Aurora R11, not recognize more than 8GB of RAM

Question

We purchased an Aurora R11 for my son a little over a year ago. The 1 year warranty expired February 2022. Recently, he tried to install the game 'Rust' but can't seem to connect to a server because his RAM is too low (we went with the stock 8GB of memory). So we went ahead and purchased 16GB of Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 DRAM. We took out the old 8GB memory and installed the two new 8GB memory cards in the slots with the white switches. We powered up the computer, got the Bios prompt that memory had changed. We went into the Bios menu to confirm that the RAM memory had gone from 8GB to 16GB. However, the Bios menu still indicated that only 8GB had been recognized. We exited the Bios menu and allowed Windows to boot up. When we checked the 'About' section of Settings, it still listed 8GB of RAM. Additionally, when we opened the task manager and checked the 'memory' section of the Performance tab, it shows 8GB of RAM and that only one slot is being used. We tried turning off the computer, swapping the cards between the two white tab slots, and nothing seemed to work as far as the computer recognizing the additional RAM. Out of frustration, we returned the 2x8GB of RAM to Amazon and instead purchased a single 16GB card (Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (1 X 16GB) DDR4 3000 (PC4-24000) C16 Desktop memory - black PC memory CMK16GX4M1D3000C16). Again, we powered down the computer, put the single 16GB RAM card. Again, we got the Bios prompt indicating that the RAM has changed. However, after opening the Bios menu, it still shows that only 8GB of memory are recognized. Same thing when you go into windows and check 'About' or go into the Performance submenu of the Task Manager (shows 8GB of available RAM). We've also updated to the most recent version of Bios 1.0.15 (or maybe it's 1.0.17? Regardless, it's the latest version). We're completely at our wits' end, and pretty frustrated considering that RAM upgrades are supposed to be easy. Any idea why 1.) the computer doesn't seem to recognize the second slot when we used the 2x8GB configuration, and 2.) the computer can't seem to recognize anything above 8GB or RAM? We're at a complete loss. Like I said, we've gone to the Dell website and made sure all of our software is up to date, we're running the latest version of Bios, we've tried multiple RAM configurations (2x8GB and 1x16GB). What could possibly be the problem here?

JOcean · Accepted Answer

My guess, and it is a guess, is that the Corsair RAM is not compatible. The most compatible RAM is Crucial and available here for your system. Dell systems are very picky about RAM compatibility. And also the Crucial RAM is guaranteed and is returnable.

filbert · Answer

If you want help, please make it easier for us to help you. Organize your information into short, clear statements. One long paragraph is difficult to read and or understand, especially when dealing with technical information.

Write short, clear sentences conveying your information. Bullet points are good for details.

tommyd76 · Answer

The short version is that our Aurora R11 won't recognize more than 8GB of RAM. We've tried different configurations (2x8GB and 1x16GB) but the computer can only ever recognize 8GB of RAM. We are running the most recent version of Bios and have also visited the Dell website and all other software appears to be current.

filbert · Answer

IIRC, those Alienware desktops sometimes require RAM to be inserted in specific slots. Check the service manual to see if you used the correct slots. Take care to insert RAM firmly at a 30-degree angle to get each stick well seated into the slot.

Whenever touching components or working inside a computer, wear a grounded wrist strap, also called anti-static wrist strap, ESD wrist strap, or ground bracelet. I know many people do such work without this, but it's a cheap and sensible precaution.

tommyd76 · Answer

We picked the Corsair Vengance based on this instructional YouTube video of a guy who said it was the best bang for your buck RAM out there, and he goes step-by-step installing Corsair RAM on an Aurora R11 in the video and everything appears to work fine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs8gA52fv0s

tommyd76 · Answer

Sending back the Corsair and ordering the Crucial RAM. I'll update if this solves the issue.

Vanadiel · Answer

The only RAM that is guaranteed to be compatible with the R11 is listed in the FAQ: R11 FAQ Whenever possible try to use 2 RAM sticks as opposed to a single stick. 2 x 8 GB is better than 1 x 16 GB, especially for gaming.

These systems are extremely picky when it comes to third party memory support. They can also be annoying trying to recognize hardware changes.

Make sure the memory modules are in the correct slots:

Memory modules Single stick goes into slot 26, 2 sticks 26 and 28. (The description on that page is actually wrong about what memory slot is what)

When you insert new memory, I would recommend draining flea power and loading the BIOS defaults.

Flea power

If you still have issues after that, removing/reinstalling the coin cell battery might also be required.

Coin cell battery

dbrewster · Answer

Did the Crucial RAM work then?

tommyd76 · Answer

Still waiting for it to arrive. It's scheduled to show up tomorrow.

dbrewster · Answer

Gotcha.  I hope (expect) it works out for you.

JOcean · Answer

Happy to help out and glad to see it worked properly!

tommyd76 · Answer

This worked. The computer easily recognized the Crucial brand RAM and status shows that computer is now running on 16 gigabytes of RAM. Thanks!

ProfessorW00d · Answer

Hopefully you got 2 x 8GB RAM modules so that you are running dual channel.

Alienware Desktops

Aurora R11, not recognize more than 8GB of RAM

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