Latitude D620 RAM issue/question

Question

I'll try to summarize my issue quickly...basically, got a Latitude D620, 32-bit, running Windows 10 Pro. I'm pretty sure my DIMM B RAM slot (the one under the keyboard) has gone bad. When I have a 2GB RAM module in there (and, yes, the RAM module is good, I've checked it), and also have a 2GB module in the DIMM A slot, the laptop won't boot up...the Cap Lock and Scroll Lock lights at top of the keyboard just blink on and off. When I remove the RAM module from just the DIMM B slot and try to re-boot, it boots up fine with just the 2GB module in slot A.

So, here are my main questions:

1) Does anyone know if this is a common problem with the DIMM B slot, is there possibly a solution to repair it or run a diagnostic to figure out if it is just a loose wire or something simple, or is that thing likely fried?

2) Being that my DIMM B slot isn't working, I'm running on only 2GB of RAM. The laptop runs, but sluggishly. I was hoping that I could just put a single, 4GB SODIMM DDR2 module into DIMM slot A to bring the laptop back up to 4GB, but from what I have found so far, both DIMM A and B can each only take (up to) a 2GB module, at most. Is this true? If not, I have found a few, single 4GB modules that would physically fit into DIMM A (like this one...https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-PC2-6400-200-Pin-Notebook-CT51264AC800/dp/B001RB21JE). Would this work, or is that a no-go? (And if anyone can maybe point me to a cheaper one, that would be great!)

Any other suggestions on how to get around this and get back up to 4GB RAM?

Thanks for any help.

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

Welcome to the Dell Community @Jesker  Please refer to you other post. https://www.dell.com/community/Latitude/Latitude-D620-RAM-issue-question/m-p/7661839#M24498 Best regards, U2

astropetev · Answer

I have just had exactly the same problem. Only difference is that my machine only had 2 GB to begin with - 2 x 1 GB DIMMs. When it worked ok with just DIMM A, I assumed that the rear chip had failed, and ordered 2 x 2GB replacements to bring me up to 4GB total. But same fault. At least I have ended up with the same amount of memory, but in one chip instead of two. But as Jesker asked, is this a common problem and is there a straightforward fix, or does it mean a replacement motherboard? Which I probably won't bother with, since my machine is essentially the same as it has always been!

Both failed within a couple of weeks of each other - hidden built in obsolescence perhaps?

Cheers,

ejn63 · Answer

The only sure thing is a replacement board that's been tested. I don't think you can call any notebook that's survived 14 years of use a victim of planned obsolescence -- when the system was built, it had a design life of 3-5 years, so it's survived that by a factor of somewhere over three.

astropetev · Answer

I was joking of course, but quite a coincidence! As I said, I'll live with it - it's only ever had 2GB RAM, so unless the DIMM A socket fails as well, or of course something else drastic, I'm really no worse off. As long as Val-u-computers keep supplying refurbished XP machines I'll survive Why XP? Because I have various items of astronomy hardware whose drivers all run seamlessly in XP. Later versions of Windows, particularly forced upgrades of W10, invariably cause problems. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Cheers.

Latitude

Latitude D620 RAM issue/question

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