Dead RAM slot? (3010 SFF)

Question

I upgraded my CPU the other day. When I turn the PC on, it froze on start-up with LEDs 3 and 4 on, indicating a memory failure. I took out one of the DIMMs (both were 4 GB), and the PC started up successfully. I ordered a new DIMM, but when I tried to install it the same error occurred. It turns out that all the DIMMs work in slot 2 but none in slot 1. During a Google search I found someone with a similar problem (although not with a Dell) who was advised to do a CMOS reset. Is this worth a try? I'm reluctant to do anything that risks causing further problems unless it has a good chance of success. The manual states the maximum RAM as being 2×4 GB, but I've seen people say they've successfully used 8 GB modules. Is this a case of those modules working but not having been tested by Dell at the time the manual was written?

Erigon · Accepted Answer

The gen 3 Core CPUs do support 8 GB dim per slot.  They are supported as far back as gen 1 i think.  However, the mother board may have other restrictions, so give it a try and let us know.

JOcean · Answer

A CMOS reset should not cause any further problems and may help. As far as the RAM totals are concerned, Dell specs state a maximum of 8 GB (4 GB in each slot). And even Crucial states a maximum of 8 GB. Will 8 GB work, possibly. But it is not a supported configuration. Crucial page for the 3010 SFF here.

donm4599x · Answer

Is the only 'upgrade' a change in memory, or did you also change other items like cpu or video cards?

What exactly was your upgrade? Were you able to go back to the un-upgraded state? .ie. put everything back the way it was?

rproulx · Answer

Here's a link to the Dell support page on resetting the BIOS if it's of use:

https://www.dell.com/support/article/ca/en/cabsdt1/sln284985/how-to-perform-a-bios-or-cmos-reset-and-or-clear-the-nvram-on-your-dell-system?lang=en

I recently upgraded RAM on a Dell system and it would not recognize it properly (lots of beeps and failed to start) until I cleared the CMOS using the jumper on the motherboard.

arganoid · Answer

The only change was the CPU. I just tried clearing the NVRAM - couldn't find the jumpers on the motherboard, but was able to remove the CMOS battery. This made no difference.

bradthetechnut · Answer

Did you try replacing the CMOS battery with a new one? If it doesn't work, worst case scenario is you'll have a new battery.

Do both of your RAM sticks match - brand, capacity, and speed?

It's entirely possible you have a dead DIMM slot. If the above solutions don't work, the only way to fix it is to replace the motherboard.

arganoid · Answer

The 8GB DIMM worked successfully.

nayone · Answer

did you ever fix this and if so how?

JOcean · Answer

Just as an additional comment, as I have no idea if the OP cured the problem, A DIMM slot not being recognized is not only a MB problem. I have seen CPUs with a bad memory controller. In which case one of the DIMM slots was fine and the other did not work at all except with a CPU replacement.

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