Trying to upgrade memory and hitting a snag

[splunge]

Thanks to those who helped me on my last topic, advice on memory upgrading.

I'm using a Dell 4550 400 FSB with 2 256 sticks of RAM and confirmed with Crucial's Memory testing program that my system can take PC 2700 1 gig in each of 2 memory slots. I bought a 1 gig stick of PC2700 333 Samsung memory off ebay and removed one of the 256 sticks I had in. I made sure it was seated properly and tried to turn on the PC. The PC wouldn't turn on and the LED code on the back (per Dell's automated troubleshooter) notified me of "Memory Subsystem configuration activity or failure". I reseated it and got the same trouble. The automated troubleshooter suggests I "Clear NVRAM Using the Maintenance Mode Jumper on the Dell™ Desktop System" which I am nervous to do. I reinstalled the old RAM and the system booted fine.

Do I follow Dell's steps and likely screw something up? Should installing memory do this? Was I wrong and the momory is simply incompatible, or did I get a DOA stick?

Before I try to return it to the ebay seller (wish me luck) I'd appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

 

[Wgfalcon]

remove all your old ram and try the new stick by itself if you get the same error follow the instructions and clear nvram . reboot and if you still get the same error your ram is either bad or maybe just incompatable . most brand name computers are really finicky when it comes to generic ram. you should run a memory configuration utility, crucial and corsair both have them and i'm sure most other brands do as well. purchase the exact modules they say are compatable. preferably from somewhere besides ebay
good luck and let us know how things turn out

 

[splunge]

Thanks, I'll try it and post later...

 

[jitpublisher]

If you check here http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4550/specs.htm
it says that your system will only support DDR memory up to 512 meg per stick, with a maximum of 2 x 512 for a TOTAL of 1gig. Unfortunately, according to this page, your Dell will not be able to use the 1 gig stick.

 

[splunge]

I looked here: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?c=us&category_id=6436&c s=19&l=en&s=dhs&mfgpid=154573&chassisid=8203 which said it would take 2 gig! What to believe?

I tried installing only the 1 gig stick alone. The system started, said memory changed, but then went into a blue screen telling me something really bad was happening and it was stopping the boot. I tried a boot into safe mode and it brought up part of the desk top, but never really started. Replacing the old memory got me going again.

Any thoughts? Some kind soul on the PC MEch forums posted
"Quote:
* 184 pin Dimm, 128Mx64 (128x4 High Density chips) Our modules are tested to be compatible to Motherbaords with chipsets VIA P4x266A, VIA KT400, VIA KT600, VIA PT800, SIS 645, SIS648, SIS 648FX and SIS 746FX. Not compatible to all ASUS motherboards, Apples, laptops.


THAT is the problem. You do not have ANY of those chipsets (you have an INTEL chipset) and you bought incompatible ram. High density is exactly why it was CHEAP. Intel chipsets require 8 chip ram."

IS that why I'm stuck?