Is there a way to expand my computer's memory when I've reached its maximum limit?

Question

In the 286 - 386 (Intel) era, you could get a separate board that in conjuction with a driver, would allow you to add memory. Do they still make a pci version of the card for PIII computers?

Answer 1

Nope they did away with those years ago, in fact I wtill have one down in my basement for an old 386 system.

When say its maxxed out, are you sure? A lot of mobo documentation only listed max memory based on what was available at the time. So if 256mb SDRAM were the largest sticks at manufacture and you only had 2 slots, then your guide will state you max out at 512mb. But a lot of times you can stick in larger sticks and they work. You may want to see if there a bios update for you mobo that will all it to access the higher memory ranges.

Answer 2

There are no PCI boards available to add true RAM expansion slots to a motherboard.

They do make I-RAM memory boards that go in a PCI slot, however they are used for data storage rather than system RAM.
These cards can hold 4 x 1GB modules :

• Memory board
• DRAM : DIMM 184-pin
• 0 MB / 4 GB (max)
• PCI

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?edc=929424

They are used for fast data access as opposed to data stored on a hard drive.

It would not be a good investment even if they were available. I strongly suggest you not invest in older technology & consider putting money towards even a used P4 board & processor instead.

regards,
Philip T

Answer 3

Nope. Once you have put the maximum amount of memory into your memory slots, you are done expanding unless you buy another motherboard that supports more.

Answer 4

first off, no.
secondly, wow.
your looking to upgrade your computer, you are kind of late, p4 is on life support. I recommend just buying an cheap, 300 dollar dell.

Answer 5

no