XPS Generation 5 Memory Problems

Question

I recently purchased 2GB of memory to add to my DELL XPS Generation 5 computer.  I installed it as instructed in the manual.  I kept the original Dell memory in the 1 and 2 slots, each is 512mb 533 mhz 168 pin memory.  I purchased 2 1gb Memory Pro modules and installed them in the 3 and 4 slots.  The new memory specs are the same as the original.  I boot the computer and everything is fine.  The computer recognizes the 3 gb of total ram.  I keep getting blue screen messages, shutdowns, and xp error messages.  I'm running Win XP Pro.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks

xcator · Answer

First try reseating all memory modules. If still problem, pull the new memory and just run the original dell memory...if no more issues then your problem is the new memory modules.

To troubleshoot a little more if you want, you can remove the original dell memory and put in only the new memory you bought. Run memtest on it to see if any errors. If you can, send it back and get some name brand memory as a replacement. You bought cheap memory. You may also want to run cpu-z to see what they really sent you.

CCrusher · Answer

rgcap

I also have the same problem with my XPS. I bought the system with 1 Gb, and have purchased an additional 1 Gb (4 512 Mb modules, all PC2 5300 DDR2 667 Mhz). My system will run for about a half hour, and then everything will start crashing. During restart, the bios reports an error , and says it has to reconfigure memory. Then after Windows Starts, system reports only 512 MB memory.

Now, if the new memory was what was bad, why would one of the original sticks be marked as bad? I have run the original 1 GB without a problem, and have run the new RAM by itself without the problem.

I have a feeling its a heat issue, so my question is....is there a way to add another fan to the XPS? All four motherboard fan connections are already used, but is there a connection availiable on the power supply?

The side fan is running, but I wonder if the dual video cards could be blocking the air flow a bit.

If anyone has added a fan for any reason, how you did it and wear you placed it would be a great help.

CCrusher · Answer

The brand name of the memory I purchased is 'SpecTek'. Was the only brand available at any store in this area. DDR2 667mhz isnt even available at Best Buy , Circuit City in this area.

xcator · Answer

run memest overnight on the memory and see if you get any errors.

CCrusher · Answer

thanks for responding   installed all 4 sticks, 2 new sticks in slots 1,2 white. ran computer 3 hours last night without any memory problems. Before shutting down for the night, I ran mem test and all test passed. Hopefully it is OK now.

rgcap · Answer

How do I run those tests ?  thanks

xcator · Answer

google memtest86+, download it, creat bootable floopy, and let it run for a few hours.

rgcap · Answer

no floppy in this 'state of the art' computer, go figure

xcator · Answer

there is a download for iso to create bootable cd, as well.

CCrusher · Answer

Not an hour after posting that, my computer crashed. And after every subsequent power on, the computer would crash. It got to the point that within a minute, the system would get blue screen. This is what makes me feel its heat, as once it starts crashing, it then crashes with greater frequency. Went back to 1 Gb mem, and computer has been OK since then.

xcator · Answer

CCrusher, sorry to hear that, does sound like your new memory is bad, but you should run memtest overnight or all day on it just to confirm.  The other possibility is a bad dimm slot.   If your original memory is ok in slots 1and2, move them to slots 3and4 (black clips) to make sure it's not the slots.  What do the diagnostic light indicate on boot when you're getting the blue screen?

CCrusher · Answer

Tested memory with memtest+ like you suggested. Before I was using Dell version of memory test.   Results: Dell mem in slots 1,2 - passed 3 test passes Dell mem in slots 3,4 - passed 3 test passes New mem in slots 1,2 - passed 3 test passes New mem in slots 3,4 - passed 3 test passes All four installed - passed 3 test passes Will run all four overnight also   In addition, since it seems to pass hardware test, could it be XP Home doesnt address 2 GB correctly?   Also, I have disabled DEP in BIOS. (Windows calls it DEP, Bios calls it Execute Disable Memory Protection Technology). See if it helps   All four sticks have exact same settings too, as the test shows CAS 5-5-5-15   Thanks for all the help Message Edited by CCrusher on 05-21-200607:16 PM

xcator · Answer

if you find your memory dimms all test ok, then check your event viewer to see what's listed when it blue screens.  Also check your diagnostic lights when it blue screens after rebooting.   Reseat all your cards and check all your connections inside.

rgcap · Answer

I have Bios version A04, I don't know if that makes a difference, I'll try it tomorrow.

rgcap · Answer

How do you disable that memory function in the Bios, what F button do you hit to get to the Bios ?  thanks

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