Maximum memory allowed in IBM PL-300?

[Bob Jones]

I have an IBM PL-300, Machine Type/Model 6862-N4U. The chart under the
hood of this machine shows it can take up to 128MB of PC100 memory in
each of its three slots for a total of 384MB.

Will this PC accept more memory than that, perhaps 256MB in each slot
for a total of 768MB? Is there any definitive source on this subject?

[Pen]

Go here and get the bad news, page 17 of the doc.
ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/commercial_desktop/6275tim.pdf

"Bob Jones" <questionz_99@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:4396eabe.0309260924.694b6c4f@posting.google.com... I have an IBM PL-300, Machine Type/Model 6862-N4U. The chart under
the hood of this machine shows it can take up to 128MB of PC100 memory
in each of its three slots for a total of 384MB. Will this PC accept more memory than that, perhaps 256MB in each
slot for a total of 768MB? Is there any definitive source on this
subject?

[Guest]

Pen wrote:
Go here and get the bad news, page 17 of the doc. ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/commercial_desktop/6275tim.pdf


..


That's old information, in a document that was created in 1998. 256MB
DIMMs with 16Mx8(128Mbit) chips have since been qualified with the 440BX
chipset. And, his 6862-N4U system should support 256MB DIMMs with
sixteen 16Mx8 chips--or eighteen chips if ECC.

256MB DIMMs are listed as an option by IBM for the 6862's:
http://www-3.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=JBAR-3TRLB3

Kingston also has 256MB DIMMs listed for his model.

[Guest]

Bob Jones wrote:
I have an IBM PL-300, Machine Type/Model 6862-N4U. The chart under the hood of this machine shows it can take up to 128MB of PC100 memory in each of its three slots for a total of 384MB. Will this PC accept more memory than that, perhaps 256MB in each slot for a total of 768MB? Is there any definitive source on this subject?

[Bob Jones]

Thanks for pointing me right to the source, Pen.

Where do I find the chipset on the MB? I want to confirm the bad news
for myself. You know, just in case IBM used a different chipset on
later models.

Here's a thought: The updated BIOS (dated 2001), which I've installed,
supposedly allows a faster processor than listed in the manual to be
used in this machine. Is it possible that the BIOS would or could
allow faster memory?

[Bob Jones]

I just found a helpful message on IBM's support forum. It conflicts
with the information in the manual, but seems authoritative enough to
me to risk trying the 256MB DIMMs.

--------------------------------------------------------
Topic: Help with memory upgrade (2 of 5), Read 70 times
Conf: PC 300PL Series
From: Jennifer@IBM3
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2003 10:31 AM

Hi, for 6892
The IBM PC 300PL (Types 6862, 6872, 6892) systems support the
following DIMM sizes: 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB and 256MB. Only SDRAM
non-registered DIMMS should be installed. Non-parity or error checking
and correction (ECC) DIMMs are supported in the IBM PC 300PL (Type
6862, 6872, 6892) systems. Install only ECC DIMMs to enable ECC.

Installing memory in the IBM PC 300PL (Type 6862, 6872, 6892) systems,
populate DIMM socket 0 first, then DIMM socket 1, and DIMM socket 2
last. Use 3.3 volt, unbuffered 100 MHz memory.

6592
Any combination of DIMM sizes, up to 128 MB is acceptable.

Start filling DIMM socket 0, then 1, then 2.

Use 3.3 V unbuffered EDO DIMMs only.

Non-parity or ECC DIMMs are supported.

Install only ECC DIMMs to enable ECC.

Thank you for using the IBM Discussion Forums.

Jennifer Kelly
IBM World-Wide Electronic Support and Services

[Kelly]

On 26 Sep 2003 15:06:55 -0700, questionz_99@yahoo.com (Bob Jones)
wrote:
I just found a helpful message on IBM's support forum. It conflictswith the information in the manual, but seems authoritative enough tome to risk trying the 256MB DIMMs.

These machines tend to be very finicky about the RAM modules
installed. I would strongly suggest that you get the RAM from either
IBM or Crucial.com. My experience has been that generic RAM modules
usually won't work in PC 300 GL or PL systems.

Just because the 440BX chip set will support larger RAM modules
doesn't mean that the BIOS and motherboard in your system will. Note
that Crucial states that the largest module that can be used is 128
MB, and Crucial is usually pretty good about what works and what
doesn't. Also, the general comment that "The IBM PC 300PL (Types
6862, 6872, 6892) systems support the following DIMM sizes: 16MB,
32MB, 64MB, 128MB and 256MB ..." doesn't mean that *your specific
machine* will accept 256 MB DIMMs.

If you decide to try the 256 MB DIMMs anyway, I would be certain to
buy them from a vendor that will allow you to return the RAM modules
if they don't work.
- -
Gary L.
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