[ The PC Guide | Troubleshooting and Repair Guide | The Troubleshooting Expert | Troubleshooting Specific Components | Troubleshooting the Motherboard and System Devices | Secondary Cache ]

• Some motherboards don't have the second tag RAM chip needed to cache over 64 MB of RAM, but they have a socket where the second chip can be added. If you have the socket, consult your manufacturer for the exact specifications of the chip required. Then purchase and install it, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and you should be all set. You may need to change a jumper on the motherboard. Cost is probably only a few dollars.
• Some motherboards accept a COASt module to expand the size of the cache that contains an extra tag RAM chip on it as well. If your motherboard is like this, then adding an extra 256 KB of cache to the motherboard will also add the extra tag RAM and will let you cache over 64 MB. This situation is what sometimes makes people think that it is the adding of extra cache that enables more memory to be cached. In fact, it is the extra tag RAM chip on the module, not the cache chips themselves.

Note: Not all cache modules have tag RAM on them, and not all cache modules work with all motherboards. Make sure you find out exactly what you are buying, and if it will work with your board.

• If you don't have a socket and you can't add tag RAM via a cache module, you are basically out of luck. You will have to either accept slower performance when going over 64 MB of RAM, use less memory, or replace your motherboard. If the motherboard was just bought you may be able to return it for exchange or refund.

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