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September 18th, 2020 15:00
Memory Upgrade
Dell Precision Workstation T3400.
Researched ahead of time to know what DDR2 RAM was best to purchase, based on system info provided by the computer itself.
Recommended was DDR2 800MHZ PC2-6400.
I purchased 2 4G sticks from Amazon. (XIEDE brand)
When I power up the system, it buzzes. I have unplugged, removed the battery for 10min in order to reset the BIOS. Reinstalled the battery, reconnected the power cord, and still get the same buzzing/beeping.
What is the issue, and can it be resolved without buying more RAM?
CHEERS.
PS, I chose Optiplex because Precision Workstation wasn't in the drop down options list.
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Mary G
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20.1K Posts
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September 18th, 2020 16:00
Memory should come from Dell or Crucial to assure compatibility. Dell computers are fussy about memory.
https://www.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/dell/precision-workstation-t3400#memory
The precision forum is covered in Workstations
bradthetechnut
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September 18th, 2020 19:00
Hi @BowtieGent,
It's not said if you added or replaced RAM. Older Dell's can be quite finicky if RAM is mixed. Everything should match - size, speed, brand, and non-ECC or ECC.
I also see 8GB is the max, so it was probably just a replacement. I'd see if you can return the RAM that's not working.
Screengrab is from pg. 157 of the Precision T3400 Owner's Manual Also: Precision T3400 Spec Sheet
Crucial RAM can be pricey. I've used A-Tech for some years now. It's guaranteed to work and has a lifetime warranty. It's a nice way to save money on an older machine, or if one has a tighter budget and so on.
BowtieGent
3 Posts
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October 13th, 2020 16:00
Neither DELL or Crucial was used before I decided to upgrade.
1 is a Kingston stick, the other is Transcend.
BowtieGent
3 Posts
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October 13th, 2020 16:00
Replacing what was currently in the machine when I got it.
bradthetechnut
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October 13th, 2020 17:00
If the Kingston stick has "KVR" in the model #, it's Kingston Value RAM, and often hasn't been good in Dell's. Regular Kingston is okay.
As for Xiede, I've never heard of it before. I couldn't tell you if it's a good brand. I checked on Amazon and did notice there's no warranty beyond Amazon's 30-day warranty/return policy.
The A-Tech RAM I mentioned before is a good deal and priced consistently whether it's bought off of Amazon or ebay, just to name two. I'm sure you'll remember A-Tech has a lifetime warranty. I think any good brand RAM should have a lifetime warranty.
bradthetechnut
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October 13th, 2020 18:00
Upgrading hardware is a good time to replace the battery if it hasn't been in the last 5 years. A low battery will cause all sorts of bizarre problems. I suggest either Duracell or Energizer as Sony only lasted me 2 years. Better deals on Amazon than in the store.