I've got a question for the more technically minded board members. Since my computer (a relatively old eMachines T1115) has been getting a bit slow recently, I decided to upgrade it slightly rather than shell out a few hundred dollars for a new system.
The last time I upgraded, I added 256 MB of memory to the 128 MB that came with the computer, so I figured that I'd just pop out the original 128 MB and replace it with another 256 MB unit (since my system only has 2 memory slots and can apparently only handle 512 MB of total memory).
Checking online, one of the sites with a compatability checker indicated that I should insert memory of the following type: 256MB PC133 133MHz SDRAM DIMM 168pin.
Checking eBay, I found sellers offering memory that matched these keywords for under $8 with free shipping. I chose an American seller who'd made thousands of eBay sales over the last few years rather than one of the slightly cheaper sellers who registered out of China a few months ago. The eBay page contained the following info:
SPECIFICATION :
168PIN Memory
133Mhz
3.3 Volt Module
DIMM (DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY 32 X 4)
Non-ECC, Non-Parity
Unbuffered
High quality
Brand new.
It is well tested.
256 MB
PC133 Compliant
168-pin high density memory
Non ECC
Unbuffered
Gold leads
Operating voltage: 3.3V
Warranty: Defective merchandise (Dead On Arrival ~ DOA) can be returned for "replacement only" within 10 days of purchase. If a replacement item is not available than a refund of the purchase price of the product. Buyer must contact us to obtain an RMA number prior to returning the merchandise. Buyer is responsible for returning the item in it's exact original condition, including all packaging, accessories and manuals. Units that are found to be free of defects or missing components will be returned to the buyer at the buyers expense.
After getting the memory on Saturday, I popped open my case and swapped the new 256 MB unit for the 128 MB unit. After turning my system back on, my computer only registered 256 MB of memory instead of the desired 512 MB. I swapped positions between the 256 MB units without effect; the system still registered only 256 MB. Removing the older 256 MB unit, the system failed to start at all (and beeped several times once the power was turned on). Moving the new 256 MB unit from one memory slot to the other also lead to a failure to start and some beeping. Removing the new unit and replacing it with the original 128 MB and 256 MB units returned the system to the previous 384 MB of memory.
My question is, in your opinion, is the new memory DOA (as indicated by the warranty), or have I purchased memory that is incompatible with my system (if it helps, the unit has a sticker on it that reads 256M PC 133 and the black rectangles all read SAMSUNG 0[37, 40, 46, or 52] K4S280432A-TC75)? While I'd hate to waste almost $8, I'd be more annoyed if I sent the thing back and they returned it to me because it is working but simply doesn't work with my system, thereby forcing me to waste more money on an incompatible part.
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"Anyone can be a winner if their definition of victory is flexible enough." - The DM of the Rings XXXV
The last time I upgraded, I added 256 MB of memory to the 128 MB that came with the computer, so I figured that I'd just pop out the original 128 MB and replace it with another 256 MB unit (since my system only has 2 memory slots and can apparently only handle 512 MB of total memory).
Checking online, one of the sites with a compatability checker indicated that I should insert memory of the following type: 256MB PC133 133MHz SDRAM DIMM 168pin.
Checking eBay, I found sellers offering memory that matched these keywords for under $8 with free shipping. I chose an American seller who'd made thousands of eBay sales over the last few years rather than one of the slightly cheaper sellers who registered out of China a few months ago. The eBay page contained the following info:
SPECIFICATION :
168PIN Memory
133Mhz
3.3 Volt Module
DIMM (DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY 32 X 4)
Non-ECC, Non-Parity
Unbuffered
High quality
Brand new.
It is well tested.
256 MB
PC133 Compliant
168-pin high density memory
Non ECC
Unbuffered
Gold leads
Operating voltage: 3.3V
Warranty: Defective merchandise (Dead On Arrival ~ DOA) can be returned for "replacement only" within 10 days of purchase. If a replacement item is not available than a refund of the purchase price of the product. Buyer must contact us to obtain an RMA number prior to returning the merchandise. Buyer is responsible for returning the item in it's exact original condition, including all packaging, accessories and manuals. Units that are found to be free of defects or missing components will be returned to the buyer at the buyers expense.
After getting the memory on Saturday, I popped open my case and swapped the new 256 MB unit for the 128 MB unit. After turning my system back on, my computer only registered 256 MB of memory instead of the desired 512 MB. I swapped positions between the 256 MB units without effect; the system still registered only 256 MB. Removing the older 256 MB unit, the system failed to start at all (and beeped several times once the power was turned on). Moving the new 256 MB unit from one memory slot to the other also lead to a failure to start and some beeping. Removing the new unit and replacing it with the original 128 MB and 256 MB units returned the system to the previous 384 MB of memory.
My question is, in your opinion, is the new memory DOA (as indicated by the warranty), or have I purchased memory that is incompatible with my system (if it helps, the unit has a sticker on it that reads 256M PC 133 and the black rectangles all read SAMSUNG 0[37, 40, 46, or 52] K4S280432A-TC75)? While I'd hate to waste almost $8, I'd be more annoyed if I sent the thing back and they returned it to me because it is working but simply doesn't work with my system, thereby forcing me to waste more money on an incompatible part.
----------------------------------------------------
"Anyone can be a winner if their definition of victory is flexible enough." - The DM of the Rings XXXV
