Memory Question

Greetings, I have an XPS M1210 with 2 X 512 memory installed. I ordered a kit with 2 X 2Gb using the Crucial memory finder on CDW, and the stickers seem to indicate the correct item. When one or both of the DIMMs are installed and power is pressed I only get a black screen + number lock steady green + caps lock/scroll lock flashing; power light steady on as well. I'm certain it's not an issue with the mother board, as when I replace the old 2 X 512 Mb DIMMs ,the computer boots up fine...I'm posting this thread using it. I also seem to be using the most current BIOS (A08). Could I actually have received 2 bad memory DIMMs? Any thoughts? Thank you.

 

Possibly, the M1210 has the 945 chipset, should boot and POST with 4 GB RAM installed. Did you try one at a time and see if it POSTs?

 

I tried with one 1 of the 2Gb, then the other. One in slot A, one in Slot B, combinations with the older 512Mb as well. I think it's either the 945GM or 945PM chipset. Thank you for your reply.

 

I mean did it POST with a single 2 GB stick? If it doesn't then it could be bad modules or maybe that specific model of RAM isn't compatible with your laptop. The 945GM/PM chipset supports 4 GB, Dell did not restrict the RAM in the BIOS unlike Lenovo. My E1405 and E1505 had 4 GB RAM before I sold them (showed up as 3.5 GB in XP)

 

Yes, I think even with a full 4Gb it only reflects 3.3Gb or somewhere in that neighborhood. Verified chipset=945GM. I'm nearly certain I have the correct memory. This is the kit i received:

http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/Crucial-memory-4-GB-2-x-2-GB-SO-DIMM-200-pin-DDR2/1285652.aspx?enkwrd=ALLPROD%3a|1285652|All%20Product%20Catalog

*EDIT* Sorry, no it didn't even POST with a single 2Gb stick. I assuming if it were 1, it would need to be in slot A. I think i tried A and B with one stick only. (One at a time with one stick only....haha)

 

I ordered a second set tonight just to see if that makes any difference.

 

Well that sucks, probably incompatible RAM. Ya I had the 4 GB DDR2 800 Crucial kit for mine, worked like a charm. When you get video and Windows sees 4 GB, make sure you run a few passes of memtest to make sure the RAM is good.

 

Thanks for the low-down. I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't have ordered the same kit. The Crucial website says "guaranteed to work with M1210"....nice.