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This topic has moved here: Subject: system beeps at start up, cant boot PC, please help!!
  • Subject: system beeps at start up, cant boot PC, please help!!
Subject: system beeps at start up, cant boot PC, please help!!
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So my friend has a Dell XPS 600 that has been BSODing due to bad RAM. I put in some good sticks of memory and the error was still coming up, so I figured the problem was the mem sockets on the mobo. He ordered a new mobo and it came the other day. I replaced it, and the computer POST beeps about memory not being detected, or there being bad memory. There are diagnostic lights that light up on the front of the computer that indicate that the memory is bad. wtf?

Could the power supply be a problem? The memory is known to be good, since it can be used in my computer just fine we also tested brand new RAM (DDR2) and th same problem persisted.

  • 06.07.2007 12:29 PM PDT
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If you tested both the mobo and memory, it is possible that it could be the power supply. Though a power supply problem is very rare unless of a recent power surge. My advice to you is to take it to a local repair shop and have them test it. Depending on where you go, you should only have to spend around $40 for them to tell you the problem.

But seeing how the motherboard says there is bad memory, it won't hurt to try a different stick.

  • 06.07.2007 12:36 PM PDT
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we tested BRAND NEW RAM, with all 4 slots being used at once, and with only DIMM 1 being used. when we tried with NO memory, we got the exact same beeps, except the exhaust on the fan was very loud, whatever that could mean.

  • 06.07.2007 12:44 PM PDT

01000010010010010100 111001000001010100100101100 10010000100100001

- Note, that's split up so that it's allowed :)

Could be your RAM isn't compatible, try a different type is what I'd suggest.

  • 06.07.2007 1:13 PM PDT
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Hmm, this is very odd indeed.

First thing I'd check - I just went and got the manual from Dell's support site - make sure the ram you're putting in is not ECC enabled RAM. According to the XPS 600 manual, it can't use ECC enabled RAM and that may also be a source of the error.

If you suspect the PSU, I'd disconnect power to everything but the motherboard and video card (assuming it as a video card that needs a power adapter), then put in the RAM. Make sure only the motherboard and video are getting power. Try turning it on in that configuration and see if you still get the memory BIOS beeps.

Just for general reference for the thread, from the Dell XPS 600 Service Manual:
The Dell XPS 600 only supports PC2-4200 (DDR2 533-MHz) and PC2-5300 (DDR2 667-MHz) RAM.

[Edited on 06.07.2007 1:21 PM PDT]

  • 06.07.2007 1:17 PM PDT
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Or you could take it to a computer shop. Which is much cheaper, and smarter, than doing it yourself if you're not 100% sure of yourself and fuxxing something up. Jus' sayin is all.

  • 06.07.2007 6:14 PM PDT

Slaying noobs since 2007.

You did handle it correctly right?

  • 06.07.2007 7:21 PM PDT
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Yes, I am a hypocrite, and I'm sorry. I really do mean well, but I'm not running on all cylinders.

Everytime someone buys a copy of Halo 2 Vista, a puppy dies.

Posted by: TUI_Obi_Wan
Or you could take it to a computer shop. Which is much cheaper, and smarter, than doing it yourself if you're not 100% sure of yourself and fuxxing something up. Jus' sayin is all.

I've lost more sound cards for not being grounded.

  • 06.07.2007 11:30 PM PDT

you may know me as X[IGN]

Posted by: Iggwilv

*hands Kim a crowbar*
Here you will need this to help you get your foot out of the back of your throat, looks llike its in there pretty deep. And what is that on your face? Egg?! *hands Kim a washcloth*

When you mounted your new motherboard did you check that there werent any posts touching anywhere on the motherboard aside from the mounting holes?

[Edited on 06.08.2007 1:13 AM PDT]

  • 06.08.2007 1:12 AM PDT
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Posted by: XxTopCatxX
we tested BRAND NEW RAM, with all 4 slots being used at once, and with only DIMM 1 being used. when we tried with NO memory, we got the exact same beeps, except the exhaust on the fan was very loud, whatever that could mean.
You cannot boot a PC that has no RAM, so I'm not surprised that you got an error when trying that. You're probably having an issue with incompatible RAM. Make sure that the speed of the RAM is compatible with the speed/bus of the CPU/mobo.

Oh, and, this isn't usually the best forum for tech support help. There are somewhat better PC support forums out there. Just, FYI.

  • 06.08.2007 6:32 AM PDT