Memory Errors

[AtYourService]

dell dimension 8400

gave me 1-4-2 error beep codes
they had 1gb of pc2 ddr2 3200 ram
suggested the customer get new ram since the errors pointed to a memory issue

the customer bought the 2 new 1gb sticks of ddr2 pc5300 ram
now getting a 1-3-2 error

tried in all of the 4 slots and nada

im thinking that maybe this is a motherboard issue now and not a ram issue

anything else i should check for?

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

dell dimension 8400

gave me 1-4-2 error beep codes
they had 1gb of pc2 drr2 3200 ram
suggested the customer get new ram since the errors pointed to a memory issue

the customer bought the 2 new 1gb sticks of ddr2 pc5300 ram
now getting a 1-3-2 error

tried in all of the 4 slots and nada

im thinking that maybe this is a motherboard issue now and not a ram issue

anything else i should check for?

Welcome to Tech101!

You went from PC3200 RAM to PC5300 RAM, no wonder its not working? The different error tones should tell you the board is noticing the difference. First thing besides trying the right memory would be to find a manual that tells you what the error codes stand for.

EDIT: I am actually surprised the PC5300 pins and notches lined up with the slots on the board because I would never have a reason to even try that.

 

[Doctor Micro]

Actually, if you go to some of the memory manufacturers memory configurators and search for Dimension 8400, they will show you PC2-5300 memory sticks. One I checked (Crucial) even listed PC2-6400 as "compatible". Even Dell's own memory upgrade site lists PC2-6400.

I did run across this little gem, though:

The Dimension 8400 has two different bus speeds each of which takes different memory. You cannot mix the speeds. Please check the speed on the memory modules currently installed, or use our "Check Your Computer" to find the correct module.

 

[AtYourService]

yep i used crucial as a fall back on compatible ram
"Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-5300,DDR2 PC2-6400 with a maximum of 1GB per slot."
i was also on the phone with dell tech support and they had mentioned that the ram would work

i forgot to state prior that , that the customer is just using the new ram, not mixing it with the old


i did check the error code and both times the error codes are related to a memory issue

thats why i ask here if anyone think that this is a motherboard issue since i checked with known good ram

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

Actually, if you go to some of the memory manufacturers memory configurators and search for Dimension 8400, they will show you PC2-5300 memory sticks. One I checked (Crucial) even listed PC2-6400 as "compatible". Even Dell's own memory upgrade site lists PC2-6400.

I am well aware that PC5300 and PC6400 are interchangeable because the PC6400 will clock down to PC5300 speeds, just as PC3200 will clock down to PC2700 or even PC2100 speeds. If this machine is calling for PC5300 or higher, I would ask the customer why the hell the thing had PC3200 RAM in it, and if it was actually functioning like that?

As far as what else could be making the tones, did you try no RAM? Otherwise start stripping parts out, all the way down to just power supply, processor, and RAM and see what happens.

 

[edgepcs]

If this machine is calling for PC5300 or higher, I would ask the customer why the hell the thing had PC3200 RAM in it, and if it was actually functioning like that?

It shouldn't physically fit in the slot. DDR and DDR2 have different slot positions (not to mention the technical differences). If they have managed to fit it in and it worked it is nothing short of a miracle!!

 

[anonymous Mac Tech]

It shouldn't physically fit in the slot. DDR and DDR2 have different slot positions (not to mention the technical differences). If they have managed to fit it in and it worked it is nothing short of a miracle!!

That's what I was trying to say originally! I don't know if they line up or not because I would NEVER have a reason to even find out? Perhaps a PT got a hold of the thing originally and wrecked the board by trying to put something in that shouldn't even fit!

But seriously, Based on what you are telling us here, you really need to get a hold of this customer to find out what the deal is and who might've gotten a hold of it before you. If you proceed any further at this point you could start getting blamed for something someone else wrecked!

 

[robrich22]

You could try putting the old memory back in and flashing the BIOS if there is a newer one available. Also check the specifications of the new memory, you may need to increase the voltage.

Or put the new memory in and then reset your settings (remove the battery/using the jumpers or whatever the MB requires). It might be trying to run under the older memory specifications.

 

[AtYourService]

this is PC2-3200 ram that the customer had in the machine i think thats where the confusion lies

its a stick of samsung memory 512mb 1rx8 PC2-#200U-333-10-A1


the 2 new sticks are PNY 1gb DD2 PC2-5300 dual channel memory

 

[robrich22]

Oh wait, sorry I thought you were just upgrading the memory and it didn't work. But now that I have re-read the post, it looks like the customer brought the computer to you because it didn't work. You diagnosed it as a memory issue. He bought new memory and the new memory does not work as well.

I'd still try clearing/resetting your cmos settings.

 

[AtYourService]

i tried pulling everything out, resetting the bios
and when i put it all back together , it worked

lol but have been some quirk in the system , im gonna play with it some more and make sure the problem doesnt persist


now that im thinking about it it may have been the bios clearing, i think i might have done it wrong the first time