Brand new Dell Inspiron problems...please help

[UCBPhantom]

Please help, I'm freaking out: Just received my new Dell Inspiron 8000. I ordered it with 128 MB and upgraded to 512 with Crucial (mobo has 2 slots, 256MB/slot max of 144 SODIMM PC100). I purchased it with the Nvidia GeForce2Go.

If I run the computer with all 512 MB of memory, sometimes it shuts down. This used to happen when I started any graphics-intensive app, such as the Nvidia Demos off their CD or MadOnion.com's 3DMark2001 suite, RIGHT when it tried to switch modes. I upped to Windows XP RC1, and it seems to be even more unstable with 512 MB Ram...

The strange thing is, everything works perfectly with just one of those RAM chips...or even with 1 256 MB chip + 1 64 MB(that came with the comp). It's only when both chips are installed that problems occur.

I have the latest drivers, seem to have done EVERYTHING correctly, and it simply won't be stable on all 512 MB.

I can't narrow down the problem...I called Crucial, they tell me it's an OS thing...and I doubt it's the RAM itself because the system works fine with just one of those chips (regardless of which one). Dell says it won't support this problem because the RAM isn't theirs (no kidding...1 stick of 256 MB costs $260 from dell vs. $91 from Crucial). I made sure to purchase memory especially for the Inspiron 8000.

I don't think it's a video card problem because sometimes it shuts down randomly...without any graphics running. Furthermore, I was able to play a DVD just fine.

I am thinking it may be overheating with the extra RAM, but can't figure out WHY...their systems support 512 MB... Or maybe it has something to do with ACPI.

At any rate, I would REALLY appreciate any help or suggestsions...and thanks in advance for helping out.

 

[Adul]

Try updating your bios. Also, what os are you using?

 

[UCBPhantom]

I upgraded BIOS to latest...the problems occur in both Windows 2000 Professional SP2 and Windows XP Pro RC1.

 

[CZroe]

My Compaq 1800's (VERY similar) have experienced those problems before (I've owned 3 now &amp; they all have problems of their own). The 2 that had the random shutdown problem would occasionally give me a shock when touching the back, which leads me to believe that something is not grounded correctly in the chasis (Also, when I hooked up TV-Out &amp; got too close to the TV screen, a spark jumped from the screen through the laptop &amp; into my hand on the side, prompting the problem on the 2nd one). They used the exact same motherboards before the GeForce2Go &amp; Mobility Radeon models of the Inspiron 8000 (ATI Rage Mobility 128 version) but I suspect that they are still suspect to the same problems. BTW< I had 2 IBM 30GB Travelstar drives fail in my Compaq 1800, so it is *NOT* limited to Dell like everyone thinks!

 

[hans007]

you can sell me one of your 256mb sodimms and it'll all be solved

 

[MWink]

It is a very common problem with 512MB of RAM. Check out Dell's forums. I don't think there is a fix.

I think the Inspiron 8000 is a horrible laptop. I am in the process of returning mine.

 

[andalas]

I have 512MB on my Inspiron 8000 and never have any problem. The brand I use is mushkin.
Those RAM used to be in my Inspiron 5000 and no problem what so ever.

It is possible that the RAM module is defective or the slot memory on those Inspiron 8000. How many memory does the 128MB use, if it's two try use those 128MB and see if it runs okay.

I ran win2k sp2 on both laptop.

 

[Eug]

Hmmm....

Check out my thread.

Mine is the Sceptre 69002, which is the same as the Dell Inspiron 5000e.

EDIT:

Where are the Dell Forums?

 

[Keego]

eek I dont want to hear this, I have a 128mb and 256 stick sitting here to be put in my laptop when I buy it in 2 months the 256 is from crucial!

 

[UCBPhantom]

Really common? I looked at Dell's forums and found nothing...anywhere. If you know where I can get the link, would be greatly appreciated. Is that why they charge you $600+ for 2 256MB sticks? But if it were so problematic, how would they be able to offer 512MB? They can't perform Voodoo on it...there must be some sort of a fix. I couldn't find any sort of literature on the problem on the net.

As for selling the RAM...I could always return it to Crucial...sorry hans007.

CyberZer0...with the information you have, what would you say is the best thing to do? THe system only fails when all 512MB are in. And fails ALL the time.

 

[UCBPhantom]

I found the link in Dell's forums...a Dell person is looking into it.

 

[dowxp]

goodluck.

 

[andalas]

Wow I guess, I should feel lucky
I have been using 2x 256MB RAM since march last year and never had any problem. Not a single BSOD.

Both my laptop (I8000 and I5000) have 512MB of ram on it.

Goodluck guys, I hope they find out how to fix the problem.

 

[MWink]

I think the brand of the memory also mattered. I think Crucial had the most problems.