OptiPlex 320 Memory/Boot

Question

I read a thread from 3 years ago that has since closed, but there was no answer. I’m posting the exact same problem.

My Optiplex 320 MiniTower that we bought new when it came out all of a sudden won’t boot. The 1 light blinks once, then 3 and 4 come on steady. I reseated memory modules. No luck. Went to MicroCenter and bought new RAM. It was DDR2 SDRAM for 667MHz and below. Installed. Same problem except received beep code 1-3-2 plus lights 3 and 4. Took it back and bought DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz after reading this on Dell website and STILL have problem. Tech there told me to unplug, remove battery, install new RAM, replace battery, plug in and restart. Same lights. 3 and 4 on steadily. Fan starts up then stops once lights come on. These are two 1GB modules – exactly what we already had in there.

NOTE: I am NOT upgrading - just replacing two 1GB units because I received codes, but Dell has different memory specs depending where you look. None of the 4GB upgrade info applies to me.

So - Dell info below contradicts itself. Also, someone on the Community Board said the 320 does not like anything about PC2-5300. WHICH IS THE CORRECT MEMORY? And does the battery removal info above make a difference? It’s not in the computer’s manual, but I tried it anyway. If I buy lower memory again and it still doesn’t work, what else could it be? I’ve received no other messages other than the memory beep code and 3-4 lights. Thank you.

From Dell’s own spec sheet :

http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/corporate/press/cwd_opti320a.pdf

2 DIMM slots, Non-ECC single channel shared

2 DDR2 SDRAM

(533MHz) up to 2GB system memory

From Dell Certified Memory Selector:

Technology: DDR2 SDRAM

Memory Speed: 800 MHz ( PC2-6400 )

Data Integrity Check: Non-ECC

From Dell/Support/Optiplex 320/Parts & Upgrades:

Type	DRAM

Technology	DDR2 SDRAM

Form Factor	DIMM 240-pin

Memory Speed	800 MHz ( PC2-6400 )

Data Integrity Check	Non-ECC

RAM Features	Unbuffered

Module Configuration	128 x 64

Thank you. - Kat

sandeep_par · Answer

Hi KCoda,

Welcome to the community.

Please check one memory in each slot and try to boot the system. In this way you would be able to isolate if there is an issue with a individual slot.

It might be an issue with the motherboard which would require replacement. If you have any further queries, please feel free to contact us.

Thanks and Regards
Sandeep P
#iworkfordell

KCoda · Answer

Thanks. I'll try that. But that doesn't answer my question about which is the CORRECT memory?

sandeep_par · Answer

Hi KCoda,

Please check the memory specifications supported by your system:

Type	533 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Memory connectors	Two
Memory modules supported	256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB or 2 GB non-ECC
Minimum memory	Single-channel: 256 MB
Maximum memory	4 GB

I would like to inform you that 800 MHz ( PC2-6400 ) is also compatible with your system. However, it would be working on 533 Mhz speed as this is maximum supported on the system.

If you have any further queries, please feel free to contact us.

Thanks and Regards
Sandeep P
#iworkfordell

C-Store · Answer

I would like to inform you that 800 MHz ( PC2-6400 ) is also compatible with your system. However, it would be working on 533 Mhz speed as this is maximum supported on the system.

This raises question about my Optiplex 320 SFF: Tonight I tried 2 sticks of Centon PC2-6400 , 1024 and the system would not boot. So, I tried 1 stick and it booted when it was in either slot and correctly identified the stick as 800 speed memory.. I then tried a 512 mb stick of PC2-4200 with 1 stick of the Centon and the bios identified both correctly, but showed a total of 1 Gb for Installed memory..The bios version was updated to 1.1.12 to upgrade the processor, so I know that can't be the issue. The Centon memory, by the way, is listed by Centon as "Compatible with PC2-4200" Any clues as to what the problem might be?

Thanks In Advance

sandeep_par · Answer

Hi C-STORE,

It could be an issue with the memory you purchased. Have you tried replacing the memory with a different one and checked the system again.

Also, let us know which model of system you have as we don't have SFF in Optiplex 320:

Keep us posted with the results so we can advise you further.

C-Store · Answer

Hi Sandeep

Okay...I goofed on the description a bit. You show it as "Desktop" but to me, it is a SFF since it uses low profile add-on adapters. Semantics, I suppose.

As for the ram, I went to Kingston PC2-5300 2 Gb (PC2-4200 wasn't available, locally) to avoid using 2 slots since that seemed to be what caused the no-boot scenario. Now, if the system has been kept "warm" (attached to a live power feed) it boots fine so long as I don't attempt to get into the bios setup utility. However, if it is "cold" (unplugged for a time) it freezes on first boot attempt then boots fine after powering it down and restarting. It seems as though I am getting close to proper functionality, but am still falling a bit short . Thankfully, this system is for my own use rather than a customer's unit, so I suppose I can live with it since systems on my network are never unplugged and rarely shut down. If you have any furher suggestions in this regard, I would love to hear them.

Thanks

sandeep_par · Answer

Hi Sandeep

Okay...I goofed on the description a bit. You show it as "Desktop" but to me, it is a SFF since it uses low profile add-on adapters. Semantics, I suppose.

