Ubuntu Machine doesn't recognize RAM - HELP!!!

[ghostofzuul]

Hello,

I have an old gateway running 8.04 hardy. It came with 512MB RAM PC133. Here's the relevant part of my lshw:

*-memory
description: System Memory
physical id: 2b
slot: System board or motherboard
size: 512MiB
*-bank:0
description: [empty]
physical id: 0
slot: DIMM0
*-bank:1
description: DIMM DRAM Synchronous 100 MHz (10.0 ns)
physical id: 1
slot: DIMM1
size: 512MiB
width: 64 bits
clock: 100MHz (10.0ns)

for some reason when I install additional memory, the machine doesn't recognize it. It doesn't matter what size. 256mb or 512mb. I have a mac that also uses pc133 and memory that the ubuntu machine doesn't recognize is in fact recognized by the mac. It doesn't matter which slot i use on the ubuntu machine so i know both slots are working... just won't recognize the 2nd stick of ram regardless of the slot.


I have this extra PC 133 memory around I'd like to use but none of the extra sticks I have work in the ubuntu machine while they all work in the mac... any ideas? still kinda a newbie at this so any help would be great... thanks!

[coopstah13]

It is entirely possible that your motherboard does not support more than 512mb memory. What does it say in the BIOS?

[ghostofzuul]

It is entirely possible that your motherboard does not support more than 512mb memory. What does it say in the BIOS?

i tried to check the bios at the beginning of start up but it goes by too fast... i can't remember the way to check it line by line... please advise?

[ghostofzuul]

It is entirely possible that your motherboard does not support more than 512mb memory. What does it say in the BIOS?

methinks you may be correct... still haven't checked the bios but when i put two sticks of 256 in that works... so it seems there is a cap...

i guess a new motherboard is in my future... how hard are those to swap out? the one in this gateway with the coppermine processor seems "compact"

anyway thanks for the tip...

[Jonathan183]

i tried to check the bios at the beginning of start up but it goes by too fast... i can't remember the way to check it line by line... please advise?

When you first switch on the machine try pressing Esc key to access BIOS setup screen, if that does not work try F2, F6, F7, F8, F11, F12, del, backspace, ctrl+alt+esc etc.