Should the computer be able to boot up with a single memory module installed in ANY of the 4 DIMM slots? I know I've ran ePSA with no errors, and white, white (DIMM 1,2) and black, black (DIMM 3,4) dual channel does not work. DIMM 1,3 (white, black) works on single channel. I don't think I've tried DIMM slot 2 or DIMM slot 4 by itself or the DIMM 2,4 (white, black) combination.
Anything in BIOS that can be altered to cause it to NOT allow dual channel? or not see DIMM 2 or DIMM 4? Clutching at straws here... Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!
It's not unheard of to be able to post with an single RAM module installed in any one slot. That's typically how you'd find out if you have a bad motherboard slot. And it won't hurt to try booting with a single known-working module in one slot at a time.
You could also try reinstalling the Intel chipset drivers...
@DE54 There is no setting in the BIOS that can change the single/dual channel behavior; that behavior is a direct result of the wiring of the memory slots.
You didn't answer my question about the original memory configuration of your computer, the configuration delivered by Dell.
I don't know whether or not the computer will boot up with a single memory module in slots DIMM2, DIMM3, or DIMM4, but the computer will boot up with a single memory module in slot DIMM1. Back on 9/6/19, you said you tested each 8GB module alone in DIMM1 so I hope you had shut down and powered off the computer when you did that. If you did then obviously it will boot up with a single module in DIMM1. Also my Dell came with a single memory module in DIMM1 so obviously that works.
While I'm waiting on the Crucial modules to show up, it's currently running with a single known good 8gb module, the one it came with, in DIMM slot #1. So, I should be able to shift it to #2, #3, or #4 to try and isolate a bad DIMM slot (i.e. bad motherboard).
Could the Intel chipset drivers be corrupted and causing DIMM #2 and/or DIMM #4 not to be read/ mapped? Exactly how do I go about reinstalling the Intel chipset drivers?
Go<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> and download the latest Intel chipset to your desktop. Double-click the downloaded file and let it install. Reboot when done.
Then go here and download/install the latest Intel Management Engine driver and reboot again.
With the matched pair of RAM modules installed see if CPU-z reports dual channel now...
Original memory configuration out of the box was a single 8GB SK Hynix module in DIMM #1 slot. I've tried every module (3) in DIMM #1 so far, and each works fine, and yes, I did shut down and disconnect everything when I switched modules. They also work in any combination in DIMM slots #1, 3 to give me 16GB, single channel. Should have new Crucial modules, 2 x 8GB, by tomorrow evening.
@DE54 Thanks for answering my question. That is what I thought, that your computer came with a single memory module (by the way not a configuration in the Dell memory configuration matrix). I think what is happening is that when you tried to match it and installed both modules (Dell original & Timetec) in white slots it did not work because they are not compatible in dual channel mode hence you had to install them in white and black slots so they would operate in single channel mode. As for the two Timetec modules not working in dual channel, sometimes even the same exact models, if not tested together in a kit, there is a chance they may not work together. Hopefully the Crucial memory will work.
If I need to clear BIOS AFTER putting in the matched pair, that would be impossible since all I get when matched pair of Crucial modules are installed in either DIMM 1,2 (white, white) or DIMM 3,4 (black, black) is 4 amber flashes. Never makes it to DELL splash screen to jump to BIOS.
I think you misunderstood what I said about clearing BIOS...
Put in the RAM whichever way it boots and then reboot and press F2 to open BIOS so you can copy the current settings. This is just a safety precaution in case the current BIOS settings are different from the defaults that will get set when BIOS is cleared.
Then power off, unplug and press/hold power button for ~15 sec. Remove the battery and press/hold power button for ~30 sec. Remove the RAM and install the new matched pair in DIMM1 and the slot with matching clips.
Reinstall the battery, close up, and power on. There may -or not- be that same 4 blink code. Hopefully, clearing BIOS will clear the error code.
I'm not arguing that you actually might have a bum motherboard, but it will be a whole lot easier/simpler for you if that error can be cleared just by clearing BIOS. Certainly worth trying...
@DE54 I know you tried a single memory module in slots DIMM1, DIMM2, and DIMM4 and only works in DIMM1 and hence your conclusion that slots DIMM2 and DIMM4 are bad. Have you tried a single memory module in DIMM3? I just want to rule out that for a single memory module to work it has to be in DIMM1.
RoHe
10 Elder
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45.2K Posts
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September 9th, 2019 10:00
Bum motherboard..?
DE54
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September 9th, 2019 15:00
Should the computer be able to boot up with a single memory module installed in ANY of the 4 DIMM slots? I know I've ran ePSA with no errors, and white, white (DIMM 1,2) and black, black (DIMM 3,4) dual channel does not work. DIMM 1,3 (white, black) works on single channel. I don't think I've tried DIMM slot 2 or DIMM slot 4 by itself or the DIMM 2,4 (white, black) combination.
Anything in BIOS that can be altered to cause it to NOT allow dual channel? or not see DIMM 2 or DIMM 4? Clutching at straws here... Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!
RoHe
10 Elder
•
45.2K Posts
0
September 9th, 2019 16:00
It's not unheard of to be able to post with an single RAM module installed in any one slot. That's typically how you'd find out if you have a bad motherboard slot. And it won't hurt to try booting with a single known-working module in one slot at a time.
You could also try reinstalling the Intel chipset drivers...
Vic384
4 Operator
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3.2K Posts
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September 9th, 2019 16:00
@DE54 There is no setting in the BIOS that can change the single/dual channel behavior; that behavior is a direct result of the wiring of the memory slots.
