Question Dual channel on quad channel board?

[Raaaaandy]

Hello guys

I got a little question to ask regarding a set of RAM sticks. I have aquired an old Alienware Aurora R4 but it came with non-working memory. An old kit with 4X2GB sticks in it. I ordered some new ones, but when I did I didn't realise that it was actually quad channel/4 sticks that were being used, so I ordered simple dual channel sticks, 2X8GB. I thought it could work either way, but it still wont boot when i plug them in.

So now I ask, is this possible to get to work or do i have to find a 4X4GB kit?

 

[rgd1101]

so the pc does not work at all, or just not with the new ram kit?
exact model of the motherboard, existing ram, new ram?

 

[Raaaaandy]

It didn't boot with the old ram. Or well it booted, everything seemed to be running find, but I could get no picture on my monitor. Whether I used DP, HDMI or DVI port.
I had it tested by the local PC-shop and they found out it was broken ram that caused the problem. I ordered the new kit and installed it. Im not sure of the exact models but I dont think it have been altered since its birth.
The new ram is G.Skill Ripjaws-X 1600MHz 2X8GB kit.

 

[lynx1021]

Just because it is DDR3 doesn't mean it will work. Here is some crucial memory that is guaranteed to work https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Alienware/aurora-r4

 

[Raaaaandy]

Just because it is DDR3 doesn't mean it will work. Here is some crucial memory that is guaranteed to work https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Alienware/aurora-r4

No, I get that by now.. But I am wondering if I can make these ram work before i go out and purchase a new set

 

[lynx1021]

G-Skill RAM Configurator is sadly lacking, I was looking for some memory for an old board a while back and I had to email them to find a compatible module. There is two types of DDR3 low density (Double sided chips) and Hi density , it is cheaper to make the high density. Some boards require the low density if the module is 4GB or higher. The don't hardly make the low density anymore.
I looked at the memory finder at new egg and it showed 8GB Dell memory that chips on both sides , Look under the heat spreaders on the G-skill and if you don't have chips on both sides it will never work!

 

[lynx1021]

It is unlikely all the old ram is bad, you can try to get a display with some of it so you can tell if there are any other problems. Never heard of "broken ram" always either good or bad. You can find some used on eBay here https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=SNP66GKYC/8G&_sacat=0&LH_ItemCondition=4&_sop=15
The dell part number for 8GB is SNP66GKYC/8G

 

[Raaaaandy]

Hmm. So that means I'm never gonna get my dual channel ram working on this system? Shame..

Can I boot with 1,2 or 3 sticks of ram with the old ones as long as they are working? Is this doing it in slot 1 and just starting with the first and then continue on?