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

Okay. No luck so far:

Confirmed memory voltage for the new ram is 1.50 V.

Updated the BIOS.

Cleared CMOS using "Load Defaults" from Setup.

Reinstalled the new RAM - would not boot.

Reinstalled old ram. Back into Setup to disable Fast Boot to look for error messages.

Reinstalled new RAM.

Got this:

AMIBIOS (c) 2010
BIOS version: P01-A3
Release Date: 05/17/2010
This BIOS is exclusively for Gateway only
CPU: Intel (R) Core (TM) i3 CPU 540@3.07GHz

The IMC is operating with DDR3 1333 MHz
Dual Channel Mode --->> DOES THIS MATTER? Original has "chips/blocks" on both sides; new one side only)
Initializing USB Controllers .. Done.
3068 MB OK (with original RAM says 8192 MB) <<---- NOTE
(c) American Megatrends, Inc.
64-0100-001031-00101111-05170-LfdHvdImc-R6820012-Y2KC

I hear two beeps after that.

Then it stops. Nothing else happens.

 

Beep codes - AMI BIOS
The complete BIOS beep guide - TechSpot Forums
2 short Memory parity error- A memory parity error has occurred in the first 64K of RAM. The RAM IC is probably bad

AMIBIOS Beep Codes (What to Do When Your PC Beeps)
Two beeps means there has been a parity error in base memory. This is an issue with the first 64KB block of memory in your RAM. The solution is usually to replace the memory.

Parity errors:
How to Fix a Memory Parity Error | Techwalla.com

Think your new RAM is bad?

EDIT: I do not think dual vs. single channel should prevent the computer from booting, just possibly slow down performance of the OS, but I could be wrong, I'm no RAM expert.

 

This is the second batch of four RAM sticks I'm trying. First four from Patriot, now four from Kingston. I doesn't seem very probable that I'd have two batches of bad RAM in a row.

 

Interesting articles. First on memory and whether modules are single rank or dual ranked.

Single Rank Memory vs. Dual Rank Memory - OEMPCWorld

Next from Tom's hardware why some boards can't handle the larger single ranked sticks.

Ram not working fully - [Solved] - Memory - Tom's Hardware

You have to scroll down to Best answer.

So you need to look at entire memory number to see if you've gone from 2r to 1R's.

Ken

 

Very interesting answer (2nd one).

I wonder if the OP could try running the system scan at Crucial.com to find truly compatible memory? Seems like that is the issue, if this is the second set he is having problems with.

 

I don't see any information at all about 1R or 2R on the new sticks.

It just says:

Kingston
KVR13N9S8H/4
CPMK0831764 1.5V

The other sticker says:

99U5402 - 034.A00G
000007620 - P00311
HNJWY - A99PWF - YVJJA
1703 ASSY IN TAIWAN (2)

 

I did run the Crucial Scanner but I'm not sure how that helps me.

Here's what it says:

RAM & SSD Upgrades | Gateway DX4840 | Crucial.com





Crucial 2GB DDR3L-1600 UDIMM

CT2356176

• DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V • 256Meg x 64 •
• upgrade for Gateway DX4840 system.

• $18.99

Crucial 2GB DDR3-1600 UDIMM

CT4047755

• DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.5V • 256Meg x 64 •
• upgrade for Gateway DX4840 system.

• $18.99

Crucial 4GB DDR3L-1600 UDIMM

CT2347503

• DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V • 512Meg x 64 •
• upgrade for Gateway DX4840 system.

• $31.99

Crucial 4GB Kit (2 x 2GB) DDR3L-1600 UDIMM

CT7329212

• DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V • 256Meg x 64 •
• upgrade for Gateway DX4840 system.

• $37.99

Crucial 4GB Kit (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 UDIMM

CT4051568

• DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.5V • 256Meg x 64 •
• upgrade for Gateway DX4840 system.

• $37.99

Crucial 8GB Kit (2 x 4GB) DDR3L-1600 UDIMM

CT7338021

• DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V • 512Meg x 64 •
• upgrade for Gateway DX4840 system.

• $63.99

 

Lots of choices.....

Did you notice the 4GB stick and the 2 pack of 4GB's (8GB Total) are all specified as 1.35V.

All the 2GB sticks are listed as 1.5V.

Crucial does a pretty good of getting specs right. Something to consider. Does your motherboard allow you to adjust memory voltages? Not saying to do this, just asking and hoping others will express opinions.


Ken

 

I don't know for sure, but it seems to me, that if 2 different sets of RAM don't work in your system then something about them may not be compatible. I suggested Crucial, because if they have compatible RAM for your system it will show in the scan, and you could get that instead. At least you'd be assured of buying compatible sticks. Honestly, I'm out of ideas.
Let's see if @essenbe can shed any light on the issue.

 

I did notice that, yes...

 

OP-Did you ever remove/replace the CMOS battery and try to boot after resetting the BIOS that way?

 

No. I tried but it was difficult to reach and didn't seem to want to come out easily. I didn't want to force it and with the location I was afraind of not being able to get it back in properly.

 

Will your computer still run with the original ram installed? If it will, please download CPUz and post screenshots (Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Ten Forums) of the memory tab and the SPD tabs. You can select each dimm slot on the SPD tab from a dropdown list in the upper left corner. Also post a screenshot of the Mainboard Tab please. If you could, please list the Manufacturer and exact part number of the new ram you bought.

 

Cheers essenbe.

OP-if anyone can figure this out, you're in good hands here. *Thumbs

 

From the link that @NavyLCDR posted, this will tell you the specs of the ram the board uses. DX4840 Series Memory Upgrade - Gateway DX4840 Series Computer Memory