Can I safely install 1.5 GB of RAM on a computer that can only handle 1.0 GB?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and risks of installing 1.5 GB of RAM in a computer that is specified to support only 1.0 GB. Participants explore potential outcomes, hardware limitations, and personal experiences related to RAM compatibility.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the financial risk of restocking fees if the RAM installation fails.
  • Another suggests that a BIOS update might allow for the installation of more RAM, but this is uncertain.
  • Some participants propose testing the 1 GB module alone if the combined RAM does not work.
  • There is speculation that the motherboard may only support 512 MB modules, limiting the effectiveness of the 1 GB stick.
  • Concerns are raised about hardware limitations that may prevent the recognition of the 1 GB module altogether.
  • Some participants caution that not all 512 MB RAM chips may be compatible, indicating that chip density could be a limiting factor.
  • A warning is issued that attempting to run unsupported configurations could potentially damage the motherboard.
  • Suggestions are made to sell the extra 512 MB RAM if it is deemed incompatible.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the 1.5 GB RAM configuration can work. Multiple competing views exist regarding the motherboard's capabilities and the risks involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention potential limitations related to hardware specifications and compatibility, but these are not fully resolved. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the exact nature of the motherboard's RAM handling capabilities.

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Installing more RAM than...

Im trying to install 1.5 gb of ram on a computer that the factory says can only handle 1.0 gb. Now, if i try it and it doesn't work then I am out 15% of 93 bucks for a restocking fee (cheap basterds). So I am wondering if anyone has done this before and know someway that it can work. This is not a 1.5 gb stick, but right now i have 512 in and just bought a 1 gb stick. So in total 1.5 gb.

All and any help appreciated...
Tom
 
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A bios update may do it, but other than that, you're probably out of luck.
 
If it does not work at all, then remove the 512MB module and try using the 1GB module by itself.
 
hitssquad said:
If it does not work at all, then remove the 512MB module and try using the 1GB module by itself.

I think the motherboard probably has 2 spaces for RAM that are only capable of handling 512MB RAM sticks.
 
Pengwuino said:
I think the motherboard probably has 2 spaces for RAM that are only capable of handling 512MB RAM sticks.
Thats it. Spose to only hold 2 512.
 
It's probably a hardware impediment. If the board can only handle DIMMs up to 512MB, then the 1GB stick likely won't work at all.
 
Sell the extra 512MB memory on ebay.
 
dduardo said:
Sell the extra 512MB memory on ebay.

If the hardware only recognizes 512MB per slot, then the new memory may not be recognizable at all by the machine.
 
I would be careful here. It is possible that certain 512 chips won't work either. It sounds like the chip density is the limiting factor here.
 
  • #10
Townsend said:
I would be careful here. It is possible that certain 512 chips won't work either. It sounds like the chip density is the limiting factor here.

Yah the 1gb chip probably wouldn't even work on its own...

i wonder what happened to the OP
 
  • #11
Mobos are programmed to run with a certain amount of everything and set at speeds. It probably won't work, and even if it did it would be very dangerous to run. (fry your mobo.)
 

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