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XPS 8900, ram update problem
Hi,
Trying to fit two new Ram modules to XPS 8900. Upgrade from 16 to 32GB
This proved impossible without removing GeForce bracket.
So I did this - ensured all modules were securely seated, reinstalled bracket.
But the pc will not boot - it runs, but black screen.
Have spent hours on this now - at the end of my tether - no idea what to do next.
Help appreciated.
Thanks
RoHe
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July 11th, 2021 21:00
Crucial says CT16G4DFRA266 RAM is not compatible with the XPS 8900. So that's your problem.
Their page says CT2K16G4DFD8266 (32GB Kit (2 x 16GB) DDR4-2666 UDIMM) is compatible with the XPS 8900 and in stock at Crucial ($165.99), Amazon ($167.05), and Newegg ($166.73).
So return the CT16G4DFRA266 and order compatible RAM.
CAVEAT: Be sure to confirm compatibility on the Crucial site for yourself. Don't just assume some stranger on the internet is correct. It's your PC and your money, so do your homework...
kr236rk02
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July 12th, 2021 12:00
Thanks for all this help.
Is it thought that the wrong RAM is causing my problem please -
Yes or no?
In which case, I better source the correct memory modules.
Lopes125
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July 13th, 2021 03:00
If the system does not turn on after a memory upgrade, the memory is incompatible.
kr236rk02
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July 13th, 2021 05:00
Thank you. Located the exact memory I needed from crucial - it's not in stock, went amazonian, ditto; ended up with something which seemed to fit the bill but didn't. Mea culpa.
kr236rk02
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July 17th, 2021 07:00
Update.
The memory arrived - I installed it - booted pc, all the lights came on, no amber flash warning, no audio pip codes - monitor showed green/ok pilot button. Black screen.
I waited.
Black screen.
Hunted around for a second monitor in case the first one had failed, but couldn't find anything suitable, there are so many different connections now.
Black screen.
Booted off. Rebooted. PC started up as if nothing had ever happened, system shows 64GB memory.
Why do computers do this to us?
RoHe
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July 17th, 2021 12:00
Because they can...
You're sure this new RAM is compatible this time?
What color is power button and steady/blinking when monitor is black?
Are you sure you connected the monitor the add-in video card and not to one of the onboard video ports?
And with all RAM installed, try clearing BIOS by unplugging PC, removing motherboard battery and pressing/holding the power button for ~30 sec before reinstalling battery.
kr236rk02
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July 17th, 2021 13:00
Thanks Ron,
I wrote: "PC started up as if nothing had ever happened, system shows 64GB memory."
Will have to get an HDMI monitor at some stage, it takes an eternity to unscrew the VGA adaptors at the back.
Monitor goes to the GeForce graphics card, as before.
8900 back up & running, now with full Ram.
Thanks to all
RoHe
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July 17th, 2021 17:00
YEA!
rh310
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September 30th, 2021 22:00
So despite the published specs, the XPS-8900 supports a total of 64Gb RAM?
RoHe
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October 1st, 2021 11:00
@rh310 First, the published RAM specs are only what Dell validated for this PC model at the time it was released. Doesn't necessarily mean higher amounts of RAM won't work, but Dell can't guarantee higher amounts will work and isn't responsible if it doesn't.
And there's a difference between "see" and "use". BIOS might "see" that 64 GB of RAM are installed, but that doesn't necessarily mean the chipset and/or the memory controller can use all 64 GB.