XPS 410 Memory Upgrade

[silencep77]

Hello,

I have done my homework on this issue, but as a last resort I am curious if anyone else has any ideas. I have a dell XPS 410 computer. I have 64 bit windows 7 on it. The computer is listed as only handling 4gb of RAM. However, with the BIOS upgrade to 2.5.3 and a 64 bit operating system, it can handle 8gb. I purchased 4x2gb sticks of DDR2 ram 800mhz unbuffered. I get the dell memory error code 3 4 and the beeps. So i do troubleshooting and change them around in the different slots and also reset the NVRAM and re flashed the BIOS. The computer works with 4gb of ram in DIMM 1 and 2. It also worked with memory in DIMM 3 and 4. I tried all 4 again, and to my surprise it booted up, however it booted with 6gb, and listed DIMM 2 as empty. So I removed DIMM 2, Put DIMM 4 into DIMM 2 and it beeped. I put all 4 in again and it booted up with 6gb again so I just left the damn thing. Im not sure what else the problem may be. I know there are people who have their XPS 410 running with 64bit operating system and 8gb ram.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[alceryes]

Is the memory you purchased on Dell's approved list for the XPS 410?
Since most mfgs lock down memory adjustments such as voltage and timings RAM sticks need to meet very stringent specs to operate properly. Especially since you are already trying to operate outside of what Dell says that system is capable of.

 

[silencep77]

Ive heard all different things on the subject even to the effect of dell saying one thing online, and another thing in the manual. I know they are extremely fussy with memory especially when the board is locked down. Something must be not quite right. I turned it on today and I got a black screen with a flashing cursor in the upper left so I just removed the memory and put in the old 4gb sticks I had. Its just funny that sometimes some of it works and other times it does not. Something must be slightly off, upsetting the board and causing the problems. I look further into it in the future. Thanks.