density RAM. "What Is RAM Density? Step 1: RAM Density Definition RAM Density is the capacity or size of a DIMM module or the capacity or size of each DRAM unit on a DIMM or RIMM. Density is normally referred to in megabits (Mb) when referring to DRAM units and in megabytes (MB) when referring to an entire DIMM module. Step 2: Density vs. Speed When trying to determine what kind of RAM you need, the density of each DRAM unit on a DIMM is probably more important than the speed of the DIMM. For example, PC133 DIMMs are backward compatible to PC100 and PC66. On the other hand, 256 and 512 megabit technology DIMMs will not work in many motherboards. Step 3: How To Determine RAM Density It's hard to figure out the density of a DIMM because there are multiple industry "standards" on how describe a DIMM, many of which are contradictory. Some retailers list the capacity of each DRAM unit in MB and the number of DRAM units on the DIMM. For example, a 256 MB 16X16 PC133 Non-ECC Unbuffered DIMM has 16 DRAM chips, and each chip is 16 MB in size. The density of each DRAM unit is found by multiplying 16 MB by 8 to get the value in bits rather than bytes (one byte is 8 bits). In this case, the density is 128 Mb. Step 4: What Your Motherboard Will Take You may know that the maximum size RAM module your computer will accept is 256 MB and that it needs to meet a specific specification, such as PC133. Assuming the naming scheme of the last step, if you were to purchase a 256 MB 32X8 Non-ECC PC133 Unbuffered DIMM, the density is 256 Mb. This was determined by multiplying the number 32 by 8 bits. But because compatibility is based on the density of EACH DRAM unit on a memory module instead of the capacity of the DIMM as a whole, this DIMM probably won't work in your machine. Step 5: Explanation A motherboard that only accepts 256 MB and smaller sized DIMMS will work only with memory that is based on 128 Mb technology or lower. The DIMM in this example has 8 DRAM units, each with a capacity of 32 MB. If 16 DRAM units were used, the capacity of this DIMM would be 512 MB, and it would only work in motherboards that accept 512 MB DIMMs or higher, even though it is just 256 MB in size. This is due to the density of each DRAM unit on the DIMM."

Thanks all, especially Jam for the lengthly explanation. I have found something which I think should work. The specs are: ---------------- 256 MB - DIMM 168-pin - SDRAM - 133 MHz / PC133 - 3.3 V - non-parity 32 x 64 ---------------- Will this work? Thanks