Memory error, 2 then 7 amber blinks

Question

Hi, I have a SFF Optiplex 5040 that is not posting and the power button is blinks amber 2 times followed by a pause and then 7 blinks. It also turns on as soon as I plug the power cable in and won’t shut off by holding the power button in.

I can see this is a memory error from the troubleshooting for this model, which stacks up as the problem started when I removed the 1 4GB Ram stick it had. I removed it to upgrade an identical system I had to 8GB. When I try other compatible ram, I get the error. I did put the original Ram back in and it worked again.

I have spent a lot of time researching this and every video or post I read says the error can be fixed by removing and reseating the Ram and/or resetting the CMOS. I’ve done this a number of times and I have had no luck. I’ve tried several different Ram sticks and none of them work (they work in other systems so I know they are good).

Any help would be greatly appreciated - I’ve exhausted everything I can think of. I also no longer have the other system with the original Ram that came out of this system so using that is not an option.

Thanks

bradthetechnut · Answer

Could you please post?: Model number of RAM that's not working or... Photo of RAM that's not working. Please include all sticks if they aren't the same mfr. and/or model number.

DJs JTech · Answer

I have this problem too with my Dell OptiPlex 5040.

I'm not a tech expert or anything, so I'm not sure if I can enter the BIOS from here but...

When I plug in the power cable and my DP cable to the back of the system, and then turn on the mains switch for both of the cable, the same error occurs.

The power button blinks amber twice, then a pause, followed by blinking amber 7 times. I already know from the Dell website for the system that it's a memory error.

I had taken out the two 4GB DDR3L a few months prior to today from the system. Today, when I went to put the two sticks of RAM back into the system, I noticed that the pins on then were both chipped and dented. I assumed that they wouldn't work, and to test this, I tried reinstalling those two 4GB sticks.. but like I expected, they would barely even click into the ram slots.

I ended up getting two more 4GB sticks of RAM, this time regular DDR3. Id assumed that if the motherboard was compatible with the Low voltage version of DDR3 (DDR3L) that it would definitely boot with regular DDR3 RAM.

But now, to my surprise, the system is failing to even boot. I'm 100% sure that these sticks of RAM aren't the current issue, as they are brand new (two sticks of 4GB DDR3 RAM), yet I'm getting this infamous amber/orange/yellow blinking LEDS on the power button.

It blinks 2 times in a row, then a single pause, followed by 7 consecutive blinks. And then it repeats, seemingly forever.

At those point, I think that either the motherboard is ONLY compatible with DDR3L specific ram (for the low voltage I'd assume), or that parts of the motherboard are just fried.

This morning alone, I've opened up the system on numerous occasions yet I don't know what to do.

If anyone can help me, or even give advice, it would be much appreciated 🙏 👍

DJs JTech · Answer

@DJs JTech Here's what it all looks like internally.​

DJs JTech · Answer

@DJs JTech • •   • • • • • • •​

DJs JTech · Answer

@DJs JTech                    ......            ... . . . .. ​

DJs JTech · Answer

@DJs JTech .... . ... ..... .. ..                ....​

bradthetechnut · Answer

@DJs JTech​  From the 5040 spec sheet, 'Up to 4 DIMM slots; Non-ECC dual-channel 1600MHz DDR3L SDRAM, up to 16GB'  The 5040 is only compatible with DDR3L RAM. If your original RAM is damaged, hopefully it didn't damage any pins in the DIMMs. I attached the spec sheet.

Optiplex Desktops

Memory error, 2 then 7 amber blinks

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