Memory upgrade problem - Inspiron 6400/E1505

I have a Inspiron 6400 (see signature for spec). I am running vista Home premium now and thought it would be better to upgrade my memory. I bought a new 1 GB memory (SMART Modular technologies, PC24200 SODIMM 200 pin DDRII 533 MHz), when i installed it (removed one 512 mb stick) and turned on my computer and it doesn't boot anymore. i tried changing the slots with no luck. My computer works fine with my older 512*2 MB RAM.

When i checked in SMART website and i found out the memory i bought is for Dell Latitude But the spec of the RAM i bought is 100% same as it required for Inspiron 6400.

My question is RAM is specific to a particular model (even though it has same spec)???

What about generic RAM's like Kingstons Value RAM or Crucial - Memory - 1 GB - SO DIMM 200-pin - DDR II - 533 MHz / PC2-4200 - CL4 - 1.8 V - unbuffered - non-ECC. Will it work for me

Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. Thank you guys

 

Sounds like you got a bad module. Each slot can hold a maximum of 1GB of DDR2 PC2-5300 or PC2-4200 memory.

What exactly happens with the module inserted and you try to boot?

I'm currently running 2 sticks of Buffalo 1GB DDR2 667MHz memory from NewEgg in my E1705. Works great.

 

As long as you bought the same type and speed of RAM as in your notebook, you should be good. I cannot understand why it wouldn't work. Did you make sure that it was properly installed?

Kingston, Crucial, Corsair and OCZ are all reputable makers of RAM.

 

Run the modules one at a time, and run a program like mem test 86, bad modules pop up every now and then from eveyone, it should be a simple matter to exchange it.

 

I guess i got a bad module. When i try to boot it doesn't boot at all just the power indicator is on and the first 3 indicators (9,A & the down arow one ) between MediaDirect buttion and Power button are constantly on and nothing on the screen. No disk activity though.

Yes i am sure i did install it properly But it wasn't working. I am planning to buy crusial RAM .

Thanks a lot for your response guys

 

If you want Crucial, don't buy from their website. It's the same part and warranty and cheaper from a third party vendor, like NewEgg.

 

Yeah. It sounds like you have a bad module. (Like it hasn't been said. )

Once I make the jump to Vista, I'm going to buy 2 Kingston 1 GB 667 MHz sticks. Very reputable RAM maker. I actually have 2 sticks of 512 MB 533 MHz from Kingston in my desktop. Works great.

Newegg is a great source for computer components. Shouldn't have any problems.

 

Sorry for thread jacking, but is there any difference between "Desktop" RAM and "notebook" RAM? Are there 2 different types of RAM or the same thing? Apparently Futureshop has 2 different types of RAM and I am just confused a little.

 

There are many different types of memory modules on both desktop and laptop platforms. What computer do you have?

 

Yea i am not planning to buy in their website. I'm in Canada so can't use NewEgg. I ordered my 1GB DDR2 SODIMM 4200 (Crucial) through www.cendirect.com for CAD 115. Hope is get good module this time

Thanks

 

That's a good price for up there. I've always had good luck with Crucial.

 

Inspiron 6400/E1505
So will the desktop modules work or?

 

No. Because it's a laptop. Uses 200-pin DDR2 SODIMM modules.

 

I have the same problem. e1505, currently 1gb pc4200 of working ram. I bought 2gb (2x1gb) pc5300 mushkin to upgrade and both sticks don't work. When I turn it on the num lock and scroll lock lights are lit and caps lock light blinks. I've tried trying only 1 stick, both sticks, 1 old and one new stick...all possible combinations. Any combination involving the new sticks don't work.

My question is, are these bad sticks or are they simply incompatible with this laptop? Hopefully the former as the store that I bought it from charges a stupid fee for returns. If it's broken I'll be able to exchange it.

Thanks for any feedback.

 

I'd just buy what's cheap off of NewEgg... I run 2 Gb of OCZ RAM (667 MHz) in my 1505 and it works just fine. Hey if it don't, you just send it back. All of this stuff has a lifetime warranty... When you get it, just burn it in overnight to make sure it's OK.

 

Hi I got similar problem (read initial post). I got my crucial 1GB PC4200 RAM and it works fine (Now its 1.5GB). So there is a chance that you may have bad modules.