Problems getting g skill 2x2gb ram to work on my Dell vostro 230

Z man

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Jan 19, 2016
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I wanted to upgrade my ram from 1x1gb Kingston that is installed to 2x2gb ram. So I bought g skill ram and was pretty sure it would work because I looked up what speeds and size were allowed for my motherboard. But it beeps twice when I install even one of the g skill ram stick. What else could I do to try and get this to work?
 
Solution
no you just need the slower speed ram (1066Mhz). you could order the faster ram (1333Mhz) from dell, but the system (1066Mhz) is not using the speed so it would be a waste.

Z man

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Jan 19, 2016
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there seems to be one difference though between the two and that is the time latency the old ram being: 7-7-7-20 and the new ram being: 9-9-9-24
 

R_1

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http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19586274
I'm afraid the motherboard doesn't like that ram. the dell shipped with 1333 ram but it is operating at 1066. you bought ram that is too fast for the motherboard. Dells RAM is designed to work despite the difference.
from DELL-Chris M
"We ship both PC3-8500 1066MHz and PC3-10600 1333MHz Non-ECC DDR3 memory on the Vostro 230. The Dell OEM 1333MHz memory will automatically down clock to 1066MHz. We cannot speak to a 3rd party vendors memory."
 

Z man

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But as far as I know dell is not the name on the ram. Is dell's brand kingston?
 

R_1

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Dell orders RAM from many makers, but they are all to Dells spec.

yeah its a little silver cell looks like a coin, usually CR2032 lithium
this is the battery that keeps the BIOS/date and time settings after a power outtage or when the system is unplugged
 

Z man

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Jan 19, 2016
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OK so do I have to order from Dell for that spec ram?
 

Z man

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OK thank you very much for that info I learned something new today. Also one more question. Is that how it is with every dell computer?
 

Z man

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Well I just replaced the battery but now it's still giving me the issue. What's wrong now everything was fine like 2 hours ago before I started working on this.