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    SXPS 1640 won't boot with new RAM kit!

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by jdmik, Feb 11, 2011.

  1. jdmik

    jdmik Notebook Enthusiast

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    Help!

    I got a new RAM-kit today (2x4GB/DDR3/1066MHz), and after I had replaced them with the original (2x2GB/DDR3/1066MHz) the computer wouldn't boot. Works fine when I switch back to the original.

    I've tried to reset BIOS (take out the CMOS battery) but that didn't work. Anyone who can help?
     
    jdmik, Feb 11, 2011
    #1
  2. error-id10t

    error-id10t Notebook Consultant

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    Maybe remove 1 of the new modules and see if it boots, if yes, then shutdown and put the 2nd one in and try again.
     
    error-id10t, Feb 11, 2011
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  3. jdmik

    jdmik Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have tried that, but I think I've read somewhere that it won't boot anyway with 1x4GB.

    But when I put both in I just get three volume lights lighting and the middle one flashing. I don't get that when it's just 1x4GB or 1x4GB and 1x2GB. Original 2x2GB it works fine.
     
    jdmik, Feb 11, 2011
    #3
  4. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    As stated, test each stick individually and see which stick causes you issues. And you should always run like memtest on new RAM if it POSTs.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Feb 11, 2011
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  5. jdmik

    jdmik Notebook Enthusiast

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    On both sticks it's seems to startup normal, but the screen is just black. When I have both at the same time I just get the volume down light flashing (what does that mean?).

    I have also flashed the latest BIOS (A14) with no luck.
     
    jdmik, Feb 11, 2011
    #5
  6. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    Okay if you get no video then it doesn't POST (power on self test), so one of the sticks are bad...
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Feb 11, 2011
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  7. cuteneo

    cuteneo Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey Jdmik, I have exactly the same problem. I don't know what is going on.
    I try switching the ram around into many combinations but nothing work.

    Did you get yours to work?
     
    cuteneo, Mar 12, 2011
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  8. spud387

    spud387 Notebook Guru

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    I just swapped out my 2x2GB sticks on Thursday for 2x4GB Mushkin sticks.
    Mine booted without issue.
    I can only suggest trying what others said.
    You have 4 sticks on you: 4GB[a], 4GB , 2GB[a] & 2GB
    Try them in all combinations until one works:
    2x4GB[a,b]
    2x4GB[b,a]
    1x4GB[a]
    1x4GB

    1x4GB[a], 1x2GB[a]
    1x4GB[a], 1x2GB
    1x4GB, 1x2GB[a]
    1x4GB, 1x2GB

    1x2GB[a], 1x4GB[a]
    1x2GB[a], 1x4GB
    1x2GB, 1x4GB[a]
    1x2GB, 1x4GB

    Trying different combinations of sticks along with the different RAM slots.
     
    spud387, Mar 14, 2011
    #8