can'tuse + 128mb sdram - bios settings?

[Eeyore]

Eeyore, I"m not savy enough to know how cache memory relates to ram, or really even what cache memory is, beyond knowing that this AMD K6 3D apparently had 64 kilobyte primary memory cache, and that each of the three DIM slots will run up to 128 mb of ram (ie from 1-128mb stick or 1-256mb stick) and will add the ram from the slots together too, up to 128mb.

[I]The motherboard has 512K of 5 ns cache'.

It may be what I referred to. In the manual on page 8, L2 Cache is listed as "512/1mb". You apparently have 512kb installed. That probably gives each slot a 128mb capacity. If you upgrade to 1mb cache, you would have the full 256mb per slot capacity.

Apparently the cache provides a number of addresses for the memory to use. The more cache, the more addresses and thus the ability to handle more memory.

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Dennis
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[craigb93]

Edit your System.ini file to Add the section below.

[vcache]
MaxFileCache=524288

Save & reboot

[Eeyore]

Edit your System.ini file to Add the section below.

[vcache]
MaxFileCache=524288

Save & reboot

Craig, this is a system problem, not a Windows problem. If the Motherboard can't see the memory, Windows can't see it either.

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Dennis
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[Robert M]

Before changing the RAM sticks, check the motherboard documentation for the proper jumper settings. For example: in your case, you have a 128 MB in the first slot and then you want the other two slots to accept a 64 MB chip.
First see if this is possible, and then set the jumpers. I assume you bought the right type of memory. By the way, how many memory slots are available altogether? Is there a slot zero?


After properly setting the jumpers and installing the RAM sticks, enter the BIOS/CMOS setup and perform a save and exit.

See if all of your RAM memory is listed on the black screen when starting up.
If not, there might be an improper setting.

512 KB of 5 NS cache refers to the size of the Level 2 Static RAM's cache chip(s) capacity. In the past this static RAM was located on the motherboard in a seperate chip(s), but now with the modern CPU's, it is located on the Microprocessor itself usually. As far as I know it has nothing to do with the amount of installed RAM.

For example: the amount of RAM memory installed is independent of the amount Static RAM available, and one does not affect the size of the other.
Static RAM differs from regular RAM in its access speed (much faster).

If the 64 MB chips have a slower maximum access speed than the 128 MB the motherboard BIOS/CMOS settings for memory access speed may need to be adjusted.

[Train]

Robert M.
How about a link to a motherboad manual that has that.
I'd like to read it.

[craigb93]

I have both a TX-97 and a P5S-B.
The P5A-B is the same era.
Both of mine needed a reflash of the BIOS w/ a patched version to support increased memory. The link escapes me but a google should pull it out.
The TX-97 currently uses 384 KB and the P5S-B, 512 KB.
Rereading the OP I see this is probably a necessary first step before applying my Vcache edit.

[Train]

Compaq did that to the BIOS back then also.

[^dAvEy^]

Thanks for all the input, gang.
I'm sorry I haven't been able to get back in here and reply until now, but here goes!

Apparently the cache provides a number of addresses for the memory to use. The more cache, the more addresses and thus the ability to handle more memory.

Eeyore, that may all be, but it's practically beyond me.

Edit your System.ini file to Add the section below.
[vcache]
MaxFileCache=524288
Save & reboot

- craigb93, I'm holding off on this for now, as Eeyore and yourself suggest.
- fyi, currently, my system.ini reads:
[vcache]
MaxCacheFile=400000

...TX-97 andP5S-B...The P5A-B is the same era.
Both of mine needed a reflash of the BIOS w/ a patched version to support increased memory. The link escapes me...
The TX-97 currently uses 384 KB and the P5S-B, 512 KB

- would such a "patched version" be among the ASUS P5A-B downloads here?
Download > Motherboard> P5A-B
- I"m thinking that's a simple typo (unless you were refering to 512kb Level2 cache SRAM, as I see in manual), but 512mb ram - Now THAT'S what I'm talkin about! In fact, manual says it can use up to 768mb sdram.

Craig, this is a system problem, not a Windows problem. If the Motherboard can't see the memory, Windows can't see it either.

- Isn't it significant that BELARC reports (see below) that SOMETHING sees 128mb installed memory, while SOMETHING ELSE acknowledges 256mb total installed memory (128+64+64))?
- IOW, Im not sure which is Windows and which is System, but does this still suggest that neither the mobo nor Windows sees 256mb installed?
- FROM BELARC REPORT:
128 Megabytes Installed Memory
Slot '0' has 128 MB
Slot '1' has 64 MB
Slot '2' has 64 MB

First see if this is possible, and then set the jumpers. I assume you bought the right type of memory. By the way, how many memory slots are available altogether? Is there a slot zero?
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If the 64 MB chips have a slower maximum access speed than the 128 MB the motherboard BIOS/CMOS settings for memory access speed may need to be adjusted.

- The jumpers have not been touched since I got the pc 7 years ago and I have no idea how to adjust their settings in relation to SDRAM specs.
- I have the right type of SDRAM, yes.
- 3 DIMM slots
- Yes, see above: BELARC reports Slots 0.1 & 2
- I was wondering about how "memory speed setup is recommended through SDRAM configuration under chipset features setup in Bios", but I'm not at all sure what those settings should be other than the default of (By SPD).

Oh, and Train, I"m still looking forward to getting to that hack
Thanks so much, guys....you're all flying way over my melon here!

[104456]

I think the article posted already by lgbpop states the problem which is purely down to poor design by the manufacturer

The motherboard has 512K of 5 ns cache'. There are three, 168-Pin DIMM sockets on the board which can support up to 768 MB; however, the chipset/cache' limits the amount of memory which can be cached to 128 MB.

So no manner of hacking the bios or altering of jumpers is going to resolve the issue as there is just not enough onboard cache to "see" [address] any memory above 128MB.

EDIT: More info onboard jumpers etc here
http://www.hardwarezone.com/reviews/mb/p5a/p5a.htm

Featuring 3 DIMM slots and a 5/2/1 expansion slot ATX design, the ASUS P5A is able to fit comfortably into many conventional casings available in the market. The general layout of the board is neat and jumpers are easily located on the right side of the board. The 3 DIMM slots means that you are able to fit a total of 768MB of ram onboard, however be aware that only the first 128MB of RAM will be cached. This is because of the limitations of the current design of the ALi Aladdin V Chipset

[Robert M]

Dave
You may have to get a 128 MB chip to expand your memory to 256 MB.

Since your motherboard has only three slots for RAM, you probably cannot utilize a 64 MB chip in slot 1. Sometimes these RAM chips need to be paired with a chip of the same capacity... at least in the first two RAM slots.


For example I think you could install:
128 MB in slot 0
and also 128 MB in slot 1, but not a 64MB

The 64 MB chip may be usable in the last slot after you fill the first two with like capacities but not sure.

Pmckinnie,
Usually a BIOS flash is not necessary to utilize all the RAM memory a motherboard was designed for. A motherboard company wouldn't last long if you could not use the full RAM capacity stated in the motherboard's specifications.