...the same as every other tale on the 'memory' forum by the look of things, actually, but I know next to nothing about installing memory.

Obtained some memory from work that wasn't needed, various types and sizes, as it happened only 1 would actually fit my PC (a Dell Dimension 3000).

I previously had 2x256mb RAM, so took one out and replaced it with this 1gb RAM.

System acknowledged it, sort of, said 'Installed System Memory - 1280 MB DDR SDRAM'.

But, it said 'System memory channel mode - Single'. And performance was worse.

I tried it then witgh JUST the 1gb ram but, inevitably, the PC wouldn't start.

Back with 2 x 256 now (so it's not actually a sorry tale, just a tale) and it says '512' for installed memory and 'dual' for memory channels.

QUESTION IS.....I understand it's (the 1gb RAM) probably not compatible with my machine, but how come my machine recognmised it when it told me I had 1280MB???

Or am I missing a step in installing memory?

Thanks

You have DDR2 fitted and tried to fit a single channel dim/ram in your computer thats incompatable 1 gig ddr2 is pritty cheap depending on what brand you buy.

Is this correct?

Or do you mean you did not set dual chanel mode in BIOS/Setup?

EXAMPLE:Desktop Boards - Single / Dual / Flex memory modes

Not sure what I have, but the one I tried to fit was '1GB DDR 400 CL3'. It obviously must be incompatible. But my PC still recognised it??

That RAM appears to be 184 pin sdram an older RAM.

What is the RAM you already have fitted?

What make and model is your computer or your mainboard?

Could you go to user CP and fill this in please and check box show others.

Did you read link I posted?

Run this please and post results:Memory upgrades from Crucial.com - About Crucial:Media Toolbox