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September 9th, 2008 12:00
Inspiron 5100; Memory Upgrade; Memory Address Line Failure
Original Inspiron 5100 config: BIOS A21, 2X256MB memory installed.
Logged onto Crucial site and used their 'Scan your System' facility. It recommended 512MB SODIMM DDR-2700. Purchased 2 of these to replace the 256s.
Installed them and got continuous Black Screen on power up.
Replaced 256s and upgraded BIOS to latest A32 from Dell site. Then put in 512s again.
Now on power up get Memory address Line Failure with addresses and expected/failed data info.
Replace either of the 512 modules with either of the 256s in any slot combination and machine works AOK with 768MB RAM available.
Any ideas whether this is a hardware fault or whether there are some settings I don't know about? Help appreciated. John.
TMcCaine
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September 9th, 2008 16:00
Memory addressing is stored in the CPU not the BIOS, and Dell does say that it will hold 1gb in the config of two 512's. Updating the BIOS will help compatibility issues between memory modules, and if you have upgraded the BIOS the memory should work fine.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?c=us&category_id=6436&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&mfgpid=157980&chassisid=8414
According to the specs you gave it appears to be the correct memory, however, many systems can run buggy if the incorrect pairs (as in brands) of memory are not installed or the BIOS isn't updated.
Test your configuration by replacing the 512 module that is in there now with another and see if it will work, if it does and both memory modules work but not together then this is the issue. Inform Crucial of this and start the exchange process. I would go ahead and try the Dell recommended memory and see if this doesn't solve your problem.
sharanda
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September 16th, 2008 17:00
Thanks TMcCaine. How right you were. I purchased the Dell recommended RAM and 1Gb works fine in the 5100. Many thanks for your help.
Regards, John.