Emechines T1100 Ram Upgrade puzzle

Robin Tyler · #1 (**permalink**) 26-04-2005, 08:29 PM

I would like 256 or better yet 512 on my PC. It has 128 now. I know I can put in one more 128. Can I put in 2 each 256 boards? I also know there is a PC 100 and a PC 133, which should I use. I also know that Emechines says only upgrade to 256. I have been told that I can get it to go 512 by using the 2 cards, but one 512 won't take. Has anyone upgraded a Emechines T1100 to 512 successfully? Any advice would be appriciated.

brain_damage · #2 (**permalink**) 26-04-2005, 10:47 PM

According to Crucial the machine will go to 512 have a look http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/list...1100&submit=Go

(Keep in mind that sometimes BIOS updates and other hardware configurations can alter memory recommendations.)

DJNafey · #3 (**permalink**) 27-04-2005, 07:35 PM

Also bear in mind that, if the maximum the motherboard can support is 512Mb RAM and it has two slots, that probably means that it can only handle a maximum 256Mb module in each slot. That would explain why the single 512Mb appeared not to work.

A very important factor that you haven't mentioned is what version of Windows you're using. If you're on Windows 2000 or XP, then fine - 512Mb RAM would be great (and going from 128Mb to 256Mb would be the step up that will give you the biggest difference - more than that would just be an added bonus). If you're running Windows 98 or ME, then forget it - you won't get them to run 512Mb effectively. Those two can normally manage 256Mb but, after that, it starts going downhill. Needing more than 128Mb RAM in a Windows 98 system either means that you're running a very demanding application such as a video editing package or you've got other problems that you're incorrectly trying to compensate for and you're probably spending money in the wrong place.

Hope that advice is helpful

FEP · #4 (**permalink**) 20-05-2005, 01:59 AM

I am in the process of trying to upgrade my T1100. I did the "Crutial" advisor and purchased 2- 256 chips to bring me up to 512. When I installed them, the system would not boot up. AN error message comes up saying " The BIOS is not fully ACPI compliant. Upgrade the BIOS or disable".

I contacted eMachine tech and they insist that the maximum capacity is 286, and that there is no BIOS upgrade avaulable. I did a Bios scan and got the following:

Program: eSupport.com BIOS Agent Version 3.45
BIOS Date: 08/29/01
BIOS Type: PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.0 licensed to Intel
BIOS ID: 31571.EM.0000.D.0108291038
OEM Sign-On: None
Chipset: Intel Whitney 82810 rev 3
Superio: ITE 8702F rev 5 found at port 2Eh
OS: WinXP SP2
CPU: Celeron(TM) 1000 Mhz
BIOS ROM In Socket: No
BIOS ROM Size: 256K
Memory Installed: 256 MB
Memory Maximum: 512 MB
Memory Slot 01: 128 MB
Memory Slot 02: 128 MB

I spoke with Crutial today, and he mentioned that they sent "2 sided chips" and that I need 1 sided. He assured me that I will get a call tomorrow from their tech people. TIme will tell. Will pass on any info I get.

DJNafey · #5 (**permalink**) 20-05-2005, 02:23 AM

What Crucial said makes sense. Double-sided memory chips are generally only compatible with newer motherboard chipsets, whilst single-sided memory modules are used for upgrading older chipsets. To be honest, though, I'm surprised that your 1.0GHz system can't cope with the double-sided ones. Having said that, I'm also surprised that E-Machines reckon that your motherboard can only handle 256Mb RAM - maybe they've were fitting cheap, old-spec boards to their new systems when yours was built.

FEP · #6 (**permalink**) 20-05-2005, 02:34 AM

I bought it new in 2001. It has been a great system for the kid to use. Now that she is out of school, I want to try and bring it up a little.

eMachine tech support just sent another email again being emphatic that it can only handle 256. Then went on to say" if you have any other questions, contact the MB manufacturer with questions".

Sounds like they don't care and just gave up. I just also sent an email to TriGem International explaining my problem. Lets see if they care.

jephree · #7 (**permalink**) 20-05-2005, 04:08 AM

When I upgraded my old Vectra from 256 to its' max of 512 I ran into the same issue.

New double-side RAM would not work but the single-side ended up just fine.

They just happened to cost twice as much

Field Value
Memory Module Properties
Module Name Micron Tech. 16LSDT3264AG-10EE3
Serial Number C1037585h
Manufacture Date Week 15 / 2003
Module Size 256 MB (2 rows, 4 banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type SDRAM
Memory Speed PC100 (100 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage LVTTL
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Normal (15.625 us), Self-Refresh

Memory Module Manufacturer
Company Name Micron Technology, Inc.
Product Information http://www.micron.com/products/category.jsp?path=/DRAM

AphJN · #8 (**permalink**) 20-05-2005, 12:31 PM

Remember what eMachines does...They are for very CHEAP entery level machines. To reach that low a price point (200, 300 USD) they use very OLD tech that is either outdated or will soon be when you buy it new.

Your problem with the Memory does not surprise me. What does surprise me is that Crucial didnt know that your machine couldnt handle double sided RAM.

DJNafey · #9 (**permalink**) 20-05-2005, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FEP

Then went on to say" if you have any other questions, contact the MB manufacturer with questions".

What rubbish "support"

FEP · #10 (**permalink**) 24-05-2005, 02:47 AM

Final Chapter to this mystery.

I heard back from Crucial techs today. RAM that they list in the "Advisor" will not work. They say the BIOS for that chipset must be updated in order from them to work. Oh well, it was worth a try. I never did hear back from the MB manufacture.

I have nothing but the highest praise to the folks at Crucial. The apologized over and over for the incorrect info, but they said no one had ever brought this to thir attention.

So I now say goodbye to eMachines and hello to a DELL 8400

I also say a hearty THANK YOU to all of you who expressed your thoughts. and tried to help

Ed Paul