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4 Posts
0
1933
January 15th, 2009 10:00
Adding extra RAM failure
Hi,
I'm running Vist Ultimate 64bit with 2 x 2Gb RAM in slots 1 & 2. I purchesed two more of the same for slots 3 & 4 hopefully to get the 8Gb. The problem is that when I add the new DIMMs and power back up it never gets to windows as on the sideshow it comes up with memory moduled are detected but a configuration or compatibility issue occured. I've swoped them over for new ones again the same but still the same problem. I've also tried my current memory in slots 3 & 4 but they are ok! I know this looks as thought the new DIMMs are faulty but two new set. Can anyone help?
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Hanspuppa
799 Posts
0
January 16th, 2009 09:00
Hello Wales1, Sorry to hear you are having no success. I suspect the modules are not compatible.
I would suggest contacting the memory vendor and see if you could exchange the newer modules for the same as the original.
I have 4X2 GB modules of the same model number, and the system works great.
It appears the conflict is with the timings of these different modules.
Hope this helps.
Hanspuppa
799 Posts
1
January 15th, 2009 10:00
Hello Wales 1, It would be useful to know the Brand and module numbers of all the memory modules.
The XPS420 is very particular as to what memory it supports.
With all the modules installed, you may want to go into the BIOS and see if the BIOS detects all the memory, save your settings and reboot.
You might also perform a hardware diagnostic check, by entering the F12 on boot and then check hardware.
Sometimes this will work when nothing else does, assuming the modules are supported by the XPS420.
Just some thoughts and hope this helps.
Wales1
4 Posts
1
January 15th, 2009 10:00
Hi,
Thanks for your reply: My existing ones are OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz 4GB Dual Cannel 5-4-4-15. The new one are OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz 4GB Dual Cannel 4-5-5-15. The only difference is the last few number> I don't know if this is important. Not being very techy how do I get into the BIOS to check to see if it detect the memory?
Wales1
4 Posts
1
January 15th, 2009 10:00
Your right the slots are colour coded black and white and that's what I've been trying them in. It's just looks as though it's numbered 1 & 2 for the black and 3 & 4 for the white ones.
mostlymom
17 Posts
1
January 15th, 2009 10:00
Noticed you mentioned installing in slots 1 and 2. Mine has the four slots color coded black and white so that you install in slots 1 and 3 then. if you add more, in slots 2 and 4. Just a thought.
Hanspuppa
799 Posts
0
January 15th, 2009 11:00
Hello Wales 1, That difference could make a difference. It is not recommended to use memory modules with different timings in the system at the same time.
The XPS420 detects the memory by SPD, which is a default memory setting.
It could detect both these different module numbers as SPD (Serial Presence Detect) which may allow them to run at the same timings, even though you show them to be different.
This would be just a trial an error approach. It may or may not work.
To enter the BIOS, when the system boots and you see the Dell Logo, in the upper right corner will appear some text showing F2 for setup and F12 for boot order, or somehting to that effect.
Just press F2 and you should enter the BIOS. You can see the memory section on the left side of the screen.
Just navigate with the arrow keys to that section and the memory will appear on the right screen.
If it all shows up, save the BIOS settings and reboot and see if the system works as it should.
If not, reboot and press the F12 key to enter the Boot screen.
Navigate down to the Hardware Diagnostic section and perform a hardware check.
One other thing to consider would be that you should install the modules with the same settings, example 5-4-4-15, in the first and third slot and the modules with the 4-5-5-15 in the second and fourth slot.
Hope this helps.
Wales1
4 Posts
1
January 16th, 2009 09:00
After trying all of the combinations with the new RAM it doesn't even boot in to windows so I cannot get to the BIOS. As soon as I power it up the side show reports the error that memory modules are detected but a configuration or compatibility problem exists, it also makes a loud buzzing noise from the motherboard. As soon as I take them out all is ok! So it looks as though it back to square one.