tmccoy7198
asked on
Dell XPS Ram upgrade
I have a Dell XPS 400 with 4 512MB ram sticks (original) for a total of 2GB ram. I decided to upgrade this to 4 1GB ram for a total of 4gb ram.
1. When I inserted the new ram and restarted, I got the bios beep codes: 1-3-2.
2. I switched back to the old ram, and all was fine.
3. So I switched to the new ram and confirmed it was seated - same problem.
4. So, I updated the bios to the latest version - same problem.
5. So I reset CMOS by switching the jumper per instructions - same problem.
6. So I tried inserting the Ram one stick at a time - same problem.
The old working ram is:
* 533 MHz, Dual Interleaved, DDR2, SDRAM
The new non-working ram is:
* 667 MHz, DDR2, SDRAM (Dell p/n: SNPU8622CK2/2G)
The new ram is listed as compatible for this system using the service tag number on the dell support site. Dell will not provide support because the computer is no longer under warranty.
My guess is that the memory speed isn't supported by the motherboard, but most sites list 533 and 667 as being supported for a Dell XPS 400. I don't really want to pay shipping or restocking fees every time to try another ram and return it.
The part number on my motherboard is listed as: 316736100010_R01)A00. An additional number underneath that one is: CN-0FJ030-70821-623-F09K.
Is there any way I can get a definitive answer as to what memory is supported on my specific motherboard?
1. When I inserted the new ram and restarted, I got the bios beep codes: 1-3-2.
2. I switched back to the old ram, and all was fine.
3. So I switched to the new ram and confirmed it was seated - same problem.
4. So, I updated the bios to the latest version - same problem.
5. So I reset CMOS by switching the jumper per instructions - same problem.
6. So I tried inserting the Ram one stick at a time - same problem.
The old working ram is:
* 533 MHz, Dual Interleaved, DDR2, SDRAM
The new non-working ram is:
* 667 MHz, DDR2, SDRAM (Dell p/n: SNPU8622CK2/2G)
The new ram is listed as compatible for this system using the service tag number on the dell support site. Dell will not provide support because the computer is no longer under warranty.
My guess is that the memory speed isn't supported by the motherboard, but most sites list 533 and 667 as being supported for a Dell XPS 400. I don't really want to pay shipping or restocking fees every time to try another ram and return it.
The part number on my motherboard is listed as: 316736100010_R01)A00. An additional number underneath that one is: CN-0FJ030-70821-623-F09K.
Is there any way I can get a definitive answer as to what memory is supported on my specific motherboard?
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ASKER
It turns out that 2 of the 4 new memory sticks were bad. I put in the 2 new good ones along with 2 old bad ones, and it works. Now I'll return the 2 bad ones for replacements. Thanks.
You're welcome.
http://support.dell.com/su
The recommended memory configurations are:
A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2
or
A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2 and
another matched pair installed in connectors DIMM_3 and DIMM_4
" If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200), DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4300) and
DDR2 667-MHz (PC2-5300) memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.
" Be sure to install a single memory module in the DIMM_1 connector, the connector closest to
the processor, before you install modules in the other connectors.
" While installing memory modules, ensure that you do not mix ECC and non-ECC memory.
Also, in service manual, it calls out 667 MHz:
http://support.dell.com/su
NOTICE: Do not install ECC or buffered memory modules. Only unbuffered, non-ECC memory is supported. If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200), DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4300) and DDR2 667-MHz (PC2-5300) memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.
Be sure to install a single memory module in the DIMM_1 connector, the connector closest to the processor, before you install modules in the other connectors.
I suggest you use LED diagnostic light for memory as link below see if the mem you have is faulty:
http://support.dell.com/su