[daviddavisson]

I bought new memory for my Dell dimension e510 . I bought 4 gig to max it out. When I install it, the computer beeps and the monitor says no signal. What are we doing wrong? We updated the bios hoping that would help, but no luck.

[Scleros]

What memory did you buy? Confirm it is the correct memory for this system. Does one module of the new memory work by itself?

[Appzalien]

Before you buy memory for your PC, it's a good idea to identify your model and revision of the motherboard (belarc advisor is free and would help) then go to the manufacturers site for that PC models support page and look for a Memory compatibility link to see if your sticks are compatible. The sticks must be the same speed asd your front side buss. So if your front side buss is 400mhz you would need sticks that speed as well or PC 3200. For DDR memory, to get the benefit of double the data rate they need to be in closely matched pairs and usually in the same colored slots but the site should have a manual or pictures to show you where they go. Sometimes it's the same color and other times it A and A2 ot B and B2 slots that can be different colors.

Just because the sticks are not listed doesn't mean they will not work as long as you got the right speed and slots. Manufacturers cannot test every brand. Also make sure you seated the memory completely, if the little tabs at the ends did not lock you could have problems.

[Appzalien]

Check this page and click on the blue link under memory for 4 gig issues

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim5150/en/sm/specs1.htm#wp1052310

I also looked at your boards configuration and the 2 2gig sticks must be in different rows (spaced farther apart for cooling)and matched a and a2 ot what ever like this |x |x or x| x|.

[cdad]

Take note that you got 4 - 1 gig cticks and not trying to use 2 - 2gig sticks.


Manuals



Back to Contents Page

Removing and Installing Parts
Dell™ Dimension™ 5150/E510 Service Manual



Memory
You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board.

Your computer supports DDR2 memory. For additional information on the type of memory supported by your computer, see your Owner's Manual.

DDR2 Memory Overview
DDR2 memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology. If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. See the label on the module to determine the module's capacity.




NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.

The recommended memory configurations are:

A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2


Or

A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 and another matched pair installed in DIMM connectors 3 and 4


NOTICE: Do not install ECC or buffered memory modules. Only unbuffered, non-ECC memory is supported.
NOTE: If you install DDR2 667-MHz memory, the speed is reduced to 533 MHz.

If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200) and DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4300) memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.


Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the connector closest to the processor, before you install modules in the other connectors.





NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.
NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and 4.

Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations
Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, can use a maximum of 4 GB of address space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is less than 4 GB. Certain components within the computer require address space in the 4-GB range. Any address space reserved for these components cannot be used by computer memory