ram problem

wex96

I have a Dell Optiplex GX520, was running 1GB of RAM, decided I was going to upgrade, used the Crucial Scanner Tool

so that I could see what RAM to get for this computer, and it paired me up with a 4GB Kit 2GB per stick for the desktop, saying the maximum RAM is 4GB on this computer. I get the 4GBs of RAM and install it, but Windows does not boot, I go into the setup and it detects the 4GB of RAM. I take out one stick leaving just 2GB and Windows boots normally. I called Dell Technical Support and they told me that the maximum RAM this computer can hold is 2GB, not 4GB. Yet the tool says 4GB. In any case, I'd like some support on what I can do because I trust Crucial a lot more than I do Dell. I've done a few searches and I can't seem to find a solution. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

coylemj

What OS are you running - which version of Windows?

The h/w should support 4GB, the Dell documentation says that there are three different chassis for the Dell Optiplex GX520 - Mini Tower, Desktop and 'Small Form Factor Computer' but all three support a max. of 4GB RAM so your issue might be with Windows and not Dell...

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx520/en/ug/memory00.htm#wp1105370

Overheal

This computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use two 2-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, can only use a maximum of 4 GB of address space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is less than 4 GB. Certain components within the computer require address space in the 4-GB range. Any address space reserved for these components cannot be used by computer memory.

The following components require memory address space:

System ROM

APIC(s)

Integrated PCI devices, such as network connectors and SCSI controllers

PCI cards

Graphics card

PCI Express cards (if applicable)

At start-up, the BIOS identifies the components that require address space. The BIOS dynamically calculates the amount of reserved address space required. The BIOS then subtracts the reserved address space from 4 GB to determine the amount of usable space.

If the total installed computer memory is less than the usable space, all installed computer memory is available for use only by the operating system.

If the total installed computer memory is equal to or greater than the usable address space, a small portion of installed memory is available for use by the operating system.

Next Question: What type of Crucial Ram is it? DDR2, or else it wouldnt fit, but What is the Mhz rating and what are the CAS latencies? The board only supports 400Mhz and 533Mhz modules, non-ECC

Memory

Type


400-MHz and 533-MHz DDR2 SDRAM

Memory connectors


2

Memory modules supported


256-MB, 512-MB, 1-GB, or 2-GB non-ECC

Minimum memory


dual-channel: 512 MB;
single-channel: 256 MB

Maximum memory


4 GB

BIOS address


F0000h

I also seem to recall when I built my system the motherboard documentation had a whole 10 page list of supported RAM brands, Module serial numbers, types, and configurations. Which is not to say they were the only thigns that would work but they are the ones tested by ASUS and known to be good.

Heres your relevant manual page:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx520/en/ug/memory00.htm#wp1115205

wex96

OS windows 7
integral ram 533mhz non ecc (in2t2gnwnex)
now running with 3gb no problems
small form dell gx520

wex96

cas latency- 5 cycles???

Overheal

5-5-5-15?

you may just have a bad DIMM. it happens. Get it swapped from the seller

wex96

if it's a bad dimm how come they can boot my pc on there own?