Windows 10: Trying to upgrade from 8GB to 16GB - won't boot at 16GB

Gateway DX 4840
Intel i3 540 @ 3.07GHz
BIOS version P01-A0 03/19/2010
Chipset Intel H57
Memory originally 8 GB (4 x 2GB) dual-channel 1333 MHz DDR3 (double sided) CL9
Specs say "Upgradeable to 16GB using four DIMM modules)

Tried to upgrade to Kingston ValueRAM 16 GB (4 x 4 GB) 1333 MHz DDR3 CL9 DIMM SR x8 STD
(previously tried 4 Patriot sticks at 1600 MHz - wouldn't boot in any combination)

Computer beeps once but won't boot.

Tried new RAM in all 4 slots - won't boot.
Tried original 2 GB in first two slots with new 4 GB in last two slots - won't boot.
Replaced original 4 x 2GB ram (all four slots) - boots just fine.

Any idea what the problem is or what I can do?

:)

 

Memory upgrade with Windows 10

I recently bought a new ASUS computer with windows 8.1 installed. I upgraded to Windows 10.

I then installed 16GB of RAM. (up from 4GB). Windows> PC>Properties shows 16GB installed but only 8GB usable. BIOS shows 8GB installed. Spec sheet for the computer says it can be upgraded to

16GB. I don't see any way to change the BIOS. Any suggestions?

 

Does N95 Support 8GB ?

It'd be better if a phone would have 2 memory card slots.

Then 8GB + 8GB = 16GB

Or 16GB + 16GB = 32GB!

 

Hi.
Just a thought - the new RAM isn't ECC is it? because you'd want non-ECC (unless it's a server).
Have you checked for any BIOS/Chipset revs for your system? Other than that, I can't imagine what the problem is. It shouldn't be that difficult.

EDIT: You could try clearing the CMOS, see if that helps.

 

I don't know. It doesn't say anything about ECC or non-ECC anywhere.

I've been trying to find that information. I have to admit I'm a bit nervous about BIOS upgrades.

How would I do that?

Or as Homer Simpson would say, "Can you dumb it down a bit, Doc?" *Biggrin

 

The current BIOS for your system on Gateway's website is P01-A3 and you are on P01-A0.

Clearing the CMOS settings would clear out the specs for the old memory and force it to scan the new memory.

 

How to Clear Your Computer’s CMOS to Reset BIOS Settings

Scroll down to "Reseat the CMOS battery".

 

Did you get 1.5 volt memory?

DX4840 Series Memory Upgrade - Gateway DX4840 Series Computer Memory

4096MB-1333MHz DDR3-1333 PC3-10600, 240p DIMM, 1.5v

 

Id say that this is most likely the issue. Upgrading the BIOS would likely fix your issue. Ive seen older BIOSs cause some really odd issues. Upgrading the BIOS on newer systems is usually pretty simple. Go to the support website for your specific model and download the newest BIOS and update it.

 

I don't know. I don't believe voltage was specified.

Thanks everyone. I'll try these suggestions and get back here with the reesults.

 

What are the chances I'll make my computer unbootable with a BIOS upgrade?

 

Depends, biggest problem in my experience has been with power failures mid-stream so I do it only with the computer plugged into a UPS/Uninterruptible Power Supply.

 

I've upgraded dozens of computers and have not had any fail.

 

I had a couple of motherboards bricked with a BIOS update back in 2011. They were somewhat early UEFI boards. The BIOS update appeared to go normally, but they never booted again. One of them was nominally a dual BIOS board, but it lacked a manual switch to use the backup BIOS, and the automatic switch did not work.

Other than that, I have not had any BIOS updates fail. Some of my newer board have had real dual BIOSes (with a switch), a BIOS recovery mode, or both. I haven't needed those features.

 

I would reset BIOS and confirm memory voltage. Test.

The BIOS they issued from day one likely supports 16GB.

Then if that doesn't work go all in.