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nelsonxm

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21 years ago

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nelsonxm

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February 21st, 2006 18:00

Dimension 4700 memory problem.

Hi all,

I have a Dimension 4700.

It did not boot - it just gave me the "1-3-2" beep code and the led's on the back are "YYGG".

I researched and found out that the both codes indicate a memory problem. I followed the troubleshooting recomendations and at first it appeared that the second memory card was bad because the system booted nicely after i removed it from slot 2.

Then i switched the memory card in slot 1 with the "bad card" just to make sure the second card was actully bad. The system booted with that memory card as well - Not just once but several times. Even when i put both cards into slots 1 & 3, the system still boots up. As it turns out, it does not matter which of the two memory cards i put into slot 1 and slot 2, the system will not boot with a card in slot 2 and gives me the same beep and led codes.

I'm assuming i have a bad memory slot. But i have read that a bad power supply can cause similar problems.

The Dell trouble shooting guide recommended that i reset the BIOS using the RTCRST, CLR CM, or CONFIG jumpers. I have done that but it did not help.

Does anyone have an opinion?

Also...

Putting the two cards in slots 1 & 3 work - the system boots up and BIOS recognizes then both, will it hurt the system even though you are supposed to put the pair in slots 1 & 2?

Message Edited by nelsonxm on 02-21-2006 03:34 PM

  • Mary G

    6 Operator

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    Posted February 21st, 2006 20:00

    I doubt it makes a difference which slots you use, as long as it works. My 8400 came with nothing in slot 1 and has 2 & 3 filled instead.
  • rickmktg

    2 Intern

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    Posted February 21st, 2006 21:00



    @Mary G wrote:
    I doubt it makes a difference which slots you use, as long as it works. My 8400 came with nothing in slot 1 and has 2 & 3 filled instead.



    It certainly does matter.  Slots are color coded for dual channeling.
  • rickmktg

    2 Intern

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    Posted February 21st, 2006 21:00



    @nelsonxm wrote:
    Hi all,

    I have a Dimension 4700.

    It did not boot - it just gave me the "1-3-2" beep code and the led's on the back are "YYGG".

    I researched and found out that the both codes indicate a memory problem. I followed the troubleshooting recomendations and at first it appeared that the second memory card was bad because the system booted nicely after i removed it from slot 2.

    Then i switched the memory card in slot 1 with the "bad card" just to make sure the second card was actully bad. The system booted with that memory card as well - Not just once but several times. Even when i put both cards into slots 1 & 3, the system still boots up. As it turns out, it does not matter which of the two memory cards i put into slot 1 and slot 2, the system will not boot with a card in slot 2 and gives me the same beep and led codes.

    I'm assuming i have a bad memory slot. But i have read that a bad power supply can cause similar problems.

    The Dell trouble shooting guide recommended that i reset the BIOS using the RTCRST, CLR CM, or CONFIG jumpers. I have done that but it did not help.

    Does anyone have an opinion?

    Also...

    Putting the two cards in slots 1 & 3 work - the system boots up and BIOS recognizes then both, will it hurt the system even though you are supposed to put the pair in slots 1 & 2?

    Absolutely it matters.  Slots are numbered 1,3,2,4.  You must have the two sticks in a pair of slots (see color coding also) for dual channeling.

    Why aren't you calling Dell for warranty service?

  • nelsonxm

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    Posted February 21st, 2006 22:00

    Hi rickmktg,

    You wrote: "Why aren't you calling Dell for warranty service?"

    It ran out 12/05.

    Even though the slots are arranged 1/3/2/4, I did notice that slots 1&2 are white and 3&4 are black. Is this is what you refer to as doul channels? If so i think putting the two sticks on one channel only affects the memory throughput speed.

    In what way do you think installing the pair of sticks in slots 1&3 opposed to 1&2 matter?

    Message Edited by nelsonxm on 02-21-2006 06:47 PM

  • rickmktg

    2 Intern

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    Posted February 21st, 2006 22:00



    @nelsonxm wrote:
    Hi rickmktg,

    You wrote: "Why aren't you calling Dell for warranty service?"

    It ran out 12/05.

    Even though the slots are arranged 1/3/2/4, I did notice that slots 1&2 are white and 3&4 are black. Is this is what you refer to as doul channels? If so i think putting the two sticks on one channel only affects the memory throughput speed.

    In what way do you think installing the pair of sticks in slots 1&3 opposed to 1&2 matter?

    Right.  1 and 2 got together, 3 and 4 go together.  They color coded it for those that are number-impaired. 

    You need to put pairs of sticks in the slots.  1 and 2, 3 and 4.  If you put the sticks in 1 and 3 or 2 and 4 you will NOT have dual channel enabled. 

  • nelsonxm

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    Posted February 21st, 2006 23:00

    Hi rickmktg,

    Ok, I can live with that for the moment. I would just have single channel.

    But the real question is...
    Is it possible that if one of the sticks is bad but not dead - and that putting either in slot 2 is causing a memory failure and therefor no boot but putting both in slots 1&3 will boot?

    Or could slots 2&4 bad?

    Message Edited by nelsonxm on 02-21-2006 07:25 PM

  • charlie_bird

    1 Rookie

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    Posted April 1st, 2006 08:00

    Hi,

     

    Looks like I'm having a very similar problem. Have you resloved problem and if so, how?