Strange RAM problem - Dell Inspiron laptop

[Sierra_86]

Hello,

Ever since the original RAM died in my 2 year old Dell 14" Inspiron, I've had nothing but problems trying to get this computer back up and running like normal.

I first took it to a computer shop because I could not figure out what was wrong. After some diagnostics and transferring of all my data, he realized it was my RAM that had died. He put a 2gb stick from Samsung in there and all seemed to be well.

But, 2gb's isn't enough or even close to what I originally had in this laptop. It came with 8gb, so I went on Crucial and bought a kit. Went to install it and the laptop won't boot. I get the same black screen. That RAM kit is currently being RMA'ed while I wait for my replacement.

In the meantime, I decided to buy a 4gb Kingston stick off of Amazon, because of how slow this computer is now. Tried this in the slots, and the computer still won't boot. Tried the Kingston stick alone, no boot. Tried both the Kingston and the Samsung, no boot.

The laptop will only boot when the Samsung stick is inserted. I also did reset the BIOS settings (and I'm assuming the CMOS as well) through the BIOS, but no luck.

I'm trying hard not to have to take the computer apart to reset the CMOS, but I seem to be running out of options.

Any help for this newbie?

 

[jarotech]

Hi, what is the model number of your Dell?

 

[Sierra_86]

Hi,

It's the Inspiron 14z 5423.

 

[Sierra_86]

Hi, what is the model number of your Dell?

Hi, it's the Inspiron 14z 5423.

 

[algorithmbreaker]

Hello,

Ever since the original RAM died in my 2 year old Dell 14" Inspiron, I've had nothing but problems trying to get this computer back up and running like normal.

I first took it to a computer shop because I could not figure out what was wrong. After some diagnostics and transferring of all my data, he realized it was my RAM that had died. He put a 2gb stick from Samsung in there and all seemed to be well.

But, 2gb's isn't enough or even close to what I originally had in this laptop. It came with 8gb, so I went on Crucial and bought a kit. Went to install it and the laptop won't boot. I get the same black screen. That RAM kit is currently being RMA'ed while I wait for my replacement.

In the meantime, I decided to buy a 4gb Kingston stick off of Amazon, because of how slow this computer is now. Tried this in the slots, and the computer still won't boot. Tried the Kingston stick alone, no boot. Tried both the Kingston and the Samsung, no boot.

The laptop will only boot when the Samsung stick is inserted. I also did reset the BIOS settings (and I'm assuming the CMOS as well) through the BIOS, but no luck.

I'm trying hard not to have to take the computer apart to reset the CMOS, but I seem to be running out of options.

Any help for this newbie?

Your laptop supports up to 8 GB using two 4 GB RAM DDR3 1333 MHz or 1600 MHz SODIMM.

What are the part numbers of the ram you have purchased?
If not provide us links of purchased ram, can check it out. Also the part number / Specs of Samsung.

 

[Sierra_86]

Hello,

Ever since the original RAM died in my 2 year old Dell 14" Inspiron, I've had nothing but problems trying to get this computer back up and running like normal.

I first took it to a computer shop because I could not figure out what was wrong. After some diagnostics and transferring of all my data, he realized it was my RAM that had died. He put a 2gb stick from Samsung in there and all seemed to be well.

But, 2gb's isn't enough or even close to what I originally had in this laptop. It came with 8gb, so I went on Crucial and bought a kit. Went to install it and the laptop won't boot. I get the same black screen. That RAM kit is currently being RMA'ed while I wait for my replacement.

In the meantime, I decided to buy a 4gb Kingston stick off of Amazon, because of how slow this computer is now. Tried this in the slots, and the computer still won't boot. Tried the Kingston stick alone, no boot. Tried both the Kingston and the Samsung, no boot.

The laptop will only boot when the Samsung stick is inserted. I also did reset the BIOS settings (and I'm assuming the CMOS as well) through the BIOS, but no luck.

I'm trying hard not to have to take the computer apart to reset the CMOS, but I seem to be running out of options.

Any help for this newbie?

Your laptop supports up to 8 GB using two 4 GB RAM DDR3 1333 MHz or 1600 MHz SODIMM.

What are the part numbers of the ram you have purchased?
If not provide us links of purchased ram, can check it out. Also the part number / Specs of Samsung.

Kingston 4gb RAM: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CQ35GYE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Crucial 8gb RAM (currently waiting for replacement kit): http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/inspiron-14z-%285423%29/CT3397670

Samsung 2gb RAM: (what's in the laptop now in slot 1): I'll have to get this later as I'm at work.

 

[algorithmbreaker]

Both the specs are correct.
The modules should have worked. Not sure why it didn't. Find out the speed of the Samsung RAM, if possible. So you can decide whether to go for the 1600 MHz or the 1333 MHz, should the samsung's be 1333 MHz.

 

[Sierra_86]

Both the specs are correct.
The modules should have worked. Not sure why it didn't. Find out the speed of the Samsung RAM, if possible. So you can decide whether to go for the 1600 MHz or the 1333 MHz, should the samsung's be 1333 MHz.

Here's a picture of the Samsung RAM: