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January 24th, 2022 14:00

XPS 8920, no boot after installing new RAM

I used Crucial System Scanner and then ordered the RAM from newegg.com

It says the system is compatible with:

Crucial 16GB DDR4-3200 UDIMM
Part no.  CT16G4DFD832A
Configuration ID  CT14197553
 
I ordered the following from newegg.com
Crucial 32GB (2 x 16GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600) Desktop Memory Model CT2K16G4DFD832A

This is the exact match. The only difference is the 2K which indicates a 2 pack.

I ordered 4 sticks and tried it in multiple configurations. When I install 2 sticks (+2 sticks of old RAM) or 4 sticks, my computer won't boot up.

Any ideas on what to do, or something I may be doing wrong?

 

6 Operator

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3.2K Posts

January 24th, 2022 15:00

@ToyotaOrNotToyota I don't have an XPS 8920 so instead of the scan, I looked up the compatible memory for the XPS 8920 using the tool on crucial.com. The results showed CT16G4DFRA32A and the kit was CT2K16DFRA32A, https://www.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/dell/xps-8920#memory

Looking at the specs between the FRA32A and the FD832A I can't tell what the difference is, but perhaps there is a difference that is important.

12 Elder

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January 24th, 2022 16:00

@ToyotaOrNotToyota  - If you put the original RAM back in without any new RAM, will it boot again?

Have you tried clearing BIOS?

  1. Power off, unplug
  2. Press/hold power button for ~15 sec
  3. Open case and remove motherboard battery (check Service Manual for details)
  4. Press/hold power button on PC for ~30 sec
  5. Install all 4 new, matched RAM modules
  6. Reinstall the battery (Time for a fresh CR2032 3-volt coin cell battery? ~$2)
  7. Close up and connect mouse, monitor and keyboard
  8. Reboot

11 Legend

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January 24th, 2022 16:00

@Vic384 is spot on with the comparison. The only difference I can see, and find it hard to believe that it would make a drastic difference, is the Crucial specs state that the CT16G4DFD832A is Dual Ranked x8 based and the CT2K16DFRA32A makes no mention of it. That looks to be a reach but remember that Dell systems are very picky about RAM even if it comes from Crucial at times.

6 Operator

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3.2K Posts

January 24th, 2022 17:00

@ToyotaOrNotToyota There is also a couple of other things. One, the specs for the XPS 8920 called for 2400 MHz memory so anything faster, if it cost more, is a waste of money. And two, the Memory Finder tool at Newegg does not appear to list the memory you purchased maybe because it is faster than necessary. 

11 Legend

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January 24th, 2022 19:00

user validated 2x16 gb in 8920 are

Hits Bench Value Buy
Vengeance LPX DDR4 3200 C16 2x16GB 6x 88%    
CT16G4DFRA32A.C8FE 2x16GB 6x 88% - -
Unknown 2x16GB 5x 79% - -
Vengeance LPX DDR4 2400 C16 2x16GB 5x 75%    
CL16-16-16 D4-2400 2x16GB 4x 73% - -
Vengeance LPX DDR4 2666 C16 2x16GB 4x 76% - -
BLS16G4D26BFSE.16FBD 2x16GB 3x 82% - -
BL16G30C15U4R.M16FE1 2x16GB 3x 90% - -
CT16G4DFD824A.M16FJ 2x16GB 3x 78% - -
Vengeance LPX DDR4 2666 C16 2x16GB 2x 76%    
Vengeance LPX DDR4 2400 C14 2x16GB 2x 73% -

of these the crucial rams are 

CT16G4DFRA32A.C8FE 2x16GB

CT16G4DFD824A.M16FJ 2x16GB

you bought Crucial 32GB (2 x 16GB) CT2K16G4DFD832A

these are not user validated Crucial.  if after more trial you still can not boot from these 2x16 GB alone, suggest return them and exchange for those crucial that are validated.  note mixing old Dell ram with crucial is not great idea and difficult to validate although users do this oftentimes.

January 26th, 2022 15:00

I ended up finding a configuration that works with 2 sticks of the RAM. I'm unsure if one or both of the other two sticks are bad, but I returned them both to Newegg.

January 26th, 2022 15:00

I did try that several times. I actually broke off the CMOS battery bracket off the motherboard. Oh boy, that was a painful adventure to fix! 

Anyways, I ended up finding a configuration that works with 2 sticks of the RAM. I'm unsure if one or both of the other two sticks are bad, but I returned them both to Newegg.

12 Elder

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January 26th, 2022 17:00

Are the two sticks is slots with matching color retention clips?

The first one should go in the 2nd slot from the CPU and the other in the slot with same color clips (4th from CPU).

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