Alienware M17x R4 4 beeps (RAM write issue) after Motherboard Replacement

Hi,

I had my motherboard replaced as my audio used to not work when the laptop crashed and multiple restarts were required for it to work. My laptop came with 6GB of Hynix RAM. I replaced the 2GB stick witha 8GB Crucial DDR3-1600 RAM stick which worked perfectly with the old motherboard. With the new one, I've had the 4 beep issue. To make the stick work, I have to remove the stick and replace it again and restart with my battery in and without the ac adapter/ It then boots and there are no issues using the computer after that for the forseeable future. The minute I press the switchable graphics combo on the keyboard and restart this 4 beeps occurs. I have to repeat the procedure of removing and replacing the stick to make it work again. I've not had any such issues with the Hynix RAM. I really don't know what is the problem however Alienware refuses to do anything as it isn't their RAM. What is the reaosn behind this?

 

Hi TomJGX,

Finicky RAM is not something you hear about much these days, but it used to be a common issue. That is why RAM manufacturers still provide so-called compatibility lists. Based on your description, you are running asynchronous memory sizes (different size in each socket), which I normally do not advise, but seems to be common these days in an effort to make computers cheaper. Your issue could caused by timing mismatches due to the mixed memory sizes. If your MX17 works fine with the Alienware provided 6 GBs, and only has the symptoms with your after-market RAM, there are a couple things you could try. Firstly, I would recommend that you swap the DDR3 sticks so that the larger 8 GB is in slot 0, and the 4 GB is in slot 1. Give that a go and see how it runs. If that doesn't work, I would then suggest you try running with only the 8 GB stick and see how it goes (again, put it in Slot 0). Before you do any of this, have you tried to reset your BIOS to default settings, perhaps the memory timings are not being set properly with the Crucial stick. Crucial is usually pretty good with RAM warranty support, assuming you used their configurator to get compatiable memory. If none of that works, contact Crucial and see if you can RMA the stick and get a new one. Good luck!

Rich S.

 

Mixing memory is what's likely causing the issue. I'd do what is suggested above. If all else fails, you will need to order more memory of the same type you wish to keep.

 

If anyone has 8GB Hynix RAM stick (DDR3-1600 1.35V), I can trade it for my Cruical Stick..