PowerEdge SC1435 memory issue

Hi Willnetadmin,

Have you updated the system BIOS?

May i know if the existing DIMM speed and technology? Are they all the same?

Hi Joey,

Yes I installed the latest BIOS. 

Existing DIMM's: 4- 1GB (1Rx8) PC2-5300 

4- 4GB (2RX4) PC2-5300

Hi Willnetadmin,

Great to have an updated firmware server.

Mind checking the new DIMM properties: 4GB 2Rx4 PC2-3200  (R/P)  - 44410-B1 << if it's a R or P module. SC1435 is not able to support a P module DIMM.

Then let's do this troubleshooting.

1) Remove all DIMM, install only the new DIMM (4GB*4) in DIMM 1,2,5,6. And check if the server able to run at 16GB total memory in the BIOS and OS level

2) Install the old DIMM, (1GB*4) in DIMM 3,4,7,8. Check if the server able to run in total memory of 20GB.

Let me know the outcome.

Hi,

I'm sorry for the delay on the response, I had some days off. 

I checked the new DIMM properties: 4GB 2RX4 PC2-5300P-555-13-L0

Existing DIMM properties: 1GB 1Rx8 PC2-5300P-555-12-F3

Tried your first option and the server didn't even boot, amber flashing light in front, no video.

The only way that works is 1GB DIMM (1,2,5,6) 4GB DIMM (3,4,7,8)

BIOS shows 4GB, and windows shows 20GB (4GB usable)

Thanks.

Hi Willnetadmin,

I am not too sure of the rank of the DIMMs are having a conflict, as it is not stated in the hardware infomations, therefore, cannot be concluded as non-compatible. You too have tried just the 4GB DIMMs on 1,2,5,6 and it's not working. Have you tried just Slot 1 and 2 only?

Try this, since the DIMMs are in different size, try enabling the Non-Uniform Memory Architecture (NUMA) in BIOS. Page27 : ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_ser_stor_net/esuprt_poweredge/poweredge-1435sc_Owner%27s%20Manual_en-us.pdf

Hello,

I tried enabling NUMA and nothing happened, same results.

I tried the 4GB modules in just 1 and 2 and got not response and flashing amber lights in front.

I'm thinking of returning this memory before the 30 days policy period and buy directly from the Crucial web site. 

Thanks.

So is there any new information regarding this issue?

I too have a Dell PowerEdge SC1435 and it will not boot whatsoever when attempting to upgrade the ram, despite that both the Dell and Crucial websites listing the modules being added as compatible. I've upgraded to the latest BIOS, but to no avail.

The modules are Crucial four 2GB 1RX4 PC2-5300P-555-13-ZZ. The troubleshooting steps stated in this post have already been tried and with the same results, i.e. either the current modules are left in-place and the new modules populated -- which results in the system booting but not recognizing the new modules, or the new modules are populated and the system will not boot and has amber status leds. Moreover, the first upgrade RAM modules attempted were assumed to have arrived bad and it is their replacements being tried currently. Ergo, it is highly unlikely that the RAM modules themselves are at fault.

This is a dead post, but given that is essentially the same issue I'm currently experiencing and limited results in online searching I thought I'd ask.