Hello there.

So, I recently acquired a Dell Optiplex 3020 (mini tower) that came with 4gb of DDR3, 1600mhz. The motherboard only has 2 RAM slots, and the manual specifies it can take 2, 4 or 8 GB modules, up to 1600mhz speed and a total of 16gb (2x8gb).

After some research I decided to buy a used 4gb upgrade, with the exact same specifications as the other, the only difference being the brand (Kingston instead of the original Hyundai). When I got it, as I put it in slot 2, the computer fan starts spinning as soon as I connect the power cable and doesn't stop. No image or any signal at all on the monitor. The power button flashes a code that, according to the manual, means a memory problem.

I have tried the new RAM alone in slot 1 and it works just fine, so it's not a bad stick. I ran CPUID with both sticks alone and the numbers in every field are exactly the same between the two sticks, so the only difference really is the brand, which should not be a problem (?).

What I have tried so far with no results:

- new RAM in slot 1, old RAM on slot 2 and the other way around;

- new and old only in slot 2;

- upgrading BIOS;

- resetting CMOS and BIOS Password with the mobo jumper;

- messing around UEFI settings (though there's not much I can change, no access to speeds or voltages or whatever).

- manually cleaning the slots and the sticks;

- unplugging USBs and hard drives;

After all this I assumed there was just some incompatibility between the sticks and decided to try a different one. The most likely compatible brand seems to be Corsair, so I bought one, with the exact same specifications.

Tried, again, all possible combinations and troubleshootings with the three sticks and ended up with no results.

So, basically, it does not boot at all with any two RAM sticks together but works fine with any single one alone. Can the brand really make a difference or am I missing something? By now I read through half the internet forums and I am out of ideas and search terms, so any new suggestion is welcome!

 

Thank you :)