XPS 8930 - BlueScreen Error when using DDR4 2666 MHz

Question

Hello, I wanted to improve my system (XPS 8930) with more RAM and so I changed the 2 existing 8 GB memory modules. I installed 4 modules Corsair Vengeance LPX 8 GB 2666 MHz. The first start with the new RAM was fine, but shortly after the start there was a bluescreen error: Stop Code: MEMORY MANAGEMENT. The system tried to start again, but everytime there is this error after a few seconds. So I reinstalled the old modules and searched for a solution for this problem and found this article: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000138049/some-computers-may-hang-or-present-a-blue-screen-with-stop-code-memory-management-error I don´t understand the following passage of the article: NOTE: To determine whether or not that the latest BIOS includes the resolution for this issue, perform the following steps. Once on the product page for your computer, select the BIOS file name to expand the section. Touch or click View full driver details. Look under Enhancements:. When Improved memory compatibility for DDR4 2666Mhz memory DIMMS is listed, the BIOS has been updated to resolve the issue. When it does not, please refer to this site later, for an updated BIOS. Where do I find the mentioned 'product page' ?  I do not found any page with a 'BIOS file Name Section' So I tried to find the mentioned information an other way. I ran the Support Assist App on my PC and the diagnostics for my system on the Dell-Website. Both show me, that there is no new firmware for my system. I am running Bios Firmware 1.1.24 But when I look at the firmware list regarding my system it shows 4 versions of newer bios-firmware and all of them are marked as critical: 1.1.26 critical - release Date Oct 2022 1.1.28 critical - release Date Jan 2023 1.1.30 critical - release Date Jul 2023 1.1.31 critical - release Date Dec 2023 In the description of these newer versions there is nothing written about 'Improved memory compatibility for DDR4 2666Mhz memory DIMMS' This leads me to this two questions: 1. Is there really no solution for the problem with the DDR4 2666 MHz-modules for the XPS 8930? 2 . Even when there is no solution for the problem, should I update the Bios manually to a newer/the newest version because the updates are marked as critical? I hope someone can help to find a solution. Thanks in advance! Claudia

redxps630 · Answer

these are user valudated vegeance LPX DDR4 2666 C16 4x8 GB in 8930 32GB DIMM DDR4 clocked @ 2133 MHz

redxps630 · Answer

what you could try is to add one RAM stick at a time until system is stable, then add second one, test again. you want to prime the bios to get used to 4x8 GB stepwise which may have a better chance of reaching stability.

no need to update bios for this as flashing bios has risk outweighing small benefit in this situation. those labelled "critical" bios update often has no real benefit to you and may even cause serious issues.

1.1.24

03 Aug 2022

Critical

Claudia_L · Answer

@redxps630​ thanks for your answers. I will test tomorrow to add the RAM sitcks one by one. I let you know, if it is successful.

redxps630 · Answer

this user was running the same ram and bios is not most utd, showing that there is no need to update bios for this matter.  OS Windows 10 BIOS Date 20220708

Chino de Oro · Answer

To resolve issue, you may want to try non-XMP memory. DDR4 2666 Mhz. CL19 or higher (up to 3200 Mhz) can perform really well with the 8930, except for the system shipped with Core i3.

If you are running BIOS firmware 1.1.24, it already included the support for 2666 Mhz. As the current BIOS firmware included all compatibility supports from earlier released. The support for 2666 Mhz memory was released with BIOS firmware 1.0.10

ispalten · Answer

Have you tried contacting Corsair (https://help.corsair.com/hc/en-us ) either by email or chat to see if the memory has been approved for your XPS?

redxps630 · Answer

Pls double check your ram has the same Corsair model number published by user benchmark: CMK16GX4M2A2666C16 CMK32GX4M4A2666C16, CMK8GX4M1A2666C16

Claudia_L · Answer

@redxps630​ The correct model number of my memory is: CMK32GX4M4A2666C16

redxps630 · Answer

that is one of user validated corsair ram.

Claudia_L · Answer

Thanks for your help.

The 4 modules I will use are not new, I got them used.

Maybe one or more of the modules are defect.

To be sure that they are ok I make now a test of all the modules with the Windows App for testing the Memory. This will take some time.

i will let you know, when this is done.

Claudia_L · Answer

I installed only two of the modules and the first start went fine.

I tested then the RAM-modules with the Windows-App. There were no defects detected, as long as the program was working.

At the end of the programm the computer restarts and shows the Windows-Login-screen.

After log-in the blue screen appears again. :-(

redxps630 · Answer

try only 1 ram stick and test each stick individually.

RoHe · Answer

Have you tried clearing BIOS with the new RAM installed to see if that can solve the BSOD? Reboot and start tapping F2 when you see the Dell splash screen to open BIOS setup Copy down all current BIOS settings, to be safe Power off, unplug power cord from rear of PC Press/hold power button for ~15 sec Open case and remove motherboard battery (check Service Manual for details) Press/hold power button for ~30 sec Install Corsair RAM in all slots Reinstall battery (Is it time for a fresh CR2032 3-volt coin cell battery? ~$3) Close up and connect mouse, monitor and keyboard See if it boots OK now...

Claudia_L · Answer

@RoHe​ Hi, I didn´t tried this by now. Can the system boot, when I erased the BIOS settings by removing the battery?Do I have to fill in the settings manually or will the system will do this while booting? I made some changes in the hardware before:I changed the original SSD in a bigger one and I added an additional harddisk. Sorry for this dumb questions ... I have never done this before What will happen, when the booting is not OK?Can I be sure it will again boot fine, wenn I install the two old RAM?

RoHe · Answer

Sometimes, when hardware is changed, like installing new/more RAM, you have to force BIOS to notice the changes. Otherwise, it doesn't know what to do with the "unexpected" hardware so it gives a BSOD.

You're not "erasing" BIOS. All you're doing is resetting BIOS to its default settings which are permanently stored on the motherboard. That forces BIOS to re-examine all the hardware to make sure it sees what's currently installed (eg, new RAM) and knows how to use it. You may only have to reset the PC's date and time, if prompted.

You should copy current BIOS settings first, in case resetting BIOS causes an (unexpected) error, other than Memory Management, when you boot. If that should happen, confirm the BIOS settings match the ones you copied. Be sure to save any changes you make manually to match what you copied, and then exit setup. PC will automatically attempt to boot itself.

Obviously, this won't prove the used RAM you bought is or isn't good. But it's easy to try and might be a simple fix for your BSOD. If resetting BIOS, with the new RAM installed, doesn't help, then it might be time to contact the seller to get either different modules or your money fully refunded...

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XPS 8930 - BlueScreen Error when using DDR4 2666 MHz

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