Customer Reviews

PNY 256MB DIMM PC133 SDRAM Memory

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

A couple of people have complained about this card having high density chips, which are incompatible with their system. This happened with my Oct. 2000 Dell Dimension 4100. According to the person I spoke to at PNY's technical support (1-800-234-4597), since the high density 133MHz chips are *not* downwards compatible to 100MHz machines, but the low density 133MHz chips are, the 256S100, despite its name, actually contains 133MHz chips. (I suppose it is cheaper to inventory this way.) And they are low density. So the 256S100 is the correct choice for someone like me whose specs call for a 168 pin DIMM of 133MHz SDRAM, but whose computer cannot handle the newer high density chips. What seems to have happened--which I learned from Viking Components tech support as I was comparing with their cards (compare their DL3264M with their PC13332X64-CL3: the specs are the same, and sometimes the cards are identical, but the second is guaranteed to be 16 low density chips, whereas the first may or may not be 8 high density depending on what they have when they ship) is that if the card makers have them, they put high density chips on their cards; otherwise they put on the low density. This of course--and inexcusably--makes the compatability information on the card-makers websites obsolete, and leads to problems like those seen in some other reviews, which I also experienced.

So I would like to suggest getting the 256S100 if you have any doubts about whether your computer can take the high density chips. The 256S100 is indeed working in my computer, and my BIOS claims it is 133MHz, despite its name. But what you should really do is call tech support and make sure your computer can handle the card before you buy.

I have a 800MHz Pentium III. This computer is not the newest computer, but it is not an obsolete computer either. I bought 512 MB (2 256dimms) of RAM and to my surprise, the computer only recognized half of it! The problem is not the computer, in the PNY web site there's a warning about using this "high density" memory with old (1999 and older) motherboards.

When I saw the following, I knew this has happened to a lot of people before me.

From the PNY web site:

7) Why does my system only see 25% or 50% of the total memory installed?

Answer

Older (Pre 1999) systems may require an older memory module design that PNY and most other manufacturers no longer make. Some of these modules are still available, but they are not generally easy to find. The modules that we now manufacture use a high-density construction. These new modules will not work properly in your older system. If you have already purchased a module, and that module is not working in your system, return the module to the store where you purchased it within the time of the return policy.

If you are running Windows 98 check "MSCONFIG" to make sure that your system is not limited to a set number of megabytes of memory. Go to "Start", select "Run", and then type in "MSCONFIG". Press "Enter", then go to the "Advanced" button at the bottom, and look to see if there is a check mark in the box that says, "Limit memory to". This should be unchecked. If you make a change here, you must reboot before any changes will take effect.

I disagreed with ANONYMOUS' review of March 20 that this 256MB PC133 memory module is incompatible with Dell Dimension 4100. I have the same model desk top (P3 800MHZ) purchased Sept 2000 (see my review of Mar 22).This memory upgrade works so well, I just purchased a second one to upgrade my memory to 512MB. All you have to do is to open the case, plug in the module and restart the computer, check the system property, your memory is upgraded.

I have purchased many, memory upgrades. There is nothing worse than buying memory, getting it, installing it only to boot up your computer and get that annoying beep that tells you that you have incompatible memory. You might also boot up and not even find the new memory size. Well put all that aside with this memory from "PNY". Line up the notches, slide it in, clip in the locking clips, boot up and presto, you now upgraded your system. Excellent!

I installed this memory into a Dell Dimension 4100 bought in 10/2001 with no problems. The best upgrade for the money.

I purchased this memory to double my computer's memmory and its great just opened my computer pluged it in and it was ready so easy to install and it will greatly increase your computing speed during such applications as video games but you need a computer from at least 2000 and its not compatible with PC100

I ordered these since the ad said, quote, "They are specifically designed to work with new high-speed processors like the Pentium III."

I have a pentium III, but the original card in my machine is a pc100. These pc133 cards did not work for me. I am admittedly 'technically challenged', and if you are too then you can learn from my mistake-- if you are not savvy about computers, please take a look at the card that is in your computer BEFORE you order any memory module. You can't always go by referencing even from your machine's manufacturer's site or an ad on an on-line store as to what may work or what is actually installed in your computer.

I must say that Amazon was amazingly wonderful in my request to rectify my situation to get what I actually need for my computer. 5 stars to amazon for their customer service.

I have purchased Centon, PNY and several other brands of memory for several machines. I haven't had any problems with PNY brand memory. I installed this module in a E-machines T1220 1.2 GHz Celeron system that came with only 128 MB of memory. You certainly notice a difference when running certain programs with the additional memory. You should also change the size of your pagefile after changing your ram size. If you don't like to mess with rebates this is a good price with free shipping. If you don't mind rebates you can find it slightly less expensive with coupons and rebates at one of the 3 big office stores.

Purchased two 256Mb modules for a Gateway E-3400 SE (year:2001 / P3 930MHz / WinXP SP2). Just installed and everything is working. System Properties correctly show 512Mb.

Ordered with free shipping on Monday and received memory Wednesday!

I received it within 24 hours of my purchase and appreciate for quick free shipment from amazon. However, when I installed it into the PC that stopped working right now, I did not see anything on the monitor. I had previous memory installation experience and it was easy. The memory was in the right place with the tabs/nothces were put together so it was placed correctly. I rebooted the PC but nothing happened. I tried 3 times without any success. At that time, I had noticed that that memory stick was very hot. Then I called to PNY tech support # provided on the package and that person told me that that memory I received from amazon was defective and return to amazon. It was OK to return the item but I could not reboot my PC. He told me to removed the battery from PC and unplugged it for 2+ hours to reset it. I waited 3 hours and put everything back and turn it on. Nothing happened. I called again to PNY tech support and waited 45min and they suddenly cut the line. I tried again and waited another 45 min and they cut the line again (I heard the ringing tone, then suddenly the line was cut off -- twice!!). I cannot wait another hour to be cut off again. It seemed like they are avoiding my call and they already knew that new PNY memory caused my other memory sticked burned. I saw little burned on (gold edges of the sticks) both my old memory stick and new PNY I purchased from amazon. My PC was not only unimproved with this new PNY memory, but I also lost my existing good memory stick (125MB). This meory stick is pretty expensive and I chose brand name expecting for better quality as well as improvement for my PC but now, I even lost my good one and cannot use my PC. You can't tell any difference for this PNY stick until you actually installed into your PC. Don't buy PNY for their quality uncontrolled and poor thech support. The automated voice will tell you check the problems in their website. How one can check when the PC was not working?? You have to wait hours to pass automated voices to get live support and wait more hours to get the live person if you're lucky. They don't hesitate to cut off your line anytime. Amazon should have negative stars and this PNY deserves neg stars.

Update: my PC is not working anymore and not repairable. PNY tech support supervisor told me he had to deal with a couple of similar problems per month (imagine how many people suffer the same problem with PNY's defective items) and nobody got compensation according to PNY policy. Never buy PNY products!!