Can I increase RAM size if I upgrade the BIOS?

[MrTetchy]

Hi everyone out there! I was told that upgrading my BIOS would allow more RAM than 1GB to be installed in my Compaq Presario S5200UK with ASUSTeK A7N8X-LA motherboard. Is this right or wrong? I upgraded the BIOS from V3.14 to V3.21 then went on-line to a memory retailer and downloaded their scanner and ran it on my S5200uk. The results claimed I had 3 memory module slots (when in fact there are only 2). It did, however correctly report that I had 2 512MB modules installed. The scanner claimed that 3GB of RAM can be installed!!!

Now I am totally confused and don,t know what to believe. If I buy 2 GB of RAM to try it and it does not recognise it, I probably will not be able to return it for a refund. Does anyone know how I can be sure one way or the other?

Thank you.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

I don't think anyone here can tell you with 100% certainty that you will be able to run more than 1 GB of memory in your PC.

But I have looked into this matter like you did, and this is what I found out...

1.  Maximum memory on any specs I could find on your PC is 2 x 512 MB of PC2700 memory (1 GB).

2. I read the BIOS release notes for the last BIOS release and copied and pasted them here...

Fix/Enhancement:

Resolves Send/Don't Send error message after resuming from suspend mode. Adds support for new AMD microprocessors. Resolves issue causing intermittent detection of a HP external USB hard drive. Improves reports of information for large RAM memory modules. Resolves issue occurring when CD-ROM and floppy drives are removed from boot order in Setup Utility, causing the PC to attempt to restart from CD-ROM on resume. Resolves issues with floppy drive detection.

3. Here is a link to the motherboard specs:

Note the memory info:  

Maximum Memory

2 GB (PC manufacturer's maximum memory may differ)

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=c00006476

So...there is a BIOS update that improves reports of "large memory modules."

I'm not quite sure what that means but if the maximum memory is 2 x 512 MB, I hardly consider those large memory modules.

The motherboard can handle 2 GB.

Conclusion...it is not out of the realm of possibility that you can install 2 x 1 GB of PC 2700 memory in your machine, but there is no guarantee it will work.

If it were me...and I wanted to take a gamble, I would gamble in this manner.

Buy one 1 GB PC2700 memory module. Remove all other modules.  If the PC boots up reports the 1 GB of memory installed, and runs fine with the 1 GB memory module installed, then shut it down and add the other memory module you removed.

Reboot the PC.  If it correctly reports the additional memory and runs fine, and windows also reports more than 1 GB of memory, then it will be less of a risk for you to purchase the second 1 GB PC2700 module.

Of course with only 2 memory slots and no where anywhere does it say someone can install more than 2 GB on the machine, anything in excess of 2 GB is completely out of the question.

That is about the best I can do for you.

Paul

[MrTetchy · Accepted solution]

Paul, thanks for taking the time and trouble to respond with such a considered reply. I read the "Improves reports of information for large RAM memory modules" too and could not make head nor tail of it either! What you say makes sense i.e.( the safer option of buying and trying only one first). Thanks again, regards Mr.Tetchy.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Please post back if you decide to roll the dice, and let us know the outcome.

Best Regards,

Paul

[MrTetchy]

Paul, I am glad to say the news is all good. My PC is now working with 2GB RAM. My Computer Properties shows that all 2GB is recognised by Windows. In the mean time, interestingly enough, a friend says he is going to give me a faulty motherboard and two 1GB RAM modules that he bought for it only a few weeks ago. Can you see where I'm going here?? There is provision on my motherboard (through-holes) for a third RAM socket to be soldered in. As I used to be an Electronics Technician of 23 years I am considering installing  one from my friend's old motherboard and using one of the RAM modules to see if 3GB RAM will work. Crucial's scanner claims the Windows XP and the motherboard can accept 3GB. The only reason I can see, that it might not work, is if other small components are missing (capacitors, resistors etc.) as this version of motherboard was only intended for 2 sockets. If I can achieve this, when support for XP is withdrawn in 2014 I will have enough RAM to support a Windows 7 Professional upgrade! What do you think?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

That is great news!

What do I think about your project?

You're the electronics tech! 

Maybe it will work if the BIOS lets it.

But let me share some info with you before you go to town on that thing...

Windows 7...

You can run windows 7 right now with your hardware, except you need to install a windows 7 capable AGP video card.

My recommendation is to go on eBay, and purchase a used but tested and working ATI Radeon 9600 LE 128 MB AGP graphics card.

If you don't install a Windows 7 capable video card, your graphics experience will be LOUSY in Windows 7, and you will be sorry you wasted your money.

So, add the graphics card, get the W7 Home Premium or Professional upgrade (install the 32 bit version for best performance on your model), and with or without your experiment, the PC will run W7 just fine.

I once was the commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard LORAN Station on Marcus Island, Japan.

I had a bunch of you electronics techs working for me.  Keeping those ancient AN/FPN-45/46 4000KW transmitters working, and all the other electronics stuff we had there. 

I have a great deal of respect for your profession.

Best Regards,

Paul

[MrTetchy]

Thanks for all the good advice (and the complement) . I have the greatest respect for you I.T. Techies too, as since I retrained in I.T. I have really struggled to make headway. There is just too much to remember and everything changes so fast! Thanks again and I'll keep you informed of what happens (if I try it) Regards MRTETCHY