m4800 - Stumped by memory error. Error code 2000-0261 validation 89693

Question

I have a Precision m4800 laptop and I bought 4 8GB SO-DIMM DDR3L 1600 memory modules (G-skill). I started noticing rather random BSODs indicating perhaps a memory error.

So I started putting the memory through extensive tests - 16 hours for each 8 GB module individually and 24 hours with all 32 GB installed. This was using the Microsoft Memory Diagnostic program. I also ran some tests with the Memtest utility and found no errors.

I then ran the pre-system diagnostic and found errors - specifically if I just installed either 16GB or 32 GB of the gskill memory, the BIOS diagnostic would immediately fail with error code 2000-0261 validation 89693. If I ran the test with the gskill memory AND Dell shipped memory (2x4GB) it would work just fine. The Dell shipped memory also works fine by itself.

I'm thinking the BIOS diagnostic perhaps doesn't like the lower latency GSkill memory? Its rated at 9ms. I don't know what the Dell is rated at but if higher latency then perhaps when I install them together they run at the slower speed of the Dell and therefore everything is fine? Is that a possibility?

Is this a motherboard issue or is this an incompatibility issue of the m4800 not liking the Cas Latench 9ms memory modules? Or just not liking me?!!!

Any insight appreciated including perhaps a pointer to where I can find what error code 2000-0261 validation 89693 is.

kart2d2 · Answer

Update on this: DELL replaced the motherboard and the error code stopped in the post-boot test. However, I find that when I install 32 GB of memory (I've tried 8 different memory sticks all same manufacturer and specs - one set bought as a pair). I find that as soon as I have 32 GB of memory, I start getting BSOD. If I install less (16 or even 24 GB - 8, 8, 4, 4) the system is stable. This is quite baffling and I have to believe is an issue with the BIOS. Low voltage at 32GB is one reason I can think of. Does anyone else have 32GB with the m4800 running stable?

badmotherboards · Answer

I know its year late but must chip in!

I also had tried few chips.

Crucial 1600 CL11 (fails)

Crucial 1866 CL11 (fails)

and MAC compatible 1600 CL11 (fails)

ePSA fails on them all, all made by Crucial.

the only that passes is original Samsung ram that came with machine.

16gb passes 24 fail 32 fail with all crucials.

16gb passes both tests (samsung)

monopoly? shoddy motherboards? sabotage?

small but important thing, all ram chips and their tiny boards that fail are very slightly thinner and if you look closely from sides (right left) they have breakage seams as if done by hand. no such thing on chips that pass and same goes for Crucial older gen that had again no such seams present.

we possibly talking about minute tolerances in ram sticks being of, and dell motherboard picking it up. or CPU not handling it.

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m4800 - Stumped by memory error. Error code 2000-0261 validation 89693

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