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RAM / GPU incompatability?

Forum Motherboards & Memory : General Motherboard - RAM / GPU incompatability?

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Hi

I have a Dell Inspiron 530 with Q6600 processor, 2GB RAM (667MHz), 2x320GB hard drives, standard PSU. All was working perfectly. I installed a 7950 GX2 graphics card (2x512MB), all worked perfectly, even under load, with the standard PSU.

I recently got an extra 1GB RAM stick (667 again), put it in, and it wouldn't boot - wouldn't even bring up the Dell bios logo. Just a blank screen. Took RAM out - booted fine. On a whim, I took out the Graphics card (back to X3100 graphics!) - booted fine. Put the new RAM in - booted fine. So I know the motherboard is fine with the stick of RAM.

I tried re-seating the graphics card / the RAM but no change. Also tried removing the bios battery, still no change.

Basically:
New RAM - works fine without the graphics card installed
Graphics card - works fine without the new RAM installed
New RAM + Graphics card - doesn't boot or even display the bios screen.

Any ideas?

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Will the 7950 work with the new 1GB DIMM installed as a single DIMM?

------------------------------ "To better understand why you need a personal computer, let's take a look at the pathetic mess you call your life."
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thanks for the reply badge - I'll test this afternoon and get back to you

Reply to pledmonds

I suspect the DELL has few BIOS adjustment like RAM voltage, PCIE freqquency lock, etc. The DELL 6600 machine I worked on had no way in BIOS to disable Speed step. Anayway, the most logical reason I can come up with is the 7950 GX2 pulls a considerable amount of power. So when the system recieves an additional DIMM to power, that combination puts the PSU over it's ability to provide adequate power to power the system. Take the 7950 GX2 out and put in the tiny draw of the x3100 (no auxillary 12v connector) and back to power up. Does the MB have an onboard graphics chip also?

------------------------------ "To better understand why you need a personal computer, let's take a look at the pathetic mess you call your life."
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Quote :

Does the MB have an onboard graphics chip also?

I'm not sure - I know the mobo has integrated Intel X3100 graphics, but that aside there's no other graphics systems built-in.

I had thought about the power - does an additional DIMM draw that much? I've also tried disconnecting one of the HDs, and it made no difference. I'll test the RAM as you suggested this afternoon.

Thanks

Reply to pledmonds

Ok so I tested as suggested - no matter which 1 or 2 sticks of RAM I use, it works perfectly. As soon as I add a third, the system wont boot (all with the GPU connected). So the new RAM is definitely not the problem.

So I guess the problem is power. I must really be running at borderline?! And I'm amazed that 1GB of RAM makes enough of a difference between running fine (even at full-load, eg running CoDWaW) and not even getting a boot screen.

Can anyone confirm that this seems to be the case? If so, can anyone suggest a cheap (like, REALLY cheap) low-power graphics card or better PSU (ATX)?

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RAM / GPU incompatability?

Forum Motherboards & Memory : General Motherboard - RAM / GPU incompatability?