Laptop won't boot while one of the ram slots is populated.

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L

LDL

Reputable
Sep 19, 2014
2
0
4,510
Hello.

I don't have any idea what's going wrong here.
Here is the story.
Approximately 3 mounts ago I added a second RAM module to my Dell N5110.
It worked well for two months or so. The machine was stable and it behaved well under stress.

Then suddenly the laptop would not boot. It beeped 4 times. After a quick reference I determined that this is a memory error code. I removed the module in the upper slot and it booted.

I thought that the module died, but the both modules work in they are in the lower slot.
Also, none of them work in the upper slot. I receive those 4 beeps again.
If there are no modules installed I get 2 beeps. Thus the slot isn't completely dead (or at least i think so).

Is there anything I can do about it short of buying a new laptop?

The laptop is as mentioned : Dell N5110
CPU: I5 2430M (not sure if this matters)
The new ram module is: Corsair 4GB 204pin SODIMM 1333 CMSO4GX3

I already made sure I am running the latest BIOS from the manufacturer.
I already tried cleaning the slot and visually there are no problem with the pins(well at least I don't see one).

I will be grateful for any suggestions.
Thank you for your time.
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

Retired Mod
Jun 24, 2014
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2 beeps just means there is no memory installed, it doesn't relate to the slot being serviceable or working. If both modules work in the lower slot and no modules work in the upper slot, I'd say that channel has failed for one reason or another. The reason doesn't usually matter as the result is that a new motherboard would be needed if no other issue with the board can be found. You can probably find a new motherboard for much less than replacing the laptop, however you would need somebody familiar with disassembly of laptops as the process can be quite complicated and is not recommended for the novice do it yourself'er. It can be done though if you are fairly handly and can follow video directions. There are usually youtube tutorials for disassembly of most laptop models.

Frankly though, if you're not that experienced you may just want to purchase another unit or take it to a repair facility.
 
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L

LDL

Reputable
Sep 19, 2014
2
0
4,510
Thank you for replying darkbreeze. I am sorry I could not answer faster but I had a lot on my hands.

On to the topic.

Yes that's what I thought as well. I was dissembling the laptop so I could give it to a friend (he was suppose to check the soldering).
On the other side on the board near the ram slot there was a thin metal brace jammed between two "things"(transistors or a block of some sort. I have no idea what those things actually are). I took it out and it worked just fine. Cant figure where the metal thing is suppose to go though :D.

So sorry for wasting your time. I do appreciate the response.

A advice for anyone with such a problem. Inspect the whole of your motherboard for something that could have short circuited it. Not only the area around your slots.
 
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