Aurora R5 RAM Upgrade - Won't Boot Up

Question

Received and installed some new RAM this evening and now my system is caught with a 2x yellow blinking Alien power button indicating that the RAM is missing or not installed properly. I've been through the process a few times with various combinations of single and multiple sticks (have 3 now). At the moment the original 16GB stick is installed in slot 1 again but I am still stuck at the double-blink. To say this is frustrating would be an understatement.

I cannot figure out why even the original RAM is not working. I've pressed it into the slot pretty directly and had the clips catch nicely on insertion but still don't know why it's not being recognized.

Purchased RAM is Crucial - Crucial 32GB Kit (16GBx2) DDR4 2400 MT/s (PC4-19200) DR x8 DIMM 288-Pin Memory - CT2K16G4DFD824A

atmasphere · Accepted Answer

Ok so to close out this chapter of my ridiculousness ...   Had the computer on the side to deal with the CMOS battery and as I was attempting to reseat the RAM once more I also did a quick tour on the other connectors on the main board and lo and behold the ATX fan had slightly disconnected. When I pressed it down there was a very satisfying click and I just looked over at my son who was watching and said I think I just fixed the computer. One stick, then more and a bitlocker recovery or two entered and boom ... back online and this time with 64GB of RAM!

fireberd · Answer

Here is the Crucial listing for the R5, not the same memory as you have.

https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Alienware/aurora-r5

As far as the original memory. Memory is static sensitive and must be properly handled. Only handle by the edges only and even safer wear a "grounding static wrist strap" when working inside and handling components.

Try resetting the CMOS memory and see if that helps (assuming the original memory is not damaged). With the PC powered off, open the case and remove the CR2032 CMOS backup battery on the motherboard for at least 10 minutes. Reinstall and see if it helps.

atmasphere · Answer

Thank you for the response! I tried the CMOS battery today and after a pretty extended solid yellow LED, I’m back to 2x blinking. Seems the original RAM no longer works? New RAM is set aside ...

fireberd · Answer

At this point, go back and try one of the new memory sticks, by itself and see if the symptoms change. If it doesn't work in one slot, try another slot (power off before installing or changing any memory. If you do it with power on there is a good chance the memory stick and/or the motherboard can be damaged.)

Don't give up. If one of the new memory sticks does not work, try another.

If it still does not work, probably best to take it to a (qualified) computer repair shop and have them test and determine if its just the memory or if its the motherboard. I assume its out of Dell warranty. If its still in warranty, reinstall the original memory and call Dell support.

JOcean · Answer

There are a couple of forum post threads dealing with RAM problems and the R5. I have listed them below. One of the users had particular trouble until realizing that the RAM had to pushed down very firmly to ensure they were fully engaged in the DIMM slot. Up to that point he/she experienced a similar problem where the system would not boot.

https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware-General-Read-Only/Aurora-R5-RAM-Upgrade-Won-t-Boot-Up/td-p/5505825

atmasphere · Answer

after a CMOS battery attempt on the original RAM I was still seeing the 2x yellow LED. I took a chance and ordered fresh RAm 3x16GB from BH - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=email&A=details&Q=&sku=1208360&is=REG

which appears to be the same as Crucial - https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/aurora-r5/CT9014069

but shipped immediately. Just completed the install wearing a static strap standing on a wood floor and when I booted back and back to the 2x yellow LED. I'm at a complete loss for why this won't work.

Help please!!

atmasphere · Answer

Thanks. RAM seems seated as far as it will go. Had the case on the side when I took the CMOS battery out again and really pressed and seated the DIMMs. Not sure how it could be more in at this point.

When I power on now the light stays on. No blinks, just yellow. I’ve seen this before and let it sit for a while previously but this time I figured I’d ask as well ... there does not seem to be a listing for this. No blinks, just on at power-up.

fireberd · Answer

A solid Amber on an Inspiron and probably applicable to the Alienware"

The system board cannot start initialization. There may be an issue with the system board, memory, processor or the power supply.

Considering your memory issues it could very well be damage has occurred to the motherboard (system board as Dell likes to call it).

As you (apparently) are out of warranty, a trip to a PC tech shop is probably best to find out what the problem is.

atmasphere · Answer

Thanks for the guidance. So frustrating. I can get past the solid with a power cycle but always back to the double-blink regardless of the combination of RAM or slots used.

fireberd · Answer

Congratulations.  Great to hear the problem has been resolved. Merry Christmas.

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Aurora R5 RAM Upgrade - Won't Boot Up

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