Memory upgrade for a Compaq

[slacker_x]

I am trying to install 128 megs of pc100 sdram in my neighbor's compaq presario 5477. I pulled the memory from my desktop, so I know it works fine.

From Compaq's support web site:
<STRONG>Question:
What memory upgrades are available for my Presario Desktop 5477?</STRONG>
<STRONG>Answer:
Your Presario 5477 comes installed with 64 MB 100 MHz SyncDRAM, shared memory architecture, two total DIMM slots upgradable to 256 MB MAX. 8 MB dedicated for video memory (SyncDRAM DIMM required)

Good luck.</STRONG>

Seems to me that it should work. Does anyone have any ideas?

[DMR]

What happens when you install the new memory?
Was the box from which you took the memory a Compaq as well?

I can't find any information to back this thought up, but it sticks in the back of my brain that Compaq doesn't use generic, off-the-shelf RAM. I can't remember where the thought comes from, but if you look for RAM, dealers always seem to separate Compaq model-specific RAM from the general categories of PC RAM. As I said, I can't determine if this is just a marketing ploy, or if the RAM is really different or proprietary in some way.

[slacker_x]

I lied, the ram is actually pc133, but it should still work fine *if* the compaq uses standard sdram which the comments on their site seemed to indicate.

[FoBoT]

compaqs are real tricky when it comes to memory, depending on the exact motherboard/model, some memory just won't work

there were some presario's with 66mhz fsb that will only take 66mhz ram, pc100/pc133 just won't work

basically you have to either buy certified compaq memory (which usually costs more) or just keep trying different sticks until you find some that work

[slacker_x]

....and this is why compaq's are 5hit. I've got a part number for the ram now...pathetic.

Apparently it shipped with pc100 ram, but the cpu is a celeron 500, so the fsb is only 66 mhz

[YaRness]

umm, crucial.com doesn't list a 5477. that's not good news.

you'll hafta try a few different brands, or do some more research. compaqs are definitely EXTREMELY picky about what ram you can put in them

[slacker_x]

It's a Canadian computer. Probably just a renumbered model from the US.