Got unexpected value on memory test after memory upgrade in Inspiron 5570

Question

My laptop is an Inspiron 5570 and it has two slots of DDR4 RAM (2400Hz), each one with a maximum of 16Gb as the docs of the product says. I have 16Gb (slot 1) and decided to upgrade to 32Gb using two RAM modules with same specification from the docs. After the upgrade of the new 16Gb RAM in slot 2 (DIMM B), I've run the preboot diagnostic test on the memory and passed all tests. Even the "WCMch" test passed, I got some unexpected values such as below.

What these values mean? Is this a bad RAM module and should I replace it?

Regards.

filbert · Accepted Answer

What RAM did you buy?

When you opened the laptop, handled the RAM or touched any components, did you wear a grounded wrist strap, also called anti-static wrist strap, ESD wrist strap, or ground bracelet. It's a cheap and sensible precaution. Rest the laptop on an anti-static mat or at least a reasonable alternative such as corrugated cardboard and don't wear static-generating clothing such as polyester. If you didn't take such precautions, it's possible that you damaged something.

If I suspect a memory issue or if I bought new RAM and wanted to verify its quality, I would use a more thorough testing utility such as memtest86+.

memtest86+ runs from a bootable flash drive or CD/DVD, so it can test more of the memory than is possible with Windows Memory Diagnostic. memtest86+ should be allowed to run for at least three passes, which on older hardware can take many hours. Over at TenForums they say that for solid test results you should let it run at least 8 passes in a single session.
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/14201-memtest86-test-ram.html

I suggest that you run memtest86+ for at least 8 passes. I don't know your laptop specs, but depending on your hardware that testing could take a day or two. You must run all passes in a single session. Running, for example, two passes now, three passes tonight and more passes tomorrow does not give the same confidence as all passes in a single session. If you receive even a single error, you can stop the testing.

Any error reported by memtest86+ means that there is a hardware problem, though not necessarily in the RAM. Errors could relate to issues with CPU, motherboard, RAM slots, etc. There is a process to follow to test RAM sticks individually in each slot, etc., to gradually narrow down the source of the errors.

filbert · Answer

@MateusASchneider wrote:

I don't know if using single and dual rank at the same time may cause some problem, but I guess it's not a good choice.

Sometimes a seemingly-compatible stick won't play nicely with other RAM. A matched pair of two identical RAM sticks, normally bought as a pair/set from manufacturer/vendor is the safest option. Often you can get non-identical sticks to work together if speed and timings match, but a matched pair is a surer route to success.

@MateusASchneider wrote:

Using the old RAM (CT16G4SFS824A) at slot 1. I didn't get any erros.

Using the new RAM (CT16G4SFD824A) at slot 1. I got just one "expected-atual" error similar to the figure I've posted before.

There are five tests that you need to perform:

Test stick 1 in slot A
Test stick 1 in slot B
Test stick 2 in slot A
Test stick 2 in slot B
Test both sticks together

The purpose of swapping sticks to each slot is to determine if the errors relate to a single stick or a single slot, or just to the two sticks when used together.

@MateusASchneider wrote:
Thanks for suggesting the memtest86+, I'll run it.

The testing will take a lot of time, but it's how you will learn where the error lies. Once an error is displayed in memtest86+, you can abort that particular test since even a single error indicates a failure. Though, as I explained above, the error is not necessarily in the RAM.

MateusASchneider · Answer

I bought the Crucial CT16G4SFD824A and did all the security procedures. However, I noticed now that my older RAM is a Crucial CT16G4SFS824A, where I supposed "S" stands for single rank and "D" for dual rank. I supposed because the specs of the RAMs at their website don't mention anything about it (look the RAM pictures below). The RAM modules are double-side modules, i.e, there are memory chips on both sides of the sticks.

I don't know if using single and dual rank at the same time may cause some problem, but I guess it's not a good choice. I also don't know if I need set something in my BIOS when using a dual rank RAM. I just know from my BIOS that the mode of memory channel is set to Single.

I've done two tests again running the DELL ePSA (Enhanced Pre-Boot System Assessment) diagnostics without any RAM module in slot 2.

Using the old RAM (CT16G4SFS824A) at slot 1. I didn't get any erros.
Using the new RAM (CT16G4SFD824A) at slot 1. I got just one "expected-atual" error similar to the figure I've posted before.

So, I've thought two things.

The new RAM (CT16G4SFD824A) has some problem, or since it is dual rank and I didn't configure BIOS for this, some problem is happening.
The slot 2 wasn't used since I bought the laptop 5 years ago, so the error may be caused by the slots.

Thanks for suggesting the memtest86+, I'll run it.

Inspiron

Got unexpected value on memory test after memory upgrade in Inspiron 5570

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