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Optiplex 320 memory fault at POST
5-year-old Optiplex 320 MT wouldn't power up the other day. Diagnostic lights were 3-4 and beep code was 1-3-2, both of which indicate a memory fault. Pulled the single 512MB module and it had a visible burned area around one of the ICs. Also noticed that one of the large capacitors on the MB next to the RAM slots was blown. Ordered a new PNY 2GB PC2-5300 memory kit (2x1GB modules), and a reconditioned motherboard on eBay.
Assembled new MB and RAM, expecting it to fire right up. Alas it produced the same beep code and lights. Tried swapping memory modules, and running with only 1GB. Also grabbed another DDR2 from another PC to try, no dice. Swapped out power supply with another, no luck.
All I can figure is that the new (well, not really new) motherboard is defective, although it seems unlikely that it would produce the exact same fault codes as the original. I found some posts on the forum that dealt with Optiplex 320 memory issues but they all seemed to revolve around using 4GB which shouldn't affect me. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
kolyur
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October 11th, 2012 15:00
Tried some used PC2-4200 RAM and it worked (single 512MB module).
speedstep
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October 7th, 2012 14:00
Burn spots can mean ram was forced in backwards and then powered on.
This is usually permanent damage.
You can get a 320 Tower used for $99 to $199 from microcenter, ebay, amazon etc.
kolyur
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October 8th, 2012 08:00
The damaged RAM was installed at the factory and worked fine for 5 years. I discovered the burned area and blown capacitor when I first pulled it out.
The original memory was PC2-4200. All the new modules I've tried are PC2-5300 (PNY brand). The Optiplex 320 is supposed to be compatible with both speeds but should I try a PC2-4200 module?
speedstep
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October 8th, 2012 11:00
PC4200 ram is Too slow.
speedstep
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October 12th, 2012 08:00
A Single module in the system will Revert to Failsafe mode.
Adding more than 1 PC4200 module will result in BEEPS due to unsupported ram.
Maximum Memory: 4GB
Slots: 2
Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-5300 with a maximum of 2GB per slot.*
Recommended Upgrade
DDR2 PC2-5300 • CL=5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-667 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64 • • Part #: CT917856
kolyur
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October 12th, 2012 11:00
"A Single module in the system will Revert to Failsafe mode."
In that case can you explain why a single PC2-4200 module worked while a single PC2-5300 module did not? (I tried both.)
speedstep
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October 12th, 2012 12:00
The "single PC2-5300 module" is bad, registered, buffered or otherwise incompatible.:emotion-3:
DELL-Roshan L
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May 18th, 2013 01:00
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