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[Shackeng]

Just got 2GB RAM to upgrade my Dell Dimension 8300 from 512Mb. I was hoping to add the 2Gb (2 x 1Gb) and still use the 2 x 256 cards, however the machine doesn't like to run them together. Initially I loaded the 2Gb into slots 1 & 2, and moved the 2 x 256Mb to 3 & 4 (they were in 1 & 3). On restart the computer could only 'see' 512Mb. I then reloaded the 2Gb into 1 & 3, and the 512Mb into slots 2 & 4. This time it would not restart but squawked in protest. I then removed the 512Mb, it starts up fine now with 2Gb RAM. I can only assume that because they are different makes they are incompatible.
Can anyone shed further light  on this problem? :-/

[Mr Skrunts]

Dead easy.

PC's prefer matched ram modules, if mixed they run at the slowest speed/performance of what is fitted.

2 x 1g and 2 x 256 I would dump the 256's

[BigAl]

try the 1GB modules in slot 1 & 3 and the 256MB in slots 2 & 4

[Welung666]

try the 1GB modules in slot 1 & 3 and the 256MB in slots 2 & 4

That is the normal match pattern. 1 & 3 are primary for each so try it that way first

[davethediver]

Just got 2GB RAM to upgrade my Dell Dimension 8300 from 512Mb. I was hoping to add the 2Gb (2 x 1Gb) and still use the 2 x 256 cards, however the machine doesn't like to run them together. Initially I loaded the 2Gb into slots 1 & 2, and moved the 2 x 256Mb to 3 & 4 (they were in 1 & 3). On restart the computer could only 'see' 512Mb. I then reloaded the 2Gb into 1 & 3, and the 512Mb into slots 2 & 4. This time it would not restart but squawked in protest. I then removed the 512Mb, it starts up fine now with 2Gb RAM. I can only assume that because they are different makes they are incompatible.
Can anyone shed further light  on this problem? :-/

Think the OP tried that

[BigAl]

Oops missed that sentence
In that case make a note of the specs of both type of memory chips and compare them on-line to see if they are compatible, e.g latency, timings etc, you may be lucky and be able to tweak the BIOS to allow both types 

[zvi]

are they all the same speed? it's better to put the slow one's first.
put back the 2x256 to 1 & 3
and add the 2 x 1G to 2 & 4

[Mr Skrunts]

Just leave the 2 x 1gb in the 256's will never match thier performance and hence where your problems are,

[Shackeng]

are they all the same speed? it's better to put the slow one's first.
put back the 2x256 to 1 & 3
and add the 2 x 1G to 2 & 4

Also tried that, I'll look at Bigals suggestion.

Thanks for that guys.

[cem_devecioglu]

rare mobos allow you to use different speed ram modules.. and if you are lucky some of them work at the slowest speed rating as Skruntie stated..

try using same size and speed..

[Shackeng]

rare mobos allow you to use different speed ram modules.. and if you are lucky some of them work at the slowest speed rating as Skruntie stated..

try using same size and speed..

 :-?