real max ram

[kmkrreeves1]

First of all please don't persecute me for trying to spend $10 on an old computer.
I have an ancient Compaq presario 5420 (originally win 98) and I was wanting to put some ram in it. it only has 64mb (some was pulled and put somewhere else at some point, there are 2 empty slots, 3 total) and I was wanting to play with linux on it and maybe set up a file server eventually.

Everything I have found on the internet says the max ram is 384mb. My question is, is that really the max the hardware will recognize? or was that the max for 98, or would it kill it if I stuck 2 sticks of 256mb in it. and would it be worth trying a $5 piece of ram from amazon that was to big.

The reason I ask this question is, 3 out of 3 PCs I have messed with this have all accepted well over the max ram the manufacturer says. (2 HPs and a Gateway) The ram for this old thing is really cheap, and I like to mess with this stuff, so I thought it was worth asking.

If anyone has any idea of the actual max please let me know!!!

All help is appreciated!!!

 

[PCunicorn]

I say put 1 256 MB stick in it and Puppy Linux. 512 MB is useless for such a old system.

 

[StrangleHold]

The reasoning for the max 384mb. Each slot can only read up to a 128mb stick.

 

[PCunicorn]

I was thinking that too. Get 2 128 MB sticks.

 

[kmkrreeves1]

Thanks for the suggestion, I was planning on running some kind of puppy linux, its only a 400mhz processor... so its really not worth trying?

 

[PCunicorn]

Actually Puppy LInux works great on a old system, but not that old lol. But, DSL (Damn Small Linux) will work fine IF you get 128 or preferably 256 MB of RAM.

 

[spirit]

I'd say this PC is probably a bit too old, but DSL will work OK. Bear in mind that DSL is old too though and not great. :/

 

[kmkrreeves1]

ok thanks, That's what I'll do. I'll try to let you know how well if at all it works.