Solved Dell XPS RAM not recognized

[SleazyRider]

Initially, I had 2gb of RAM in 4 slots, 512 per. I recently upgraded to 4gb of RAM, yet, my machine only recognizes 2gb of RAM.

I have tried F2 and F12, but, there is no provision to set the parameters so it would recognize the entire 4gb of RAM.

Any suggestions as to what I can do? My machine is a Dell XPS 600 running Windows 7.

 

[zigzag3143]

Initially, I had 2gb of RAM in 4 slots, 512 per. I recently upgraded to 4gb of RAM, yet, my machine only recognizes 2gb of RAM.

I have tried F2 and F12, but, there is no provision to set the parameters so it would recognize the entire 4gb of RAM.

Any suggestions as to what I can do? My machine is a Dell XPS 600 running Windows 7.

How many sticks for the 4 gigs? and where are there in mobo slots?

Are they being used with the old ram?


Ken J

 

[SleazyRider]

Each stick is 2gb. And I don't have them side by side; there is a slot between them. BTW, the RAM brand is PNY.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello SleazyRider, welcome to Seven Forums!



It may be that one of the RAM sticks is bad, it happens quite often.

Download the Memtest ISO and burn it to a CD then boot from that and run 4 or 5 passes on each stick individually to see if you get any errors, if so check that one of the DIMMs isn't bad.

Be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.


Memtest86+ Free Ram Testing Software

 

[LiquidSnak]

What version of windows 7 are you using, and what kind of ram (DDR, DDR2, DDR3) and the speed?

 

[zigzag3143]

Each stick is 2gb. And I don't have them side by side; there is a slot between them. BTW, the RAM brand is PNY.

suggest you run memtest to test it.
Download a copy of Memtest86 and burn the ISO to a CD using Iso Recorder or another ISO burning program. Boot from the CD, and leave it running for at least 5 or 6 passes.


Just remember, any time Memtest reports errors, it can be either bad RAM or a bad motherboard slot. Test the sticks individually, and if you find a good one, test it in all slots.


Also type msconfig in search and to check if the max memory box is checked in the advanced tab. It should be unchecked.

Ken

 

[SleazyRider]

What version of windows 7 are you using, and what kind of ram (DDR, DDR2, DDR3) and the speed?

Home Premium is the version and the ram is DDR2, 6400, PNY brand.

As for burning a copy of "memtest86", that will have to wait until tomorrow, as I have no CD-r's.

 

[LiquidSnak]

You have the wrong RAM. You need DDR2 4300 or 5200.

Also, if you are running any windows 32 bit, the dell manual says that it recognizes only 2GB of ram anyway.

 

[SleazyRider]

You have the wrong RAM. You need DDR2 4300 or 5200.

Also, if you are running any windows 32 bit, the dell manual says that it recognizes only 2GB of ram anyway.

First off, the Geek Squad, (Best Buy), told me that the 6400 would be fine, as they were out of the 5300, as my machine would only use what it can use, which would be the full amount of the 6400, minus the higher speed. The packaging also says the same thing.

As for the Dell manual stating that my machine would only recognize 2gb of ram, and if it only recognizes 2gb, does that mean that anything above that is not only not recognized, but, not used? Or does it show only 2gb, but, uses more as needed, provided it's installed? And why does the manual state that my machine can handle a max of 8gb if it only recognizes 2gb? A little confused on this.

 

[LiquidSnak]

Memory

You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.

Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see the technical specifications for memory.

DDR2 Memory Overview

DDR2 memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size and speed. If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. See the label in the upper-right corner of the module to determine the module's capacity.

NOTE: The module's capacity label can also be seen in the upper-left corner of the module.

NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.
The recommended memory configurations are:

A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2

or

A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 and another matched pair installed in DIMM connectors 3 and 4

NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules.
If you install mixed pairs of PC2-4200 (DDR2 533-MHz) and PC2-5300 (DDR2 667-MHz) memory, the modules function at the speed of the slowest module installed.

Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the connector closest to the processor, before you install modules in the other connectors.


1

matched pair of memory modules in DIMM connectors 3 and 4 (black securing clips)

2

matched pair of modules in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 (white securing clips)

NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.
NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and 4.

Addressing Memory Configurations

If using a 32-bit operating system such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, your computer will support a maximum of 2 GB of memory. If you are using a 64-bit operating system, your computer will support a maximum of 8 GB (2-GB DIMMs in each of the four slots) of memory.

I quote directly out of the service manual.

Type

533- and 667-MHz DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM

Memory connectors

four

Memory capacities

256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, or 2 GB non-ECC

Minimum memory

512 MB

Maximum memory

2 GB or 8 GB

First off, I build computers for a living, and geek squad is a bunch of hacks.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

... and geek squad is a bunch of hacks.

​

 

[SleazyRider]

... and geek squad is a bunch of hacks.

​

Are you saying that the 6400 ram won't work or work properly?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

The point is that if you are using 32-bit Windows your motherboard will support only 2GB of RAM and the people at that store should have looked up your mainboard specs before they sold you something you cannot use.

In the Windows 7 start menu right click the computer button and click properties to see if you are running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows and post back.

 

[SleazyRider]

I'm running at 32-bit. I am curious, tho, as to why there are slots, according to Dell, for up to 8gb upgrade?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Please read (thoroughly) the quotes in the post #10 in this same thread to see your mobo specs concerning RAM limits.

 

[SleazyRider]

So, would I be able to install 64-bit version of Windows 7 on my system? And if I can, are there any other benefits?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Start at the link below to see if the PC can handle 64-bit.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor




Then have a look at these.

64-bit: More than just the RAM

32 bit vs 64 bit Comparison

 

[SleazyRider]

I just called Dell and spoke with their technician.....and according to them, there is nothing that I can do short of buying a new machine. So, with that in mind, I think I'll be taking the 4gb of ram back and get my money back and reinstall the 4 slots of 512....or would it be wise to keep a 2gb strip to replace the 4 512's? Any benefits there?

 

[LiquidSnak]

Not really. It's the same RAM at the same speed. I actually prefer, as with most things computer, to have more smaller RAM than one large size RAM.

 

[SleazyRider]

Well, you guys have been very helpful....not to mention saving me a few dollars. Thank you for you help.