Reseat the RAM and run the Dell diagnostics. If one of the DIMMs comes up faulty, swap it with the other and re-run the diagnostics. If it still shows up faulty, replace it.
If the problem is that the same memory socket tests faulty with two different DIMMs, you're in for either a new mainboard, or a major repair of the one you have with a SMT repair shop.
While you're at it, make sure the heatsink is clear of dust - this model overheats readily, and overheating can cause the memory problems.
Ok...I've run Dell Diagnostics for the memory section of the computer as well as a bunch of other things and all the tests pass. The problem seems to be that it is only checking 512 MB of the RAM and not the other 512 MB piece. Does that mean it's a problem with that individual RAM card and not the computer? (is that better than it being a problem with the computer?) Could this be some other problem, such as out of date BIOS or anything like that?
I don't think it's a dust/heat sink problem...I have a notebook cooler underneath at all times, as well as blowing compressed air into the vents and fan at least twice a week. What should I do now? (I'm back to only having 512 MB again...but every now and then I get the topic message and I'm back to 1024 MB...what the heck is going on?)
The problem starts with heat, the heat from the CPU dissipates through the motherboard. Then, with gravity "pulling" the RAM connector away from the motherboard, the pins of the RAM socket tend to pull away from the board resulting in the changing RAM totals.
There is always a slight chance you have a bad RAM chip, but that can be ruled out by simply switching the RAM chips and seeing if it works.
Another test you can do to isolate the defective RAM connector on the motherboard is to remove one RAM chip and leave only one installed. Then, try each slot one at a time, see which connector when populated does not allow the system to post, or run reliably.
ejn, is right. Although it's not too expensive of a repair. What we've found is that usually, when one RAM connector is developing loose pins, the other is usually following behind. If you start now to keep the CPU fan and assembly clean, you may be able to stop the deterioration of the good (working) connector.
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
May 2nd, 2005 10:00
If the problem is that the same memory socket tests faulty with two different DIMMs, you're in for either a new mainboard, or a major repair of the one you have with a SMT repair shop.
While you're at it, make sure the heatsink is clear of dust - this model overheats readily, and overheating can cause the memory problems.
The Ice Monkey
17 Posts
0
May 5th, 2005 16:00
The Ice Monkey
17 Posts
0
May 6th, 2005 21:00
I don't think it's a dust/heat sink problem...I have a notebook cooler underneath at all times, as well as blowing compressed air into the vents and fan at least twice a week. What should I do now? (I'm back to only having 512 MB again...but every now and then I get the topic message and I'm back to 1024 MB...what the heck is going on?)
SMTRework
23 Posts
0
May 9th, 2005 00:00
Ice Monkey,
The problem starts with heat, the heat from the CPU dissipates through the motherboard. Then, with gravity "pulling" the RAM connector away from the motherboard, the pins of the RAM socket tend to pull away from the board resulting in the changing RAM totals.
There is always a slight chance you have a bad RAM chip, but that can be ruled out by simply switching the RAM chips and seeing if it works.
Another test you can do to isolate the defective RAM connector on the motherboard is to remove one RAM chip and leave only one installed. Then, try each slot one at a time, see which connector when populated does not allow the system to post, or run reliably.
ejn, is right. Although it's not too expensive of a repair. What we've found is that usually, when one RAM connector is developing loose pins, the other is usually following behind. If you start now to keep the CPU fan and assembly clean, you may be able to stop the deterioration of the good (working) connector.
Joe K
Also see:
http://p068.ezboard.com/fi5150usersfrm2.showMessage?topicID=10.topic