RAM Problems with the Alienware Area51 ALX

Hi there.       I just thougt I would upgrade my RAM from 6 GB to 12 GB.       Right now, I got 6 GB (3 x 2 GB) Tri-Channel-Memory with 1.600 MHz. (DDR3)       I was wondering if the XMS3 from Corsair (http://www.corsair.com/de/memory-by-product-family/xms-classic/xms3-12gb-triple-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmx12gx3m3a1333c9.html) is compatible? (3x 4 GB)       Thanks for your help.       Regards

That RAM set should work just fine. There is a chance that you would need to turn off the XMP and set it manually. If it doesn't boot then just come back here and reply. I can walk you through all the settings.  

You can also read this thread for the correct settings to make it work: http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/p/19375273/20342918.aspx#20342918

Hey there.

Thank you both for your feedback.

@Morblore I saw your guideline in the other topic, I will try this on the weekend. Unfortunately I'm away for the rest of the week and come back at Saturday. So I will try this and give you a feedback.

@Rajesh: I'm a little bit confused, on the Mainboard I do not have Two DIMM slots but 3 DIMM Slots. So I was wondering why in the picture there are only Two DIMM Slots Mentioned?

Thank you both for your help and I will give a feedback as soon as I tried.

Kind regards,

Num

Hi Numestor,

In addition to what morblore said, For a clear picture about memory configuration on Alienware X51, refer below picture:

Awaiting your response!

Update: Sorry I just saw that I posted the old "Version..." The actual RAM I want to add are:

www.corsair.com/.../cmx8gx3m2a2000c9.html

Could it be possible, that there is a problem with the 2000 Mhz? Could this causing the troubles?

Also I saw that they gave me bars for a dual channel system. But I receive three of those, all with 4 GB (I think they ran out of triple kits...) Does this maybe have an impact? As I still have 3 bars with 4 GB I do not see a difference to the triple kit...

Thank again for your help

Regards

Hi Numestor,

My apologies. Below picture has the correct configuration for memory:

Also, below picture would help you in installing the memory in correct order:

Awaiting your response!

Hi Rajesh

Thank you for answer.

As I see in the picture, 2000 MHz Memory Type are not supported. Is this the problem? I hoped the board wold set the correct tact rate... should I change this in the bios? Or does this not work?

Thanks for your support

Hi Numestor,

The Memory would run at lowest speed. But it is recommended to use 1600MHZ memory on the computer.

Awaiting your response!

Hi all,

I added now the new RAM and I was able to boot. I changed the Settings as morblore wrote it down in the BIOS (Thanks for your guide :-)

It is working now, but I see another Problem. It is saying in that I installed 12 GB of RAM, but there would be only usable 7.99 GB of it. Any Idea why this is Happening?

I added the old hard disk from Computer to this alienware Computer. Could this cause any Problem?

I attached you a print Screen (I'm a Little confused, becaue it is still acer Logo seen...)

Any Ideas? Thanks agian for your help.

Here the link for the screenshot:

Hi Numestor,

Glad to know that you have installed the memory on the computer. The attached picture is not visible.

Check the status of memory in BIOS. Restart the computer and tap F2 on Dell logo.

Under “System Info” check for the memory detected.

Awaiting your response!

Hi all,   I added now the new RAM and I was able to boot. I changed the Settings as morblore wrote it down in the BIOS (Thanks for your guide :-)   It is working now, but I see another Problem. It is saying in that I installed 12 GB of RAM, but there would be only usable 7.99 GB of it. Any Idea why this is Happening?   I added the old hard disk from Computer to this alienware Computer. Could this cause any Problem?   I attached you a print Screen (I'm a Little confused, becaue it is still acer Logo seen...)   Any Ideas? Thanks agian for your help.   Here the link for the screenshot:

Hi again. Sorry I didn't reply back right away. I've been very busy and have not had much time.


That's a common issue when upgrading the memory. What you need to do is go back into the BIOS and reset it to default. Save and reboot. When you reboot you must go right back into the BIOS on the first boot. If not it will fail because it will have turned on the XMP and then you will need to clear the CMOS to be able to enter the BIOS again. Most of the time that will fix it and make all 12gb work. Just remember that after doing that you will need to go back into the bios and put all your settings back for things like the memory and to turn the RAID back on if you are using RAID. GO through all your BIOS settings and make a note of the settings if you need to so you can put them back in.

If that doesn't work then you may want to try reseating the memory or even clearing the CMOS. I can walk you though it if it comes to that.

Also, the system supports 6gb of up to1866mhz speed memory or 12GB up to 1600mhz speed memory. If you bought 2000mhz you should run it at 1600mhz like Dell-Rajesh recommended. No need to have it running at the slower speeds. Use the memory multiplier the adjust the speed. You may not be able to get it at exactly 1600mhz but so long as it's a little under or a little over the 1600mhz speed it will boot and be fine.


Good luck

Hi

Thank you once more for your answers and your time.

I've found the Problem. I entered the wrong value in the "Memory Ratio" in the bios (14 instead of 12).

So after changing this, the whole RAM is recognized (in the BIOS and also in the Windows System Information)

Thank you so much for your Support!

Regards,

Num

Hi   Thank you once more for your answers and your time.   I've found the Problem. I entered the wrong value in the "Memory Ratio" in the bios (14 instead of 12).   So after changing this, the whole RAM is recognized (in the BIOS and also in the Windows System Information)   Thank you so much for your Support!   Regards,   Num

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