mm <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
> Did they have 32 meg DIMMs twelve years ago when my new-used printer
> was made?
Certainly.
Using Macintosh models as a reference (as I have lots of data available
for them):
At the start of 1999, Apple introduced the PowerMac G3 (Blue & White),
which was supplied as standard with two 32 MB PC-100 DIMMs in the base
configuration.
Earlier models using Fast Page Mode DIMMs were typically supplied with
16 MB DIMMs or smaller in the base configuration, but 32 MB were readily
available. Judging from information I can find, Apple had tested models
as far back as 1995 with 64 MB DIMMs, so 32 MB DIMMs of this type were
certainly available when your printer was introduced.
> Can I just install memory that fits physically, withouth risking
> hurting a printer or a computer? or do I have to be careful and only
> install what was intended?
As long as the memory physically fits in the slot and is the correct
variant (e.g. EDO may cause problems in some devices if they don't
expect it), a higher capacity memory module will not damage the device,
but the module might not work in the device (or be limited in capacity).
> I inherited an old HP LaserJet 2100NT printer, in v. good condition,
> although I don't think the particular model is very important for this
> question. Plus, there is little practical value in the question but I
> just like to understand this stuff.
>
> It has a 4 Meg buffer built in, and 3 DIMM slots, one of which slots
> was filled with 4 more Megs when it was shipped from the factory, for
> a total of 8.
>
> It can handle up to 32 megs more, for a total of 40 megs.
>
> They mention installing 4, 8, or 16 meg DIMMs, and if someone put in
> two 16 meg DIMMs, it would total 40 Megs, what they say is the max.
In this case, you may find that really is the limit.
32 MByte DIMMs require an extra address pin. If HP didn't actually wire
that pin between the memory controller and DIMM slot, then the extra
capacity will not be available.
The memory controller may be configured to only allow for 40 MB of RAM,
so you may find that a single 32 MB DIMM works to full capacity but the
second slot is then unusable.
On the other hand, HP may have only documented capacities up to 40 MB
and the printer actually supports more RAM as well as larger DIMMs. The
only way to tell would be to search for reports from someone who has
actually tried it, or try it yourself.
> I have some *32* meg DIMMs that fit physcially.
>
> Should I just put one in and try it with NO FEAR of damaging the
> printer?
Almost certainly yes. Check for EDO vs FPM RAM type, since they are
phsyically compatible. Also check the speed of your DIMMs are at least
as fast as those supplied with the printer. (Paul's earlier post covers
most of this.)
> Or, Does the statement in the manual mean it won't work with a 32 meg
> DIMM?
Possbily. (It might work, it might be that it can't use more than 16 MB
per slot, or it might be that it can't use more than 32 MB in total of
installed memory.)
> OR, that they didn't have 32 megs 12 years ago when the printer was
> made?
32 MB DIMMs were available well before that.
Note that it is possible the documentation on memory configuration was
out of date: it may have been written for an earlier model back when 32
MB DIMMs were not available, and the documentation could have been
copied to the manuals for later models without being updated,
particularly for entry level models that are less likely to need lots of
memory installed.
--
David Empson
(E-Mail Removed)
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