Hope I am in the right section !!! Computer is a Dell, purchased from them about 5 years ago. Motherboard is Intel CA810 ( no specs on Crucial ), . . .P3, 980cpu, 75G Hard Drive., came with 2 sticks of 128 P100. Within the first 2 years, these were replaced with a 128 P133 and a 256 P133, and has worked very well at 384 total ( WXP Pro 2 ).

Now I need more memory and here's the problem. I have tried various combinations of P133, . . .with another 256 and/or a 512, each added to one of the originals, and/or by themselves, but they only register at an additional 32 mb ! The old 128 and the new 512 only register at 160mb.. . . as does the old 256 and the new 256 registers at 288mb., again, just a 32mb increase.

But when I put the two old sticks back in, it goes back to 384mb. This comp should handle this easily, shouldn't it. It runs on P133, and certainly should accommodate 768 mb's. . . . .or 512. Why is it not accepting same/or like memory sticks. What am I missing ? Please try not to talk over my head, I'm 6'1". THX Heaps.What MODEL is your Dell computer? It's possible that it can't handle very much memory. Some can only handle 512 MB, some more/less. If you can provide me with what model you have I can research this for you.

FlameHow About a DELL DIMENSION L866r ?Ok, thanks. According to my research, your computer can only handle up to 512 MB of RAM. Is this dual channel RAM? Does this help?

FlameWhen I put in the 512mb stick by itself ( comp only has 2 slots ) the System Properties window only shows 32mb, and it acts like it. When I put in 2 - 256's, it shows 288mb, . . .256 + 32. (?) I "don't think" this is dual channel. Doesn't the MoBo has to be 'configured' as Dual Channel. ? Thought Dual Channel was newer technology than this comp. Maybe just the 384mb ( 256 + 128 ) is all I'm going to get out of this Oldie.? Time to enter the 21st Century ? Does UPGRADING the BIOS, never done, have anything to do with this ? Hope not, 'cause I have no IDEA what that means or entails, or the expense of it.An L866 has a PIII866 orocessor. It does not run in dual channel model and it will not take more than what it was designed for. A newer BIOS will not "fix" this. It is what it is. It will take no chip larger than 256, it has 512 meg total and the chips must have specific characteristics. There is more to RAM than just the speed.

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp?Mfr%2BProductline=Dell%2BDimension+%2F+Dimension+XPS&mfr=Dell&tabid=AM&model=Dimension+L+Series&submit=Go

The problem with the newer RAM is it is probably High DENSITY or some other characteristic inmcompatible with what you are matching it with.

I think you have just directed me into a "newer" comp. Really appreciate your efforts. This has got to be the best site on the web. Hope you're makin' the big bucks !!!!!Glad we were able to help then Come back and SEE us if you have any more questions.

FlameOh yeah, we're making the big bucks. This is a totally volunteer affair. If you think we need a raise, then PM Nathan, the Admin.Quote

Oh yeah, we're making the big bucks. This is a totally volunteer affair. If you think we need a raise, then PM Nathan, the Admin.

Ahem. Sorry to break it to you, but the Dimension series are desktops, not laptops. Laptops are in Inspiron series. If you still want to know about the Dimensions, I'll tell you that mine works like a dream!

Flame