ram hell

I just got this from eBay:

COMPAQ 1GB 4 x 256MB PC100 ECC RAM Kit

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6806994135


It doesn't seem to work in my Dell Optiplex GX1. I plug it in, and my
computer doesn't boot right. Anyone know why?

They told me 256MB PC100 ECC should work.

What is ECC anyway? Do all the chips have to be ECC or nonECC?

<bob@coolgroups.com> wrote in message news:1128819344.582003.298330@f14g2000cwb.googlegr oups.com...
>I just got this from eBay:
>
> COMPAQ 1GB 4 x 256MB PC100 ECC RAM Kit
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6806994135
>
>
> It doesn't seem to work in my Dell Optiplex GX1. I plug it in, and my
> computer doesn't boot right. Anyone know why?
>
> They told me 256MB PC100 ECC should work.
>
> What is ECC anyway? Do all the chips have to be ECC or nonECC?

A little knowledge is dangerous; no knowledge can be worse.
Take your computer to a knowledgeable friend and let him
or her help you -- or maybe take it to local repair shop. Avoid
BestBuy and its ilk. If you really want to have another go at it
yourself, use the "Memory Advisor Tool" at www.crucial.com
and get the correct (and reliable quality) memory for your Optiplex.
You might also go to a book store and buy a book on building or
repairing PC's.

-- Bob Day
http://bobday.vze.com

That tool says this is compatible:

256MB CT156108 SDRAM, PC100 · CL=2 · Unbuffered · ECC ·
100MHz · 3.3V · 32Meg x 72

This looks like what I got. Is what I got unbuffered though?

bob@coolgroups.com wrote:
> That tool says this is compatible:
>
> 256MB CT156108 SDRAM, PC100 · CL=2 · Unbuffered · ECC ·
> 100MHz · 3.3V · 32Meg x 72
>
> This looks like what I got. Is what I got unbuffered though?
>
Compaq Memory can be funny stuff at the best of times, I looks like that
memory is for compaq servers.

I agree with Bob, if you not sure what your doing you shouldn't be
buying memory from ebay.

Your best bet is to sell the compaq memory on ebay and order some from
Crucial at least then you know it works with your machine and it's
reliable memory.

Paul

> Anonymouswrote:
I just got this from eBay:
>
> COMPAQ 1GB 4 x 256MB PC100 ECC RAM Kit
>
>
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6806994135
>
>
> It doesn't seem to work in my Dell Optiplex GX1. I plug it in, and
my
> computer doesn't boot right. Anyone know why?
>
> They told me 256MB PC100 ECC should work.
>
> What is ECC anyway? Do all the chips have to be ECC or nonECC?

Yes, listen to Paul, sell what you bought back on e-bay. No harm, no
foul.

Then go to crucial.com and get what you need. Their tool is great.
It's very easy to use and you can't beat Micron RAM.

Best of luck

ECC is error checking and correcting. It will correct single bit errors and detect (and halt the system) multiple bit errors. All the DIMMs and the motherboard must be ECC capable for ECC to work.
This memory is register. If I recall correctly registered is the same as buffered.
Your problem might be memory timing, e.g. CL2 might be too fast for your motherboard.
I have used ECC memory, but not registered/buffered. You can mix ECC and non_ECC components and they will work (without the ECC feature). I don't know if you can do the same with registered/buffered components.

bob@coolgroups.com wrote:
>
> I just got this from eBay:
>
> COMPAQ 1GB 4 x 256MB PC100 ECC RAM Kit
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=6806994135
>
> It doesn't seem to work in my Dell Optiplex GX1. I plug it in, and my
> computer doesn't boot right. Anyone know why?
>
> They told me 256MB PC100 ECC should work.
>
> What is ECC anyway? Do all the chips have to be ECC or nonECC?

--
Mike Walsh
West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A.