Alienware Aurora (1st Gen) RAM issues

Question

Hello there! First I wanted to upgrade my ram so I took out my ram sticks to see what I had. I put them back where they went and restarted the computer. It wasn't using all the ram it said 14gb (5.99) useable so I googled that. I was instructed to go to msconfig and reset the max memory buy checking the box. I restarted the computer and the alienware screen loads but not windows it goes to blue screen, I am unable to go into safe mode as well. I tested the memory and all tests passed. So I tried combinations of ram like only putting the 3 sticks in that it came with and nothing still can't start windows. The bios says all 14gb is installed and available plus it was totally fine before this. Any suggestions?!! on a side note after I get my computer working- I bought a pair of 4gb 1600 ram and a single 4gb 1600 to put in because the manual says it has a limit of 12gb 1600 and only three slots are eligible for this speed. Am I better with the 12gb of 1600 or putting all the ram (12 and my other 1333 speed sticks) and have them all run at 1333 but equals 24gb of the 1333? I'm primarily a gamer.

Alienware-Naomi · Answer

Hi,

Usually when there's a problem with the RAM, the system stops posting. If the computer reaches the Alienware logo screen, it could be a No Boot problem related to HDD or OS. I would recommend to test the system with the OEM memory and run a full ePSA diagnostic (you mentioned you ran a memory test but I'm not sure if that's the one you used).

Let me know how it goes!

sookiecookie21 · Answer

Everything passed, I'm reinstalling windows now.

another question though, I put in the new 1600mhz ram and it's reading it as 1333mhz. It's in the right slots and I know my computer is compatible for it. Is there a setting I need to change? Or should I just keep it all at 1333 is there that much of a difference?

thank you

Cass-Ole · Answer

your mem probly defaulted to 1333, the base speed. My bios is probly a lil different then yours, but you have to go to your bios setup screen, hit f2 or delete on startup: follow the instructions here:( http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/p/19364363/19819514.aspx#19819514 )

The 1st photo in this article shows the xmp option:

http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?c=us&docid=117679&doclang=en&l=en&s=gen&cs=

Notice how the mem is set to 1600, & a "multiplier" of 133x12 (your mem now is running at 133x10=1333)

If your pc won't turn on afterwards, or you blue screen, do the 'fix" they talk about later in the instructions, here is a post w/a typical freq/volt photo: http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/t/19375273.aspx

Basically see if your xmp profile is set on in the freq/voltage section of bios. If you run into problems, someone else will field your questions since I'm stepping out for a bit ...

sookiecookie21 · Answer

All I had to do was enable xmp and it did the rest

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