Dell Dimension 8400 boot problem, beeps 1-3-2

The beeps and light code both indicate a RAM problem. Swapping RAM from another PC, unless it's another 8400, probably won't help. Unless the RAM matches specs for the 8400, it's not going to work. And Dell PCs are very finicky about RAM, so sometimes even when the specs match, it still won't work.

With all original RAM installed, reboot and press F12 before Windows starts to load. Go to Utilities partition and run all the hardware tests including the RAM tests (RAM tests will take a while). Alternatively, you can download and run a free copy of memtest 86+. Follow their instructions to create either a bootable floppy or bootable CD with memtest 86+ on it. Boot from that disk and run the RAM tests.

When was the last time you replaced the motherboard battery? If it's more than ~2-3 years old, it may be time to replace it. A weak battery can cause the symptoms you see.  It's a 3-volt CR2032 lithium coin cell battery, ~$2-$3 at discount stores.

Ron

This beep code usually indicates that the memory is bad.

Take out ALL ram and put back 1 piece at a time to test.

Once you have tested all 4 then put Good Pairs back in matching sets in

alternate slots.  there are colors of white and black on the ejectors to indicate interleaved pairs

1 3  then 2 4

I have been testing both memory cards (there are only two), and the result is the same for both. I didn't know that the memory specs were so important. I swapped with another dell (optiplex or something). But anyway, both ram cards usually don't break in the same time...or?

The battery theory is interesting. It would be typical if it works to change it. You see, the person who owns the computer saw the battery and suggested maybe I had to change it. I told him that it had nothing to do with it. :emotion-1: My biggest problem is that I hate to try things that seem unlogical. I will try to change the battery.

The Ram in the GX280 Dimension 8400 must be dual channel capable.

In Ideal situations ALL the ram is from the same manufacturer and the same speed and spec.

It must be Low Density and Non Buffered aka not Registered DDR2 Server Ram.

4 sockets (2 banks of 2)
Memory Comments    PC2-3200/4200 DDR2 SDRAM DIMMs

800MHz FSB, Intel 925X Chipset

http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/compatible-memory-for/Intel/D925XBC/list.html

240-pin DDR2 DIMM Banking:   4 (2 banks of 2)
Chipset:   Intel 925X
DDR2 SDRAM Frequencies:   PC2-3200 and PC2-4200
Error Detection Support:   ECC and non-ECC
Graphics Support:   PCI Express x16
Max Component Density:   1024
Max Unbuffered DDR2 SDRAM:   4096MB
Module Types Supported:   Unbuffered only
Supported DRAM Types:   DDR2 SDRAM only

Did you try each original RAM module in every motherboard slot?

Before you change the battery, power off and unplug. Then press/hold power button on tower for ~15 sec. Remove the old battery and press/hold power button again for ~30 sec. install the new battery (right-side-up!) and see if it boots now with only mouse, monitor and keyboard attached.

 I can't promise that will solve the problem. Unless, there was some kind of power surge, it seems unlikely that both RAM modules failed at the same time, but stranger things can happen. :emotion-5:

And if testing both RAM modules in all slots and the new battery don't help, then it could be a motherboard failure.

NOTE: After you replace the battery, you may get a floppy drive failure message when you boot, if  the system doesn't have an internal floppy drive. In that case, reboot and press F2 before Windows starts to load to open BIOS Setup. Find the floppy drive controller setting and change it to Disabled.  Save the change and exit setup.

Ron

The ram needs to be installed in matching pairs with 1 exception

You can get by with 1 ram stick in the 4 slots.

You must put the ram in the slot 1 for the system.

If 1 ram stick works and the other does not you have your issue.

If the Ram is too Slow aka Not PC3200 DDR then there are other issues involved.

Not all Ram is compatable with older Dells with 800 series chipsets.

Hello Jorx, I thought  was the only one in the world that got just the same problem with my computer. I tried with another RAM memories from another Dell Dimension 8400 but it didn´t work .

Did you tried changing the battery ?

I did. It worked just for two days,  but no more. This is crazy, now  the CPU-fan  rotates so fast that I think the computer is going to fly .

Please let me know if you find out a solution

Regards

a desperate dell user

Hello Jorx and Marperpila - Did you ever find a solution to your problem?  I've got the same 1-3-2 beep error with ABCD = GYGY and it is very frustrating.  Seems to happen randomly.  Changing memory around does not make a difference.  I pulled all the memory cards out and started with only one in slot 1.  I finally got one of them to work during start up so I shut the system down and removed that same memory card and put it back in the very same slot and tried to restart.  Beep error came back.  Right now I was able to boot up with all four of my memory cards installed.  I've tried to run Dell's diagnostics by pressing F12 before windows loads but when the system boots up diagnostics does not find any memory errors.  It thinks the system is perfect (which it is not).  I've also notice the fan going into turbo but mine does not do that during startup.  It seems that if my system has been running for a while or is put into standby that sometime later I've heard the fan in turbo and I can't wake the computer up.  I have to hold the power button down and upon a restart I get the beep error.  The first time this happened was after the system was put into standby for the night.  The next morning I found the fan in turbo and the system was not responding.  Again let me know if you've come up with anything.

Yes, I have found a solution.

Just do this: press down on the heatsink, just move it a little, little bit and try to boot  ... 

Well the clues about wiggling the heatsink have me pointed in the right direction.  Doing so I was able to get the PC to finally boot up but it was very intermittent.  I removed the heatsink and old thermal paste and re-applied fresh paste and I got the same issues.  After some trial and error I was able to figure out that I need to apply a slight tilting force on the top of my heatsink towards the fan and then press the power button.  After the system clears the POST I release this tilting force and everything runs fine.  If I continue to apply this tilting force after boot up the fan begins to run very fast and loud.  This is very repeatable on my system.  Bad news is that I have to keep opening my case just to boot up the PC.  I originally thought it was the heatsink so I bought a used one from a computer store.  Same issue (although I'm assuming the used heatsink I bought is not faulty).  I did notice that while clamping down the CPU there appears to be a lifting force in this clamp that seems to pull the CPU and socket up slightly off the motherboard on the heatsink fan side.  This could be the reason why I need to push down on this part of the heatsink to boot up.  Could the CPU socket be separating from the motherboard?  Does anyone know if there are any attachments on the underside of the motherboard that can be tightened up around the CPU clamp or socket?  Thanks in advance for your replies.

After an abrupt power outage I had the dreaded 1-3-2 beeps for several days. After reseating my memory sticks and the battery she booted right up.   Hope this helps.