Ram memory my system recognizes 3 256 MB Ram memory sticks. All 3 work independently and all slots are working. On system configuration it's showing that only 1 stick (256MB) is available. I tried changing it on the F12 menu but its not allowing me to go higher than 256.

Memory sticks are not devices such as printers and
Dell XPS 400 PC Desktop
Installing RAM on a desktop computer is of moderate difficulty for most non-technical people. Before beginning any memory upgrade, make sure the proper RAM has been purchased. The Dell XPS 400 requires DDR2 RAM (240-pin DIMM).

Preparing the Computer b> The computer must be unplugged before any work can be completed and the proper precautions must be taken, such as wearing an anti-static wristband. Also, replacing the RAM on a Dell machine could void its warranty. To install the new RAM, the case of the computer needs to be opened. Replacing the RAM b> The motherboard has four RAM slots. Each slot takes one stick of RAM (up to 1 GB per stick). The XPS 400 can utilize up to 4 GB of RAM. If adding RAM, put the new RAM in an empty slot. If replacing the RAM, take out the existing one and then put the new RAM into the machine. Important Notes b> While the Dell XPS 400 has four RAM slots, if only two sticks of RAM are to be used, they must be inserted into slots 1 and 3 or slots 2 and 4 for optimal performance. A single stick of RAM should be inserted into slot 1. Always put the largest ram module closest the CPU central processing unit.
Start your computer Wait for Windows to load. Click on "My Computer" and select "Properties" using right-click in the Explorer window. This will open "Systems Properties." Click on the "General" tab. Here you can view the physical memory installed on your computer. The amount indicated is the total RAM installed on your computer. RAM is usually 32 MB, 64 MB or 128 MB in older PC versions. Newer PCs are usually equipped with 256 MB, 512 MB or even higher RAM.
b>If you're not sure if a module is right for your system, use the Crucial Memory Advisor tool for a list of guaranteed compatible modules. First you will need to select the manufacturer from a drop down list then select your product line from a drop down list then select the model then click find it will take you directly to compatible ram also you will have an option to scan your system. You should always ask for a guarantee on the compatibility before making any purchase and try to buy for working pairs if possible.

try resetting the computer, if that doesn't work it could be that your computer only recognizes 250mb or your BIOS needs to be configured.

Consider updating your motherboard bios.

http://www.asrock.com/mb/download.asp?Model=K7VT2&o=BIOS

Also make sure that your memory is correct for this system:


- Max. capacity of system memory: 2GB DDR or 2GB SDRAM
- DDR x 2, DDR266/200 non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- SDRAM x 2, PC133/100 non-ECC, un-buffered memory

HI,

Well, you need to understand that The first 2 slots on the board supports DDR2 and the last 2 supports DDR, so first off make sure that your using the first two slots. With that said, I assume that the Ram are identical? If not, that can be problematic. The next thing I would check is the bUS speed, and check with the mfg to make sure they are compatible modules. It supports DDR 333/400 and DDR2 533/400
As well as supports 128/256/512/1024 Mb technology up to 2GB. If your memory falls within these specifications, then put one chip on at a time to test to make sure that each one works independently, as well as try each slot independently. , If both work that's a good thing. You also need to update your BIOS which you can do HERE. If you've checked your slots and each memory stick, and you've updated BIOS, they should work. If not, they there is something wrong with the board when two chips are inserted, your connector between the two slots must be damaged. However, most unlikely, If you follow the above suggestion, you should be OK.

Good Luck,

Mark

1st try to exchange the cards in the slot.
2nd try another card
3rd ur RAM slot may not be ok
4th ur RAMs may not be compatible
5th ur new RAM card may not be ok
use same type of RAMs, and same size...
if u have 256, add 256
if u ahve 128 add 128
if u have SDR then dont add DDR
getting compatibility is little difficult...
some times no combinations can work...
note...technology keeps changing...so a old RAM card that was bought years ago may not be compatible with a new RAM card....
even i got all my old RAM cards(256+128) removed and got 2 - 512mb of the same type fixed...even i had issues with my RAMs for 6 months...

