My Gateway computer has 384MB of DRAM which I thought was the maximum
installable RAM. But the SiSoftware Sandra scan of my system says I can install
up to 768MB of RAM in 3 slots. Why this inconsistancy? Is there a new RAMM
modules of 256MB that can be installed in those 3 slot. I'm running Windows XP
the computer is almost 5 years old. I am planning to upgrade the BIOS downloaded from Gateway and want to upgrade the CPU form a Pentium III 500
to a Celeron 1.4 Ghz upgrade. Gateway offers no information other than wanting to sell me a new computer but I want to get a couple years more from this one

We will need to know your motherboard make and model number. SIS Sandra will have this information.

SIS Sandra shows my board to be a WS440BX which I can't find at Intel's site.The revision # is AA744110-203. Chipset model is i440BX/ZX. Error Correction Capability:ECC It shows maximum installable memory as 768MB. All three banks have a DIMM Synchonous DRAM 128MB/32. Right now I have 3 slots with Siemens 128MB 16x(8Mx8) SDRAM PC100-222-622 memory installed.

Here's your mobo at Intel:
http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd...ex.htm#WS440BX

Haven't installed adobe yet (just got OS running couple of hours ago)

Likely cause is Intel cropped the limit in the BIOS or mobo memory controller and SiSoft Sandra is reading a potential setting - ie what the cards (for instance) memory controllers could handle, if the (again, for instance) BIOS had not being written to limit (crop... insert your word of choice) the controllers potential abilities.... just a guess.... happy reading.

Or Vice Versa - When your mobo was built - Intel said "384 - no more" since then, maybe a BIOS upgrade has altered the boards potential.

One certain fact in the PC world - change, bringing with it oddly enough, a degree of uncertainty..... is that a paradox?

I have not loaded the BIOS upgrade from Gateway yet. Do you think after I do that I may be able to load up with 768MB?

Gateway made your mobo?

Oh - I see, Gateway are offering to pass the BIOS on to you - free I hope?