Optiplex 980 RAM upgrades (Smaller from Factor

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microwinner

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Apr 2, 2014
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I am using Dell desktop Optiplex 980, win7 64 bit OS with 2X2 Gb 1333 MHz RAM, Kingstone.
I will describe my problem again:
1. When I am trying to upgrade the RAM to 16GB with 4X4 Gb 1333 MHz DIMMs, CORSAIR. I could not start my system. But I could get in the bios. Here, in the general information, also there is something strange. The computer could read 16 GB RAM and each DIMM slot with a 4 GB. However, the number of active channel is always 2 (DIMM1 and DIMM2). I try to find out how to activate the rest 2 slots (3 and 4), but I could not manage it.
2. Then I try the new RAM cards in DIMM1 and DIMM2, which were working finely with the old 2x2GB RAM cards, but they did not work. That means I still could not start Windows system.
3. Now I am using the old cards 2X2 GB to test the DIMM3 and DIMM4, neither of them worked.

Based on the tests above, I had two conclusions:
1. The two channels of DIMM3 and DIMM4 are not activated.
2. This brand, CORSAIR, was not compatible with my computer.
Any comments or suggestion would be appreciated.

Best regards,
H.H.
 
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Legohouse

Legohouse

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May 13, 2013
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Hello,

* Reset your CMOS.
* Now try installing one 4GB Corsair module and see if boots (make sure the other 3 slots are empty). Repeat the same this process for the next three modules. Check if all the modules work individually.
* If all the modules work individually then try installing a pair in the slots with the black notches or the white notches. See if the system boots.
* If they do not work together then update your BIOS to the latest version.

BTW, could you let us know the part number or the specs of the kit you purchased?

 
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D

DellAficionado

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Aug 13, 2014
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I don't have a solution, I have a very similar, if not the same issue. I have tried various 4GB and 2GB DIMMs in different combinations of slots.

Initially, I tried 2 different RAM manufacturer's with 4 x 4GB DIMM's for a total of 16GB RAM. I just plugged them in, they were recognised by the BIOS, however failed the onboard RAM test and did not load Windows 7, 64 bit. A similar experience to this http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19581219.aspx .

Both sets of DIMM's now returned to the store on the basis of being incompatible.

I then installed the latest BIOS, A16 and various other 64bit OS's, as well as Windows 7.

I still have 2 x 2GB, which I have tried exhaustively in different combinations and configurations. The only configurations I can get to work are;
2 x 2GB in slots 1 and 2. Total of 4GB RAM.
2GB in slot 1 only. Total of 2GB RAM.
2GB in slot 2 only. Total of 2GB RAM.

All other combinations and configurations fail. Including resetting CMOS/BIOS, inbetween DIMM changes. As per this thread, http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19577964.aspx .

As I now only have 2 DIMM's, the last configuration I have not tried is a matched pair of DIMM's in slot 1 and 2, with a matched pair in slots 3 and 4. Working on the basis that when I tried the 4 x 4GB there may have been an incompatibility with the DIMM's I used.

The implication being slot 1 and 2 need to be populated to enable slot 3 and 4.

Unfortunately, I cannot test this right now (as I only have 2 DIMM's).

Therefore, I have the following conclusions (and PLEASE tell me if / what I am doing wrong);
1. The two channels of DIMM3 and DIMM4 are not activated, unless DIMM1 and DIMM2 are populated (as above).
2. DIMM3 and / or DIMM4 are no longer functioning.
3. There is a straightforward configuration or setup that I'm missing.

All constructive comments welcome. Many thanks in advance.
 
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