Linux on computers with more than 64 MByte RAM

Support knowledgebase (maddin_memory1)
Applies to

SuSE Linux: All versions

Symptom:

You install SuSE Linux on a computer with more than 64 MByte memory. However system information tools like top will show only 64 MByte RAM.

Cause:

The BIOS of the computer is limited to 64 MByte in accessing the available RAM. Linux picks the information out of the BIOS and therefore it is not able to detect more than 64 MByte automatically.

Solution:

The kernel parameter - mem - which transfers the information on the RAM to the kernel.

Example:

You have a computer with 96 MByte of RAM. Please use the following kernel parameter at the bootprompt :

linux mem=96M
The statement can be given in M (Megabyte) or in K (Kilobyte).

To automate this step you have to edit the file /etc/lilo.conf. Edit the append line, so that it looks like:

append="mem=96M"
Afterwards please type in the following command: lilo.

You can also use YaST/YaST2.

Important:

Be exact with the memory sizes´ statement! If you declare e.g. 1024M as memory size, but you have only installed 128 MByte, the Linux kernel will believe that you have 1 GByte RAM and will definitely crash.


Keywords: 64MB, RAM, MEMORY, MAIN MEMORY, WORKING MEMORY, EDO

SDB-maddin_memory1, Copyright SuSE Linux AG, Nürnberg, Germany - Version: 26. Feb 1997
SuSE Linux AG - Last generated: 07. Jun 2002 by sdb (sdb_gen 1.40.0)