I recently bought 1 gb of RAM to add to my Dell Dimension 4700, it originally had 256. I added the 1gb in the open slot next to the 256, there are 4 slots total. My pc worked for a few days but then crashed, and I lost everything. I took out the 1 gb memory and I reinstalled windows and drivers, everything was ok again, but then I tried to add the memory again..and crash.
How do I add this RAM? I read that it has to be equal amounts of RAM in each slot, is that true? Can I just remove the 256 and put in the 1 gb? Well I already tried it, but it wouldn't reboot. I'm stuck, I want more memory but keep crashing everytime I try something, please help.
2007-02-12 06:24:10 · 5 answers · asked by David L 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
You're going to have to take out either the 256 MB or 1 GB card. What's happening is the two RAM's are not compatible, so you will have to choose which of the two you want to install and not use the other.
With the computer off and uplugged, open the computer, make sure you touch as little of the computer as possible when the computer is open.
Touch the metal frame of the computer to discharge any Electrostatic build-up you may have (ElectroStatic Discharge can kill your RAM and other computer parts).
Put the RAM into the RAM slot, (for desktops, you can complete the following step after ensuring that the computer accepts the RAM) close the computer up, turn it on. It should boot fine.
If there are problems, your 1 GB of RAM is not compatible with your computer and you need to get go to a computer store to get further help.
For future reference, when you buy RAM, you should check to make sure you're getting RAM that is compatible with what is already in your computer.
2007-02-12 06:37:04 · answer #1 · answered by Paul 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It could be that the memory you purchased isn't compatible with your system board, the specs for this board are
400-MHz (PC2-3200) and 533-MHz (PC2-4300) DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM non-ECC
Did you happen to purchase ECC memory modules?
Did you try the 1gb in the first slot and the 256 in the second? You should count the slots as #1 #3 are the first modules and #2 #4 are the second modules
2007-02-12 06:34:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look at Toms Hardware Guide. The Motherboard is capable of X amount of ram, no more. You can find that data at Dell.com/yourmodel# and stuff
Some sites that sell memory have the Maximum specs on them.
tomshardware.com shows you step by step with pictures and everything how to.
2007-02-12 06:36:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could depend on the type of memory you bought. Sometimes Dells don't do well with generic memory brands and won't work on most of their systems. If its memory from Dell then check your specs to make sure your motherboard/processor can handle it. try putting back your old memory and see if it boots. If it doesn't could of been your fried your MB when putting in the new memory stick.
2007-02-12 06:37:08 · answer #4 · answered by Shiloh 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you get full benefit if you put the sticks in pairs, as to what the problem is though is beyond me.
That does sound pretty awful, does it work with the old memory but not the new? Is it possible you put static across it?
2007-02-12 06:33:10 · answer #5 · answered by Icarus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