The memory controller in your G3s will not recognize high-density (32 MB) memory chips. The maximum, per chip, is 16 MB. So, if your memory module has 8 chips, the greatest amount of memory that will be seen is 128 MB. To be seen as 256 MB, the module would have to have 16 chips.
In listing memory, vendors have a variety of ways to specify the density, but most often they will represent it in terms of A X B, where A is the amount of memory per chip and B is the number of chips on the module. Your 256 MB module is probably 32 X 8 and has chips on only one side. As for the speed issue, he is a good explanation taken from the OWC FAQ: "PC-133 and PC-100 memory modules are backwards compatible. You can use a PC-133 memory module in a system designed to be used with PC-66 without any issues. Higher speed memory modules always default to the highest CAS latency rating at slower speeds. For example, a PC-133 CL3 (3-2-2) chip will run at either PC-100 or PC-66, CL2 (2-2-2) operation. If you purchase a PC-100 memory module and receive a substitute PC-133 module, it is a comparable substitution without any compromise or speed degradation from a native PC-100 part. Occasionally, Apple System Profiler will incorrectly report the memory as slower, or 3-2-2 memory, when it is actually programmed correctly for the backwards compatibility. Most notably this can occur with Apple Power Macintosh G4 "AGP" "Sawtooth" logic boards, and also Apple Power Macintosh G4 "Cube" systems. Rest assured, if you perform a moving memory test using Gauge Pro (included here in the OWC Tech Center in the Newer Technology downloads), you will see that there is no speed degradation using this memory. Simply put. the memory controller on the system?s logic board is not programmed to recognize PC-133 memory modules properly - they will function perfectly, just report an incorrect speed." I purchased a 256MB 168-pin DIMM 133mhz SDRAM. I placed it in a 450 B&W G3 & Beige 266DT and they both recognized them as 128MB only. So then I placed the 256 RAM module into a 400mhz G3 Green iMac DV and it was recognized as 256 - but it has an asterik next to it that says "these are slower DIMM's". (Note: The original memory chip in the iMac is a 256 PC100.) So my question is why is the memory being recognized as 128 instead of the 256 in the other 2 G3's (B&W & Beige)? From what I understood you could use PC133's in place of PC100's. They would work only as fast as PC100's. But I didn't think they would be recognized as only half the memory size? Am I off track on this? Do I need PC100's only? -- G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- We have Apple Refurbished Monitors in stock! | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-List list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
