Ram stick moving inside my Dell OptiPlex causing lock-ups and strange patterns

[vkatsarelias]

I had a minor problem with my Dell OptiPlex GX270 SFF last year. One day, my little brother abruptly moved the PC during the POST BIOS check-up and it showed some strange patterns and locked up. Since I did not know that the RAM sticks were the cause, I disconnected and reconnected everything on the motherboard. The PC after that was OK; no problems appeared for a long time.

However, another time I opened the case for a check because I had an issue with Windows. After the repair (which was software-related), I closed the case & when it snapped back into place those patterns showed on the screen again. I searched for it and I found that this happens when a RAM stick is removed. After that, I was really cautious every time when I moved my PC.

Now, even with the slightest abrupt movement/placement, this happens & I have to set the PC as lightly and carefully as possible. In fact, after the last repair (some days ago, CD drive issue), I noticed that the RAM sticks are SUPER easy to move inside the DIMMs/slots; even the slightest movement disturbs them. They are so "wobbly" that even the CD drive ribbon cable moves the front stick. Believe it or not, I was so fed of this & I used toothpicks (lol) to stabilize both RAM sticks.

Thankfully this issue is fixed now & the sticks are stabilized. But toothpicks are not a professional fix. Can anyone help me?

 

[GhislainG]

The modules are fully inserted into the slots?

 

[vkatsarelias]

The modules are fully inserted into the slots?

Yes, I have re-inserted them several times during the repairs to stabilize them.

 

[GhislainG]

Then the sockets are cracked?

 

[vkatsarelias]

Then the sockets are cracked?

No, I don't think so. The sockets and the white plastic clips are OK. The only problem is that the system might require thicker RAM sticks.

 

[GhislainG]

I never heard of thinner than normal memory modules. Are they from Dell?

 

[vkatsarelias]

I never heard of thinner than normal memory modules. Are they from Dell?

The motherboard is from Dell. But the computer was used and I bought it from a repair center, so I do not know if the previous user or the man at the repair center changed them. However, I do know one thing; the 1st stick is from Kingston and the 2nd isfrom another company, I don't remember the name.

 

[GhislainG]

Kingston modules have the correct thickness. You should go back to the repair center to have that issue resolved.

 

[vkatsarelias]

Kingston modules have the correct thickness. You should go back to the repair center to have that issue resolved.

Your answer is OK, but I cannot find the person who sold me the PC. But, it's good now, I can move the system around without worrying about even the slightest abrupt positioning. Also, thanks for helping me out!

(P.S. Sorry that I delayed to answer. I had been out of Tom's Hardware for a period of time.)

 

[GhislainG]

Glad you got it working properly!

 

[vkatsarelias]

Glad you got it working properly!