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Inspiron 531 RAM upgrade fails
Hi,
I’m visiting my father this weekend, and we have problems adding additional RAM to his Inspiron 531.
The inspiron came with 2 512GB chips (Kingston 512MB 1Rx8 PC2 5300U 555-12-D1). He purchased 4 additional Crucial 1GB (240 - PIN Dimm 128Mx64 DDR2 PC2 - 5300 UNBUFF HALOGE) that he was informed are compatible with the inspiron.
I’ve carried out some simple tests add/removing the memory. Results are provided below.
Test 1
2 x 512MB chips (Kingston 512MB 1Rx8 PC2 5300U 555-12-D1)
Result
1GB of RAM (Right click on my computer and check installed memory value)
This proves both memory slots are working
Test 2
1 x 512MB chips (Kingston 512MB 1Rx8 PC2 5300U 555-12-D1
Result
512MB of RAM
This proves one slot will work on its own
Test 3
1 x 1GB chips (Crucial 1GB 240 - PIN Dimm 128Mx64 DDR2 PC2 - 5300 UNBUFF HALOGE)
Result
1GBMB of RAM
This proves the 1GB memory card works
Test 4
2 x 1GB chips (Crucial 1GB 240 - PIN Dimm 128Mx64 DDR2 PC2 - 5300 UNBUFF HALOGE)
Result
1GBMB of RAM
I was expecting 2GB of RAM.
I’m not sure what else to do? I’ll be back on line tomorrow but appreciate any feedback anyone can provide, or ask if you need more information.
Barry
DELL-Sujatha K
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March 15th, 2013 05:00
Hi Barry,
I appreciate for the troubleshooting steps performed.
I suggest that you install one memory module in one memory slot at a time and check to make sure all the memory modules and all the slots are working fine.
Once you have confirmed that all the 4 slots and memory modules are working fine, I request to reset BIOS to defaults. Restart the system, at Dell logo tap the F2 key every 2 seconds. In the BIOS screen, Press ‘F9’ to reset ‘F10’ to save and exit from the BIOS screen.
Reseat the memory and check if it is detected.
shesagordie
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March 15th, 2013 13:00
bazza90
As you have purchased Crucial RAM, have you tried contacting Crucial's excellent Technical Support about the issue?
http://www.crucial.com/contact/
Bev.
bazza90
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March 19th, 2013 07:00
Thanks Bev and Sujatha for the replies. I’ve been celebrating St.Patricks day here in Ireland hence the delay.
So, while I did run all the tests in my original post, I didn’t mention that I have four 1GB Crucial chips. Following on from Sujatha post, I tested each 1GB chip at a time and turns out that one chip is faulty. The slots are fine and when two working 1GB Crucial chips are placed together, we get the expected 2GB.
Delighted with the 100% increase in RAM and will be contacting Crucial to see if we can get a replacement chip.
Thanks again
Barry
shesagordie
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March 19th, 2013 08:00
bazza90
Glad to hear that you found the solution to the issue and appreciate the heads up.
Bev.