Upgraded RAM 8 to 16 GB and can't boot

djbaxter

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Dec 2, 2013
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18,510
Gateway DX 4840
Intel i3 540 @ 3.07GHz
BIOS version P01-A0 03/19/2010
Chipset Intel H57
Memory originally 8 GB (4 x 2GB) dual-channel 1333 MHz DDR3 (double sided) CL9
Specs say "Upgradeable to 16GB using four DIMM modules)

Tried to upgrade to Kingston ValueRAM 16 GB (4 x 4 GB) 1333 MHz DDR3 CL9 DIMM SR x8 STD
(previously tried 4 Patriot sticks at 1600 MHz - wouldn't boot in any combination)

Computer beeps once but won't boot.

Tried new RAM in all 4 slots - won't boot.
Tried original 2 GB in first two slots with new 4 GB in last two slots - won't boot.
Replaced original 4 x 2GB ram (all four slots) - boots just fine.

Any idea what the problem is or what I can do?

 
Solution


Most probably your pc has an H57 express chipset, those limited edition that pre-built desktops have. If your system is functional with your old ram sticks i can only assume that there is a compatibility issue
Maybe you should first check whether your board supports your new RAM. You may find a support list of your boards RAM compatibility in the internet. If they are supported check that all of your slots actually work by plugging your original RAM sticks in dual channel (match the colors of RAM slots). Then check what happens if you plug your original RAM in different slot colors.
 

djbaxter

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Dec 2, 2013
3
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18,510
Okay. No luck so far:

Confirmed memory voltage for the new ram is 1.50 V.

Updated the BIOS.

Cleared CMOS using "Load Defaults" from Setup.

Reinstalled the new RAM - would not boot.

Reinstalled old ram. Back into Setup to disable Fast Boot to look for error messages.

Reinstalled new RAM.

Got this:

AMIBIOS (c) 2010
BIOS version: P01-A3
Release Date: 05/17/2010
This BIOS is exclusively for Gateway only
CPU: Intel (R) Core (TM) i3 CPU 540@3.07GHz

The IMC is operating with DDR3 1333 MHz
Dual Channel Mode --->> DOES THIS MATTER? Original has "chips/blocks" on both sides; new one side only)
Initializing USB Controllers .. Done.
3068 MB OK (with original RAM says 8192 MB) <<---- NOTE
(c) American Megatrends, Inc.
64-0100-001031-00101111-05170-LfdHvdImc-R6820012-Y2KC

I hear two beeps after that.

Then it stops. Nothing else happens.
 


Most probably your pc has an H57 express chipset, those limited edition that pre-built desktops have. If your system is functional with your old ram sticks i can only assume that there is a compatibility issue
 
Solution