SIMM Memory Problem

[johnnymk]

I am trying to add memory to an old Presario 120 MZ computer which has an Evergreen Spectra 233 upgrade processor. It has four 72 pin SIMM slots, which currently have a total of 16 MB of memory.
I had some EDO memory which will not work.
I went to a memory website to see what memory this computer takes. It said non-parity fast page 72 pin memory. So I ordered two sticks of non parity memory from Computer Surplus Outlet, installed it and it doesnt recognize it. It is supposed to be installed in pairs, so thats not the problem.
I have noticed on some sites that the memory for that computer is fairly expensive. Is there a possibility that ONLY COMPAQ memory will work on this computer?

[seqiro]

What was the exact model of the computer, do you know? Compaq's site lists exactly what kind of RAM is required. The only model I could find that was a 120MHz machine that came with 16MB of RAM and had 4 slots was the 2100, and that one takes EDO. Compaq wants $116.92 for 64MB, crucial has it for $75.00.

But you said it didn't take EDO, so I'm guessing that's not the model?

[johnnymk]

Presario 9232

[seqiro]

Ok, the first thing I'm noticing on Compaq's page is that RAM for that machine has to have tin/lead connectors, NOT gold. That's a little harder to find these days, I think, which may be why the price is so high. Compaq wants $139 for one 32MB module and you would need two of them just to get 64MB! $280 is a good chunk of change toward a new motherboard, processor, and DDR RAM.

So check the RAM that you bought and see what kind of connectors it has. The seems like the most likely problem at this stage. I did find an eBay auction with someone selling some tin RAM if that helps at all. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2040787519

[johnnymk]

Hey, thanks for checking. That website doesnt say what kind of memory it is. It just says tin SIMM. I checked the memory I just got and it's silver so I assume it's tin.
THis is so frustrating!

[seqiro]

Out of curiosity, how much did you install?

[johnnymk]

Two 32 MB pairs. As far as I can tell, the computer will handle 128 MB

[seqiro]

Yup, that's what Compaq says. I did some usenet searches and I found a couple of posts that indicated Presarios are picky about the RAM they take. There was one post (http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&selm=01bc04f1%2461300e20%24140c6dce%40mcalkins.neosoft.com) from a Compaq employee that strongly recommended only using Compaq RAM, but having worked as a contractor for Compaq once, I take anything they say with a grain of salt. :rolleyes:

I'm not sure what else to recommend to you at this point. :(

[johnnymk]

Thanks for checking, Maybe I will find a deal soon on Compaq memory.

[Ladogaboy]

Originally posted by seqiro
Yup, that's what Compaq says. I did some usenet searches and I found a couple of posts that indicated Presarios are picky about the RAM they take. There was one post (http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&selm=01bc04f1%2461300e20%24140c6dce%40mcalkins.neosoft.com) from a Compaq employee that strongly recommended only using Compaq RAM, but having worked as a contractor for Compaq once, I take anything they say with a grain of salt. :rolleyes:

I'm not sure what else to recommend to you at this point. :(

Yeah... I'm not sure if I would believe most of the things they say. I can tell you, though, that I have two older Compaq systems, and I have never had problems with them recognizing the SIMMs that I've put in there. I do have some still hanging around, too, if you are interested. 2x4meg; 2x8meg; 2x32meg... I might have even more than that hanging around, too, but I'm not sure. :shrug: The funny thing is, the 32meg sticks aren't even matching, and they work together perfectly in the Compaq machine. :confused:

[johnnymk]

I may be interested in the 32 MB memory. How much would you want? I hope it works, because this would be the fourth attempt at installing more memory. I also bought some sticks on half.com, but little did I know that they were EDO. Is there a description on the modules?

[Grimm]

As far as Compaqs and RAM goes... Some compaq systems are very picky about the ram that will work in them. They can only use the Compaq ram. Don't know why... it just works that way :(

[Ladogaboy]

Originally posted by johnnymk
I may be interested in the 32 MB memory. How much would you want? I hope it works, because this would be the fourth attempt at installing more memory. I also bought some sticks on half.com, but little did I know that they were EDO. Is there a description on the modules?

I can't be sure what they are. They were both given to me by a friend. :shrug:

And as far as what I want for them... if you can pay the shipping, you can have them. I don't know what it will cost, but it should be less than $5. I'm away from home right now, but if you want to PM me, we can talk about it later.