Dell Dimension 3000 - Memory Upgrade

Fat_Boy

Evening techie types!

I'm trying to upgrade the memory in the missus' desktop which is a Dell Dimension 3000 series. It currently has 512Mb of PC2700, 333MHz ram in 2 x 256Mb sticks. I did the usual scan on Crucial and then bought 2 x 1Gb sticks of PC3200, 400MHz ram from a trusted Powerseller on Ebay. I fited them this afternoon but the computer doesn't start up, it makes 4 or five fairly long beeps and then doesn't do anything else.

I'm 100% sure the memory is compatible and I have tried various configurations with 1 stick then 2 sticks etc but to no avail.

Any ideas?

fwor

Have you checked the spec of the motherboard to make sure it can take 2Gb? I've found that the Crucial website is sometimes incorrect on some details.

If it can, something to try is to put the old memory back so that it will POST, and then go into the BIOS and check that the DRAM timing settings are all set to "Auto".

[Deleted User]

Have you installed your memory in DIMM 3 and DIMM 4?

On the back of the computer there are 4 LED's, what colour do they illuminate after the beeps?

Fat_Boy

Fwor - I've gone into the Bios settings but there's no DRAM settings options (that I can see)

Be_Alright - If you mean the A,B,C,D LED's they are all green with the old memory in, with 1 stick of the new memory in A and B turn yellow/orange.

[Deleted User]

Try starting it up with only one stick of memory in at a time and see if it does the same

Fat_Boy

Already tried that mate - no joy

[Deleted User]

You were definately installing the chip into DIMM3 weren't you?

Fat_Boy

There's only two memory slots, I've tried them all!

mazz1953

I do lots of ram upgrades and you need Low Density memory modules for the Dell Dimension 3000. I suspect that what you got off the Ebay Powerseller was the cheaper High Density modules, hence the beeping at startup. The processor which I am almost sure is an Intel, does not like that memory and it is telling you so.
You can get the Low Density modules either from a branded company such as Kingston, Corsair or Samsung, or a reputable trader such as Ebuyer. In fact you can even get it off an Ebay Powerseller, just make sure that it is Low Density.

Hope this is of some help to you.

FrugalFriend

mazz is probably right but can I just say have you keyed the memory into the slot correctly? By that I mean there's a notch in the stick of memory that corresponds to only one side of the memory slot on your motherboard. This is deliberate so as you can't install the memory the wrong way. But it also means you can think you've pushed it in when you haven't. Here's how to make sure it's secure:

1) Line up the notch on the memory stick with the bump on the slot.
2) Press firmly on one end of the stick, then the other, until you hear a click.
3) The clips (usually white) at either end of the memory slot should have slotted in automatically, but just check anyway. If they haven't, push them fully home into the notches on the side of the memory stick.

If you've done this and there's still a fault then the memory is either faulty, or incompatible.

Debt_Free_Chick

Definitely a problem with the memory - here's Dell's manual explaining that LEDs A&B yellow indicate a memory problem. That page suggests how to determine whether just one or both modules are faulty/incompatible.

The beep codes are here but the LEDs probably tell you all you need to know.

And ... the spec for the memory is here so you can double-check that you've bought the right type.

HTH