Annoying Computer Question: Installing New RAM on A Windows 98 Machine

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hi, my name is strongo, and i'm confused by any piece of machinery more complicated than a toaster over. i have recently inherited someones old computer, and i was just going to scrap it (it's junk), BUT i realized that i can probably remove their RAM and install it in my own junk box. of course, if i try this, i will likely destroy the computer and then kill myself. but if any of you technically minded types could explain this in terms that can be easily understood by a syphillitic penguin, i'd shower you with kisses.

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 15 April 2004 11:48 (twenty-two years ago)

for the record, the offending machines are a micron (theirs) and a compaq (mine). both use windows 98. bounce bounce bounce bounce bounce.

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 15 April 2004 11:49 (twenty-two years ago)

Strongo's so big he needs his own computer question thread.

― N. (nickdastoor), Thursday, 15 April 2004 11:56 (twenty-two years ago)

You have to know whether they both take the same type of RAM, there are many different types.

The type depends on the motherboard and chipset, also some types of RAM have to be installed in pairs.

Go here and download this program

http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1

Run it on both machines and it will tell you the motherboard types and also give you the type of ram and how many modules are installed.

Post the information back here and we'll see what you can do.

― Jarlr'mai (jarlrmai), Thursday, 15 April 2004 11:59 (twenty-two years ago)

thanks!

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 15 April 2004 12:00 (twenty-two years ago)

ilx in good for something shocker

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 15 April 2004 12:00 (twenty-two years ago)

It may be easiest if you do a custom report for the motherboard and post the results for both machines here, I'll read it and tell you what you can do.

― Jarlr'mai (jarlrmai), Thursday, 15 April 2004 12:02 (twenty-two years ago)

thanks again. i'm gonna have to do it after work tonight.

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 15 April 2004 12:02 (twenty-two years ago)

you need to match the memory speed. Look at the cards - they'll say either PC66, PC100 or PC 133 on them depending on the age of the machine. I believe you can put a higher speed RAM chip in alongside a slower one e.g a 133 alongside an existing 100 and it will work OK. In fact I did this myself recently. However if you have a 133 RAM card in there already, there's no point adding the one from the old computer if it's slower.

Disclaimer : I *could* be talking bollocks here, but no doubt someone will correct me if so.

― Dr. C (Dr. C), Thursday, 15 April 2004 12:03 (twenty-two years ago)

Some will work alongside, it depends on the density, and whether it (the mobo) supports double sided. Also not all RAM chips have there speed rating on them.

Of course if one machine is on SIMMS and the other is on DIMMS then it won't work, the same applies for DDR/SDR.

With Everest we can work out whether its possible/worth it without taking of the case.

― Jarlr'mai (jarlrmai), Thursday, 15 April 2004 12:08 (twenty-two years ago)

If both PCs are running Win98 from the factory, they're not going to be using DDR. I would say the easiest way to do it, rather than downloading and running diagnostic programs on two machines (a headache if you ask me), is simply to remove the RAM from the Micron and put it in the Compaq. Then turn on the Compaq and see if it recognizes the new RAM (right click on 'My Computer' and select properties).

― 57 7th (calstars), Thursday, 15 April 2004 12:25 (twenty-two years ago)

I know that just providing relevant information for others who may want to try.

Its a headache to open up two PCs and swap RAM if you're not sure what RAM even looks like...

I'd rather maintain the machines in the current working state rather than have someone who's not sure what they're doing swap RAM around to see if it works.

I'm not sure of strongos technical skills so i'm going to assume non and avoid him forcing a DIMM in the wrong way round or something untill i'm sure it's worth it.

Still it probably is quicker just to "give it ago" so it's up to you strongo.

― Jarlr'mai (jarlrmai), Thursday, 15 April 2004 12:52 (twenty-two years ago)

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