Help with installing new RAM

glennchung

Member
May 19, 2005
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Hi everyone

This may be a easy question but I have this issue:

I am using a Dimemsion 2400 running 256MB (2x128) PC2700 RAM. I bought 1GB (2x512) PC3200 RAM and it doesn't boot up, it just produced several beeps when powered up. I thought it would be ok, can you give me some hint? Will I be able to use these new RAMs? I tried to go into BIOS, can't change any settings. (I have to put back the PC2700 RAM in order to boot it up for the BIOS setup)

Glenn
 

edmundoab

Diamond Member
Apr 21, 2003
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try one by one stick to trouble shoot it first

hmm, board not accepting a 512MB module... ? thats weird
wait does, your board support DDR400 ram in the first place?
 

SrGuapo

Golden Member
Nov 27, 2004
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Even if it only supports 2700, wouldn't it just underclock the 3200? Try to find a list of beep codes and figure out what is wrong. Have you tried just sticking the 128 MB sticks back in? Maybe you didn't put the sticks in all the way, make sure the latches are closed.

Edit: didn't read thoroughly...
 

glennchung

Member
May 19, 2005
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I believe I have sticked the RAM all the way in with the latches closed. I bought the RAMs from Fry's--Mushkin 2x512 PC3200. Yes, I thought it would underclock. Buying PC3200 is cheaper than buying PC2700 nowadays.

The beeps were 6-7 beeps that are approx. 1 sec apart. I will try to install them again tonight, hopefully they will work... Thanks for your help!

Glenn
 

Sforsyth

Golden Member
Mar 3, 2005
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you would think they would work, but I almost bought my daughter this motherbaord, I forget what one, I didn't because it could only suport 2 Sticks of PC3200 at any given time, but for some season it could handle 3 of PC2700.

So I got her a different one because one day she will be getting my 2 sticks to.

PTW: her old computer I stuck the RAM in the wrong way and it fried the PSU
 

Macro2

Diamond Member
May 20, 2000
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Ill bet you if you buy the RAM from Dell it will work.

I have had this happen before. Bought Crucial RAM...what they said was compatable and it wasn't. Sent it back and got Dell RAM and it worked. Don't know why...

Is the Dell RAM you have single or double sided and is your mushkin the same?
 

CrucialLabs

Member
Apr 8, 2004
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Hello Glenn,

I would take out all of the memory and clear the CMOS, then install both new memory modules using up to 35lbs of pressure. Make sure the white clips snap up into the notches on the side without your help. Then try to boot the system up. It just maybe a conflict or problem in the BIOS and clearing the CMOS should clear this up.


Hope this helps.
 

glennchung

Member
May 19, 2005
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Tried 1 stick at a time, same problem, same beep codes on both of the RAMs. I pushed the RAM in with the white notch secured. I believe I have done it correctly, I put back the old RAM and it worked immediately.

Old RAM is single sided, new Mushkin RAM is double sided. Hm...

Clearing CMOS, I just got to find out where that jumper is. I will try that!

I brought the RAM to work, I was about to return them, will give another try tonight!

THANKS!

Glenn

 

Dr X

Member
May 11, 2005
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I know Dell machines can be iffy about what RAM they'll accept. I upgraded one with Kingmax RAM and it worked fine.
 

Oyeve

Lifer
Oct 18, 1999
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