You can't install two RAMs with different MHz on a single motherboard. Sometimes it works but, usually one of the RAM gets busted. This is based on my experience though.

No there are no DIP switches to change, or jumpers to move on your motherboard, in regards to your BIOS recognizing ram memory installed.
(BIOS. Basic Input/Output System. This tiny program, {64MB in size usually}, that is burned into your BIOS chipset, is what recognizes ram memory on your computer)

Things to know about the older Sdram ram memory.
1.It's really SDR Sdram. Single Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory.
DDR is Double Data Rate Sdram, DDR2 is Double Data Rate 2 Sdram, and so on.

Point? All ram from SDR to DDR3, IS Sdram.

2.Standards have been set by JEDEC for computer ram memory starting from DDR Sdram on up. This standards were not implemented back in the day of SDR Sdram.

Point? Ram memory manufacturers didn't all follow the same standard, and ram memory made for one computer, would Not work in another computer.
This means you need THE ram memory for YOUR eMachines computer.

Main factors when buying SDR Sdram,
A.Correct type. You know this. SDR Sdram.
168 gold plated contact pins on the bottom of the ram 'stick'. (82 on each side)

B.Correct 'Speed'. ('Speed' is slang for Frequency Rate) You know this. SDR Sdram that operates at a frequency rate of 133MHz. (Or also known as PC133)

C.It must be low density Non-ECC ram memory. It cannot be high density ECC. (Error Control Correcting. Used for Server computers mostly)

D.Correct CAS Latency. Also known as Ram Timings. 3-3-3-3-2 would be normal for SDR Sdram.

E.Correct Chip Configuration. How the DRAM chips are accessed. DRAM chips are the black rectangular chips on each side of your ram memory 'stick'. Also what size the DRAM chips are in MegaBytes. (MB)

F.What the Maximum TOTAL Amount is for the motherboard. Is it 256MB? 512MB? Or more?

G.What the Maximum Amount is for EACH ram 'slot'. (Correct speak for 'Slot' is Bank)

H.Do you have four ram 'slots'? You MUST have a ram stick in Slot 1. This is the slot closest to the processor. It is the first ram slot the processor 'reads'.

if you have two sticks of ram .... 256 each one is not working... take them out and reseat them. if that doesn't work swap slots.... you are likely using about 8mb for system video or perhaps more so you are not likely to show a full 512 mb.

Robert

I had the same issue on this board where it came with a Samsung 512 MB 533 MHz PC2-4200 DDR2 DIMM. I put in a 1 GB Kingston with the same specs (533 MHz PC2-4200 DDR2) and it would not recongize the Samsung anymore with the system reading as 1 GB of RAM instead of 1.5 GB. Tried every configuration and would only see the Kingston. It would only see the Samsung if I pulled out the Kingston regarless of the slots I use. So, I just bought the exact same make/model of Kingston and it recognized that fine and the system now has 2 GB of memory (max this board allows). And, I had already installed the latest BIOS for this board from Intel before doing all this so wasn't an old BIOS. I'm figuring the board didn't like something about the Samsung memory (speed, module configuration, etc.) that made it not play nice with the Kingston. If interested I bought the DM8400A/1G Kingston modules. And, this board appears not to support dual channel memory. Only has channel A, slots 0 and 1, and I read need two channels to support dual channel (seems obvious). Boards that supports dual channel memory normally have 4 memory slots, two for channel A and two for channel B, then put in matching modules in slot 0 for channel A and B and have dual channel memory access. And if want more ram, then matching modules in slot 1 for channel A and B.

how old is it ? It;s possible that the total amount of memory that it supports is of 256MB

It should not matter the fact that the memorys on the slots have different sises
But u have to check u're user manual, it contains all the info. u need....

Also u can try a BIOS update ....