Memory issue

I have a Dell Optiplex Gx270 and decided to upgrade the memory from 512 to 2gb.

The problem is that the computer only sees 1gb. I tried both 1gb stick independently and both work but when I install the second stick the Bios and/or the Computer does not see the second stick.

I put the sticks in 1 & 3 and also tried the 2 & 4 ports and had the same results.

Both sticks are identical also.

I have know idea what to try next.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

You need to install matched pairs in slots that have the same color securing clips. In your case use the white clips, as that is slot 1 & 2.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx270/en/ug/memory.htm

 

They are matching pairs and I tried them both in 1 & 3 and 2 & 4.

 

Lets assume that even if the labels say the memory matches maybe the labels were put on to look like matching sets.

Is there a way of checking the memory individually to check if the truly are identical.

 

SIW will read the memory and tell you what is in the slot. Pay attention during install and opt out of the extra software the installer offers.

BTW, ibmest suggested slots 1+2 which you apparently haven't tried yet.

 

Or Tweaking.com

 

I am sorry. I read the slots 1.2.3.4. but if you read them as 1.3.2.4. then I have tried.

1.2 and 3.4.

Sorry for the confusion.

Thanks for the info.

 

Which version of BIOS are you running. I see A06 has memory size error fix. I don't know if it is related.

 

I had been lead to beleive that one could install the memory DIMMs in any combination of slots, and your PC would still work, but you would lose the advantage of dual channel architecture. Is this the case ? Are Dell PCs different in this respect ?

-> artistwntab : that the memory works or not does not depend on the DIMMs being identical; you should some degree of improved performance by using a matched pair compared to two independent DIMMs.

Dumb_Question
26.August.2012
Compaq Presario S5160UK DT261A under XP/SP3
Processor - Celeron 2.7 GHz
Motherboard - MSI MS-6577 v2.1
RAM - 1GB + 512MB (1GB +1GB max) DDR PC2700
PSU - Octigen 300W model 10270PSOTG ('upgraded' from original Bestec 250W PSU [in 2011?])
Nvidia GeForce 6200 graphics card in AGP slot.

 

The bios is a07.

Here are the results from tweaking.com

I have no idea how to interpret this information but it looks to me matching pairs but someone else may see otherwise.

 

If your BIOS is A07 that takes that out of the equation.

SIW gives you manufacturer information like this which might be easier to compare but I'm guessing your modules are a match.

I'll just leave a link to a thread discussing a similar problem if anyone can make any sense out of the part on setting the AGP configuration to lowest http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19328798.aspx

 

Yes to first and no to second.

@ artistwantab - You can use this program to get better info on the RAM - http://majorgeeks.com/CPU-Z_d425.html - Use the memory tab and compare all the values. Other than that, I'm out of ideas.

 

artistwantab...sorry if this is a stupid comment, but wouldn't it be a good idea to check both sticks in a socket to make sure they are both good?

Then perhaps it would make sense to check one of them, a confirmed good stick, in each of the sockets to make sure the sockets are good...

Guess I would take it to the Dell board if the sticks and sockets are good...idk...

Dual channel will help that machine alot. I had a GX270 that came with 1 GB, and I changed it out for 2 1 GB sticks SuperTalent and 2 512s for XP. I could tell the dual channelling was making a difference...

 

-> artistwantsab

You may already have done this. I think you should try DIMM1 in each of slots 1-4, and then try DIMM2 in each of slots 1-4 (individually). I suspect that what will happen is that you will see 1GB each time, but if you do not it might give you an idea as to what is wrong.
You might also try the DIMMs in non-matching slots (you will not get matched pair performance but again it might just give you a clue as to what is wrong).
You could also try the new DIMMs in a similar machine if one were available.
Another thing you might try is one of you old DIMMs (I assume it was a single 512MB) with one of the new 1GB, see what your PC recognises. Does it depend on which you put in slot 1 ?

Do not force anything in. I think as a general principle changing connections a lot of times is bad because it causes wear and may led to poor connections in the future, especially if just once you bend or break something (not that you would, but I might ). Some connectors are designed for this, and those usually have a spec for the expected number of mating cycles; I do not think DIMMs are this caegory, but I don't know and I'd guess that a few cycles should be OK.

You RAM supplier may agree to swap you two DIMMs for another pair if you say they they don't function properly (which they cartainly do not) [e.g., Crucial or Corsair would I think]. You can only ask.

Is your PC out of guarantee ? You should also contact your supplier and/or manufacturer (Dell); they have some other suggestions.

But from what you've said it may be a complex issue due the motherbaord being faulty or out of spec.

Dumb_Question
27.August.2012
Compaq Presario S5160UK DT261A under XP/SP3
Processor - Celeron 2.7 GHz
Motherboard - MSI MS-6577 v2.1
RAM - 1GB + 512MB (1GB +1GB max) DDR PC2700
PSU - Octigen 300W model 10270PSOTG ('upgraded' from original Bestec 250W PSU [in 2011?])
Nvidia GeForce 6200 graphics card in AGP slot.

 

DQ...you said it much better than I did thanks...

I meant try each of the sticks in a socket, but all those things you mentioned are the things to try...