Question about an Intel 440LX memory options

[Texun]

A long time ago I got this board, drivers and CPU for $15... I think. It was supposedly a new motherboard and has no logo or branding other than P6LX-A+ which linked to the ECS page. I figure it is probably an OEM board.

The datasheet at ECS states that for SDR DIMMS it can take up to 384M using 128M modules, (or 1gig EDO mem).
The PDF file that came with the board states the same thing, and then in the next paragraph contradicts the 128M statement by adding that any combination (of SDR Memory) or size modules may be used up to 384M.

I have one 256SDR that I had planned to use until I found that little tidbit of news. The HD hasn't arrived yet or I wouldn't be asking this question: Does anyone know if the Intel 440LX chipset can use a single module of 256M? Being that this board is almost a fossil I am not willing to invest $50 in more memory just to use it. If it won't accept the 256 that I have then I'll spend the mony and order a slot 1 BX board for my project.

More details:
PII-266
80g Maxtor 5400
256M Minumim
Win2K
NIC Card
To be used as a personal file server for storing apps, drivers, MP3's, etc.

Thanks to all in advance!

 

[DaveSimmons]

You could always swap the 256 for 2x128 with someone in FS/FT. But my Abit LX-6 manual says it can take a "32Mx64 (256MB)" DIMM so it might work.

 

[Ricola]

Dude,

It probably WON'T work. There might be one or two kinds that work on that board, but the overwhelming majority of 256MB Dimms will not. Not worth the chance unless you're willing to return it!

It might just show as 128MB.

Rico

 

[Texun]

Man this bites... one maybe and one no. The odds aren't in my favor. Having spare parts that fit doesn't necessarily mean they will work together. If there's a 50/50 chance they will work I end up being wrong damn near 100% of the time.

 

[Gregor1C]

I also have a 440LX MoBo. I have a Celeron 533 CPU running on it with 256 mb of memory and a TNT2 Ultra graphics card that I have over clocked. (A Celeron2 CPU will run with only a Voodoo graphics card and uping the voltage a little) From what I read in the past most 256 mb sticks will not work, but there were a few that were specially designed to run on the 440LX MoBo. You might do an information search on the memory manufactures web site. Here is a link to Intel's memory information for the 440LX chip set.

 

[Peter]

There are three flavors of 256-MByte DIMMs.

1. 16 chips, 128-MBit "16x8" technology. Looks double sided, is logically double sided too.
2. 16 chips, 128-MBit "32x4" technology. Looks double sided but isn't.
3. 8 chips, 256-MBit "32x8" technology. Looks and is single sided.

Now since 440LX has a size limit of 128 MBytes per DIMM _side_, only the 1st type will work. An old BIOS may even limit you further down, to 64 MBytes per DIMM side.

regards, Peter

 

[Texun]

Thanks to all for the info. It's what I was looking for.... I've started looking for other boards for the project. Old BX chipsets can be had for ~ $45. Would rather have that than use the LX and buy more dead-end memory.

 

[Peter]

... only that BX has the exact same limitations. Old stuff it is both.

 

[benjamin]

texun, I would be simply whacking it in and putting power through it - that shopuld tell you. If it doesn't work look for a BIOS update, although you'd need a temporary stick to flash the BIOS with.

I can't see how it could explode / damage components but don't blame me if it does : )

Actually don't take my advice. I'm just saying that's what I'd do.

 

[Texun]

Peter

Thanks. I appreciate the info but the BX does have more headroom. I've got one with two 256's and have had several different combo's in it during the 3 years I've had it. It also supports faster CPU's. However, it still isn't ATA100 and is basically a dead end board... albeit a dead end board with a little more to offer than the LX.

benjamin has a point: It won't hurt to try it. You can bet I'll hammer on it and see what I get. If I can get anything at all out of the combo it will be better than tossing it in the trash, which is where it may end up anyway. I have access to other RAM that I can use for testing and may even be able to work out a swap. I am not investing one more dime on the current setup, so if it still doesn't work I haven't lost anything but a little time.

If it doesn't work I have a new backup plan; I've given this some thought and if fails then I might as well stop screwing around trying to patch up old parts and go with an 478 board with a Celeron. I don't need the P4 horsepower for server use but I do want it to run as cool as possible.

I had thought about the ECS board with a Duron, but that combo needs power and cooling which negates what I want out of a small home server.

Thanks to all. You've stopped me from diving into a bottomless pit.

 

[flawedexistence]

Your points are well taken. I would like to point out that the BX chipset still soldiers on quite nicely in a lot of people's systems though. Remember, you can use pc 133 memory and run the FSB at 150 for a decent overclock depending on the mobo. I'm still running an ASUS CUBX like that with 4x128 pc 133. My Plll 733 chugs along @ 825mhz rock solid. This board also has an ATA 66 controller whereas the original BX was spec'd only for ATA33. Coupled with a primitive GeForce DDR, I can still play just about all the current games @ 1024x768. Of course I'm going to be in serious doo-doo when UT-2 and Doom3 are released, but I'll shortly be building a new box anyway.

 

[Peter]

Yes sure does the BX have more headroom in other areas, but regarding supported RAM density it does not.