Optiplex 7010 Tower Plus invalid memory error

Question

Hi all.

I just bought an Optiplex 7010 Tower Plus with 8GB RAM and decided I wanted some more.

I bought another 32GB of the same brand (SK Hynix) and spec of RAM but in two 16GB modules, but when I installed it the system wouldn't boot and gave an invalid memory error via the LEDs on the front power button.

I had removed the original 8GB module first, and despite trying different sockets for the new RAM, I still get the error and no boot.

The original RAM is now back in and everything is working fine.

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks.

bradthetechnut · Accepted Answer

Some Dell's can be finicky about mixing different sized RAM.  However, that doesn't explain why the new RAM doesn't work by itself; unless it's ECC RAM as it has to be non-ECC RAM.  'EC4' could stand for 'error corrective,' which would make it ECC RAM.  I kept Googling away at it until I found something.  'EC4' does stand for error corrective (ECC) RAM.  You should be able to return it and get non-ECC RAM. If you do a search, use 'new Optiplex 7010 plus RAM.'  Also, it has to be DDR5.  So, if DDR4  comes up for the standard 7010, watch out for that or refine your search. By the way,when I Googled the entire model #, it wouldn't tell me if it was ECC RAM or not. I'd recommend Crucial RAM, but that has been hit or miss in some newer Dell's.  Hynix, Dell, Micron (though they make Crucial), and Samsung are brands known to be working in newer Dell's.

JOcean · Answer

Assuming you used NON-ECC RAM and that you installed them in UDIMM slots 1 and 2 then the RAM may not be compatible however pull the CMOS battery out of the system and wait for 15 minutes. Then reinstall the battery and try to boot again.

Radio208 · Answer

@JOcean​ Hi.  I tried that but it didn't make any difference. The attached picture shows the working module at the top and one of the 'problematic' ones below it.  I can only see a difference of one character on the label, and to be honest, have no idea what it means - perhaps I made a mistake and bought the wrong type?

Radio208 · Answer

Oh! The photo clearly didn't go - perhaps I'm too new here, but the text from the labels is:

Both are SK Hynix and the labels on the modules are:

Working module:
DDR5 UDIMM
8GB 1Rx16 PC5 - 4800B 0 UC0 - 1010 - XT

Problematic module:
DDR5 EC4 UDIMM
16GB 1Rx8 PC5 - 4800B - ED0 - 1010 - XT

I'm not a memory expert so perhaps one of the many on here can "correct" me if necessary, as it's been a costly exercise so far...

Thanks :-)

<Attached photo above Dell-Brad L >

bradthetechnut · Answer

As for photos, for newbies, they don't show until approved by moderation.  However, they may have gotten stricter as of late due to an influx of spam.

bradthetechnut · Answer

OptiPlex Tower Plus 7010 Owner's Manual - RAM Specs online

Brad L (retired) · Answer

@Radio208​ Thanks again for sending me the image!

JOcean · Answer

@Radio208​ I also Googled the PN of the RAM and @Dell-Brad L is spot on. That is in fact ECC RAM and not compatible.

Radio208 · Answer

@bradthetechnut​ Hi!  That's extremely helpful about the ECC and non-ECC.  I Googled until I was goggle-eyed but could find nothing about it, and even contacted Dell direct, and they couldn't tell me what specific RAM was in the PC and neither did any of the documentation I received! It seems so much more complicated nowadays to upgrade RAM than when I started in the 1990s.  Same with many things I suppose, including getting a simple cup of coffee! ;-) Many thanks again - I KNEW someone on here would know the answer! :-)

Radio208 · Answer

@bradthetechnut​ Yes, Brad L PM'd me regarding the picture and I sent it to him, and he then attached it :-)

Radio208 · Answer

@JOcean​ Thanks very much!  It's good to know there are so many helpful and knowledgeable people on here willing to help the likes of me :-) Thanks!

JOcean · Answer

@Radio208​ We are all very happy to be of some help!

bradthetechnut · Answer

@Radio208​  You're welcome and good luck with your RAM quest!!  :)

Radio208 · Answer

@bradthetechnut​ RAM sorted! :-)  Got two new Non-ECC modules today and voila, perfect. I just need to sort out the incredibly annoying sound problem now - pops and cracks just before and after sound plays... Oh dear - I think I might need to start a new  discussion about it :(

bradthetechnut · Answer

'I just need to sort out the incredibly annoying sound problem now - pops and cracks just before and after sound plays...' Sorry, I don't know the cause of that one.  However, there are others (Rockstar(s)) that can run a gamut with ideas about it.

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Optiplex 7010 Tower Plus invalid memory error

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