Issues upgrading RAM Dell Optiplex GX620

[techlikeagirl]

My current desktop computer is running on original Dell 2 x1GB PC2-5300 555Mhz ram, working very sluggishly (hence the upgrade), but working.

I just bought from a very reputable computer shop 2 sticks of Kingston 2GB 667Mhz ram.

Based on documentation (https://www.techwalla.com/articles/dell-optiplex-gx620-motherboard-specs), it is capable of running on 4GB ram at 667Mhz, so I'm not overloading it. When I try to start up my PC, it just makes long loud beeps until I power it back off. I made sure that they are alternated in opposite slots 1 & 2, not next to each other.

According to the Desktop manual, the front numbers that I see displayed (lights 1 & 3) indicate "Memory modules are detected, but a memory configuration or compatibility error exists."

If I'm installing the correct memory, why am I experiencing this error? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[imsqam]

You don't state if it is a mini-tower, desktop, SSF or a USFF. Doesn't look like this makes a difference though.

I wondered if the issue might be that be that there was a 1GB limit per slot but page 53 of the guide states that 2x2GB works.
http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_optiplex_desktop/optiplex-gx620_user%27s%20guide_en-us.pdf

Also on page 53 it shows the slot pairing, make sure you are using either 1&3 or 2&4. But it sounds like you have done this already.

For the beep codes refer to page 39 of this manual, it might give you more information on what is the issue.
http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_optiplex_desktop/optiplex-gx620_reference%20guide_en-us.pdf

Try to boot the system with only 1 stick and if it works, try the other one. Memory does show up sometimes that is DOA.

Also review to see what BIOS revision you have. The appears to be some memory updates on the BIOS released 21 Mar 2014. Make sure you fully understand how to update the BIOS before you do it.
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/drivers/driversdetails?driverId=P12HH

Can you supply the exact part number for the RAM you bought, just want to review what you have to see if there are any nuances.

 

[imsqam]

Just notice something odd in the description of your original RAM. PC2-5300 is DDR2 667 MHz RAM, not 555 MHz. DDR2 533 MHz RAM is PC2-4200. Are you sure that it is not 5-5-5 timings?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR2_SDRAM#Specification_standards

 

[techlikeagirl]

I apologize for the delay in response! Ok, so I didn't know I could try booting with one stick of RAM at a time to rule out a dead/faulty stick.
My original sticks were:
Dell 1 GB 2Rx8 PC2-5300U-555-12

The replacements were
Kingston KVR667D2/2GR
KIngston KVR667D2N5K2/4G

The 2GR on its own booted just fine, the 4G immediately gave the errors.

Considering that my Desktop can only handle a max of 4GB ram, and I already have 2 sticks of functioning 2x1GB ram and one functioning 2GB, I may just stick with these.

Thanks for your help!

 

[techlikeagirl]

Ok, scratch that, I put the working Ram (2GR) in among the original sticks, and despite various placement configurations, getting the same old error. I may have to return these and order an actual set online, not a matched pair from a shop, despite how reputable they have been :/
It is 2018, I cannot run this desktop on a crawling 2GB of RAM

 

[imsqam]

RAM can be a funny thing to manage, especially older RAM. I found this link where someone reports that Dell original memory would not work with any aftermarket RAM but both ran fine when paired with themselves.
https://www.dell.com/community/Desktops-General/Optiplex-320-memory-upgrade/m-p/3263716

But we could also have an issue with the mobo, any chance you could run this small, free program and let me know the motherboard part number?
https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

 

[william p]

2GB modules may not have existed when that was built. Get the latest BIOS from Dell. RAM support may have changed there. But 4GB may need to be 4x1GB modules. Dells need Low density RAM. x64 in the description. x128 won't work.
http://forums.crucial.com/t5/Crucial-memory-for-PC-systems/Dell-Optiplex-GX620-MT-Ram-configuration/m-p/122724#M8705