As for the ram, I went to Kingston PC2-5300 2 Gb (PC2-4200 wasn't available, locally) to avoid using 2 slots since that seemed to be what caused the no-boot scenario. Now, if the system has been kept "warm" (attached to a live power feed) it boots fine so long as I don't attempt to get into the bios setup utility. However, if it is "cold" (unplugged for a time) it freezes on first boot attempt then boots fine after powering it down and restarting. It seems as though I am getting close to proper functionality, but am still falling a bit short . Thankfully, this system is for my own use rather than a customer's unit, so I suppose I can live with it since systems on my network are never unplugged and rarely shut down. If you have any furher suggestions in this regard, I would love to hear them.

Thanks

Hi C-STORE,

Yes as SFF are small form factor which are more shorter than this one. Its great to hear system is booting fine with the new memory configuration.

System freezing at dell logo could be due to any of the USB devices connected on the system. Kindly disconnect all the devices and check if system boot properly after the same or not.

Keep us posted with the results so we can advise you further.

speedstep · Answer

Even with the latest Bios the 320 DOES NOT support 4 gigs.

http://ftp.us.dell.com/published/Pages/optiplex-320.html

Dell OptiPlex System BIOS, 1.1.12
OptiPlex 320 System BIOSMore details<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Dimms Larger than 1 gig must be PC6400 DDR2 and This REQUIRES the latest Bios.

You can install 2gigs or 3gigs but never 4

aka 1 2 gig dimm and 1 1gig dimm.

It will not POST with 4 gigs and will not boot with 4gigs aka 2 x 2 gig dimm.

Dell needs to do a better Job with the specifications.

:emotion-3:

�

sandeep_par · Answer

Even with the latest Bios the 320 DOES NOT support 4 gigs.

http://ftp.us.dell.com/published/Pages/optiplex-320.html

Dell OptiPlex System BIOS, 1.1.12
OptiPlex 320 System BIOSMore details<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Dimms Larger than 1 gig must be PC6400 DDR2 and This REQUIRES the latest Bios.

You can install 2gigs or 3gigs but never 4

aka 1 2 gig dimm and 1 1gig dimm.

It will not POST with 4 gigs and will not boot with 4gigs aka 2 x 2 gig dimm.

Dell needs to do a better Job with the specifications.

:emotion-3:

�

Hi SPEEDSTEP,

Thanks for your inputs. I rechecked the specifications and it states that 4GB RAM would be supported on the system, However, it should be NON-ECC memory. Please let me know if you have checked a NON-ECC one and does it not post with 2 sticks of 2GB NON-ECC memory on the system.

Kindly let us know this information with your convenience so we can check the same and advise.

speedstep · Answer

With the latest Bios NON ECC DDR2 6400 Dimms Do work. Max Ram is 3 Gigs not 4.

Memory Type    DDR2
Number of Modules    1
Memory Capacity    2GB
Memory Speed    DDR2-800 (PC2-6400)
Voltage    1.8 Volts
CAS Latency    5
Buffered/Unbuffered    Unbuffered
Error Correction Code    Non-ECC
Memory Slot    240-pin DIMM

2 Gig modules are recognized and work but Only 1 at a time.

If you put 2pc of 2gig in it does not post.

If you put 2 pc of 1 Gig Dimm it works fine.

If you put a 2 gig and a 512 it works fine.

If you put a 2 gig and a 1 gig it works fine.

Either one of a pair of 2 gig modules work fine in either slot but not both at the same time.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/325938/MemoryPower_2GB_DDR2-800_%28PC2-6400%29_Desktop_Memory_Module

http://www.microcenter.com/product/285256/4GB_DDR2-800_%28PC-6400%29_CL6_Dual_Channel_Desktop_Memory_Kit_%28Two_2GB_Memory_Modules%29

http://www.microcenter.com/product/245599/TwinX_XMS2_2GB_DDR2-800_%28PC-6400%29_CL5_Dual_Channel_Desktop_Memory_Kit_%28Two_1GB_Memory_Modules%29

sandeep_par · Answer

Hi SPEEDSTEP,

Thanks for providing us this information. Can you please confirm how many different 2GB modules you have tested on the system. Also, have you checked it on more than 1 optiplex 320 systems.

Keep us posted with the results so we can advise you further.

speedstep · Answer

A single module of 2 Gigs works fine with the latest bios.

2 pieces of 1 gig works fine.

I have tried 7 different 2Gig PC2 6400 vendors and they all work fine but ONLY with 1 module.

Every combination up to 3 gigs works fine but 4 does not.

�

sandeep_par · Answer

A single module of 2 Gigs works fine with the latest bios.

2 pieces of 1 gig works fine.

I have tried 7 different 2Gig PC2 6400 vendors and they all work fine but ONLY with 1 module.

Every combination up to 3 gigs works fine but 4 does not.

�

Hi SPEEDSTEP.

Thanks for sharing your inputs. I would share this with the concerned team to check the same update us. Kindly let me know the whether it is optiplex 320 Mini Tower or a Desktop tower system.

Kindly send me the service tag of the system on a private message along with the name and address of the owner so we can verify the system details.

Keep us posted with the results so we can advise you further.

speedstep · Answer

Tested and VERIFIED with 320 Mini Tower and 320 Desktop. �

sandeep_par · Answer

Hi SPEEDSTEP.

Thanks for providing us this information. I would escalate this issue to the concerned team and would check with them.

We will keep you posted. We truly appreciate the patience and cooperation that you have shown in this regards.

Locked Topics – Desktops General

OptiPlex 320 Memory/Boot

Was this post helpful?