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May 5th, 2019 11:00
Vostro 400, over 3GB RAM, no boot
Hello. I have a Vostro 400 desktop (yes, I know it’s old) that I got for free and have been using as one of my workstations for a while now. It came with 3GB of DDR2 RAM installed, a C2Q Q6600, a 160GB HDD (which I replaced with an SSD), and an Nvidia GeForce 8800GTS. I have attempted to upgrade the memory from 3GB to 4GB, however it refuses to boot every time. I’ve tried different ram sticks, but it seems the second memory channel refuses to handle more than a 512MB stick. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you!
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68cutlass
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May 5th, 2019 13:00
Make sure you have the latest BIOS. I have 2 Vostro 400s here (1 quad, 1 dual core) with 6 and 8GB. Swapped memory around a few times so not sure what I have in them now but probably crucial and kingston.
U2CAMEB4ME
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May 6th, 2019 04:00
Welcome to the Dell Community @BeastlyTech
Memory Installation Guidelines:
• DIMM connectors must be populated in numerical order beginning with connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_3, then connectors DIMM_2 and DIMM_4. If a single DIMM is installed, you must install it in connector DIMM_1.
• For best performance, memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology. If the memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. (See the label on the module to determine the module’s capacity.) For example, if you install a mixed pair of DDR2 533-MHz and DDR2 667-MHz and 800 MHz memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.
NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in DIMM connectors 1 and 3 or DIMM connectors 2 and 4.
Vostro 400 Owner’s Manual:
https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_vostro_desktop/vostro-400_owner%27s%20manual_en-us.pdf
Best regards,
U2