New RAM, computer hangs at BIOS loading screen

[Bloomfield920]

So I recently bought some RAM to upgrade my computer, and as the title suggests, it doesn't work. It's 2x4GB of Kingston HyperX Fury DDR3-1866. I took out the old memory, 2x2GB DDR3-1066 of an unknown brand, and inserted the new sticks into the same slots as the old memory.

When I tried to boot the computer, it froze at the BIOS loading screen. The loading bar was filled in about a quarter way, and it didn't move for at least 10 minutes. I restarted the PC a few times but it kept freezing at the same point.

I tried putting the RAM in different slots but got the same result each time. I then tried booting with only one stick of RAM, and it made it past the BIOS loading screen but froze while starting Windows. I had to force shut it down after waiting about 10 minutes.

The RAM probably wasn't going to work and I didn't want to risk damaging my computer, so I stuck the old memory back in and booted the computer. It passed the BIOS screen and entered startup repair, probably because the computer unexpectedly froze/was shut down.

Luckily for me, Windows had automatically created a restore point which saved my files. If it wasn't for that I'd be screwed. The PC seemed to freeze again at the blue Windows logo, but I waited about 5 minutes and it proceeded to boot the OS. It was working fine and I had all my files at the state they were in a few days ago.

So, I am wondering what caused this to happen and what I can do to prevent it from happening again. I returned the memory yesterday but I still need 8GB, so I am looking for a set that won't break my PC. Here are the specs:

Intel Core i5-650
Dell 054KM3(?) LGA1156 motherboard
2x2GB DDR3-1066 RAM
Asus GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GD5
Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200RPM HDD
EVGA 600B 600W Bronze PSU
Cooler Master N200 MATX Case

Thanks for reading, and if needed I will try to provide further information.

 

[SBMfromLA]

The only thing I can think of at the moment is.. that Dell motherboard specs says it supports: DDR3 1333/1066 MHz RAM... and the RAM you inserted was 1866.

 

[azaran]

Sounds like either you got bad memory or your motherboard couldn't handle the faster than accepted speeds the new memory had. You're motherboard supports a max of 16GB of DDR3-1333 memory so look for something in that range.
Basic value RAM, CAS 9, will run you in the low $40's
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231424&cm_re=DDR3-1333-_-20-231-424-_-Product

Something with a shinier heatsink (cuz really thats all they're good for) still running at CAS 9 will run you upper $40s
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231426&cm_re=DDR3-1333-_-20-231-426-_-Product

Something with a shiny heatsink and CAS7 will run you low $50s
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231440&cm_re=DDR3-1333-_-20-231-440-_-Product

These "should" work. You're using a Dell so I have no idea what OEM they went with for your RAM, but G.Skill seems to be pretty easy on the boards to use.

 

[Bloomfield920]

I read somewhere that the computer automatically underclocks the memory if it's faster than the maximum supported speed, so I assumed the high-speed RAM would work. It was the only 8GB kit in stock where I was buying from, but otherwise I probably would have bought cheaper, slower RAM. I'm in Canada so parts are more expensive here, too.

Thank you for the replies, I will see if I can get some slower memory.

 

[SBMfromLA]

I read somewhere that the computer automatically underclocks the memory if it's faster than the maximum supported speed, so I assumed the high-speed RAM would work. It was the only 8GB kit in stock where I was buying from, but otherwise I probably would have bought cheaper, slower RAM. Thank you for the replies, I will see if I can get some slower memory.

But OEM motherboards do strange things at times....

 

[azaran]

I read somewhere that the computer automatically underclocks the memory if it's faster than the maximum supported speed, so I assumed the high-speed RAM would work. It was the only 8GB kit in stock where I was buying from, but otherwise I probably would have bought cheaper, slower RAM. I'm in Canada so parts are more expensive here, too.

Thank you for the replies, I will see if I can get some slower memory.

In theory it "should" underclock it. In theory a lot of things "should" work. When dealing with OEMs like Dell its best to play it safe and go with exact specs.

 

[Bloomfield920]

Okay, thank you very much for the help