You didn't answer my question about the original memory configuration of your computer, the configuration delivered by Dell.
I don't know whether or not the computer will boot up with a single memory module in slots DIMM2, DIMM3, or DIMM4, but the computer will boot up with a single memory module in slot DIMM1. Back on 9/6/19, you said you tested each 8GB module alone in DIMM1 so I hope you had shut down and powered off the computer when you did that. If you did then obviously it will boot up with a single module in DIMM1. Also my Dell came with a single memory module in DIMM1 so obviously that works.
DE54
32 Posts
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September 9th, 2019 16:00
While I'm waiting on the Crucial modules to show up, it's currently running with a single known good 8gb module, the one it came with, in DIMM slot #1. So, I should be able to shift it to #2, #3, or #4 to try and isolate a bad DIMM slot (i.e. bad motherboard).
Could the Intel chipset drivers be corrupted and causing DIMM #2 and/or DIMM #4 not to be read/ mapped? Exactly how do I go about reinstalling the Intel chipset drivers?
Thanks!
RoHe
10 Elder
•
45.2K Posts
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September 9th, 2019 17:00
Go<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> and download the latest Intel chipset to your desktop. Double-click the downloaded file and let it install. Reboot when done.
Then go here and download/install the latest Intel Management Engine driver and reboot again.
With the matched pair of RAM modules installed see if CPU-z reports dual channel now...
DE54
32 Posts
0
September 9th, 2019 18:00
Original memory configuration out of the box was a single 8GB SK Hynix module in DIMM #1 slot. I've tried every module (3) in DIMM #1 so far, and each works fine, and yes, I did shut down and disconnect everything when I switched modules. They also work in any combination in DIMM slots #1, 3 to give me 16GB, single channel. Should have new Crucial modules, 2 x 8GB, by tomorrow evening.
DE54
32 Posts
0
September 9th, 2019 18:00
Your first link to Intel Chipset Drivers is not working. I assume it's the one listed for my Service Tag:
Intel Chipset Device Software Driver
Version 10.1.18019.8144, A08
Vic384
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3.2K Posts
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September 9th, 2019 18:00
@DE54 Thanks for answering my question. That is what I thought, that your computer came with a single memory module (by the way not a configuration in the Dell memory configuration matrix). I think what is happening is that when you tried to match it and installed both modules (Dell original & Timetec) in white slots it did not work because they are not compatible in dual channel mode hence you had to install them in white and black slots so they would operate in single channel mode. As for the two Timetec modules not working in dual channel, sometimes even the same exact models, if not tested together in a kit, there is a chance they may not work together. Hopefully the Crucial memory will work.
DE54
32 Posts
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September 11th, 2019 15:00
Currently have the new Crucial 16 GB kit in DIMM 1,3 (white, black) @ 16 GB, single channel, since that's the best this motherboard can do.
DE54
32 Posts
0
September 11th, 2019 15:00
Reinstalled Intel Chipset drivers and Intel Management Engine drivers.
Installed 16 GB (2 x 8GB) Crucial kit this afternoon. DIMM slot 1,2 (white, white) - power button, 4 Amber flashes. DIMM slot 3,4 (black ,black) - power button, 4 Amber flashes. DIMM slots 2,4 (white, black) - power button, 4 Amber flashes. DIMM slot 2 only (white) - power button, 4 Amber flashes. DIMM slot 4 only (black) - power button, 4 Amber flashes. DIMM slots 1,3 (white, black) - Boots! - 16 GB, single channel. Bad Motherboard! Nothing reading in DIMM 2 or DIMM 4.
Anyone know how to initiate a Dell warranty repair?? Thanks!
DE54
32 Posts
0
September 11th, 2019 15:00
If I need to clear BIOS AFTER putting in the matched pair, that would be impossible since all I get when matched pair of Crucial modules are installed in either DIMM 1,2 (white, white) or DIMM 3,4 (black, black) is 4 amber flashes. Never makes it to DELL splash screen to jump to BIOS.
RoHe
10 Elder
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45.2K Posts
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September 11th, 2019 15:00
Did you clear BIOS after swapping in the new matched pair in DIMM1 and whichever other one has matching color retention clips?
Assuming you're under warranty, contact Support here.
RoHe
10 Elder
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45.2K Posts
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September 11th, 2019 16:00
I think you misunderstood what I said about clearing BIOS...
Put in the RAM whichever way it boots and then reboot and press F2 to open BIOS so you can copy the current settings. This is just a safety precaution in case the current BIOS settings are different from the defaults that will get set when BIOS is cleared.
Then power off, unplug and press/hold power button for ~15 sec. Remove the battery and press/hold power button for ~30 sec. Remove the RAM and install the new matched pair in DIMM1 and the slot with matching clips.
Reinstall the battery, close up, and power on. There may -or not- be that same 4 blink code. Hopefully, clearing BIOS will clear the error code.
I'm not arguing that you actually might have a bum motherboard, but it will be a whole lot easier/simpler for you if that error can be cleared just by clearing BIOS. Certainly worth trying...
Vic384
4 Operator
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3.2K Posts
0
September 11th, 2019 17:00
@DE54 I know you tried a single memory module in slots DIMM1, DIMM2, and DIMM4 and only works in DIMM1 and hence your conclusion that slots DIMM2 and DIMM4 are bad. Have you tried a single memory module in DIMM3? I just want to rule out that for a single memory module to work it has to be in DIMM1.