Use more than 2 GB RAM in Dell OptiPlex 320

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A while ago I purchased 2 × 2 GB Sticks of RAM for my Dell OptiPlex 320.  When I inserted them, I was greeted with a series of beeps, and a system that would not boot.  I checked each stick, and individually they work, just not as a pair.

If I insert one 2 GB and one 1 GB, then the BIOS detects both (reporting 3 GB installed: 1 × 2 GB and 1 × 1 GB) and will boot, but Windows (8.1.1) can utilise only 1 GB.  How can I get both sticks to work, thus giving me 4 GB RAM?

  • The sticks in question are identical Kingston KVR533D2N4/2G modules and do not have ECC.
  • The system is a July 2007 one, and the technical specifications list it as being capable of using up to 4 GB.

ja_ke

Posted 2014-08-03T17:33:14.630

Reputation: 21

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  • which version of windows, 2. did you check if your motherboard can handle 4 GB of ram from the manufactures specs?
    • < – Sickest – 2014-08-03T17:38:35.163

    @Sickest Win 8.1.1, yes, I did, read the OP – ja_ke – 2014-08-03T17:44:10.053

    in memory overview it says this: NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules. Doing so may cause the system not to boot or affect performance. – Sickest – 2014-08-03T17:48:28.553

    @Sickest I do not have ECC modules, I specifically made sure the ones I purchased were non-ECC – ja_ke – 2014-08-03T17:49:31.980

    Bump, need to get this resolved... – ja_ke – 2014-08-03T18:37:52.280

    Your problem description is vague and lacks details. For example, you say "BIOS detects both". What precisely does that mean? Did the BIOS report 3GB? And you say "Windows can only utilise 1GB". But you don't explain why you say that. What precisely did you see? You have to tell us the evidence you gathered, not the conclusions you drew from it. – David Schwartz – 2014-08-04T09:54:04.617

    @DavidSchwartz The BIOS reports 3GB installed, 12Gb and 11GB, when I boot windows, it only sees 1GB and can only use 1GB. – ja_ke – 2014-08-04T09:55:48.267

    How did you determine that Windows only sees 1GB? Again, you are giving us conclusions rather than observations. What tools did you use? And what precisely did they report? – David Schwartz – 2014-08-04T09:56:48.260

    I used explorer, looked at the system specs=> 1GB RAM... – ja_ke – 2014-08-04T10:21:34.133

    @DavidSchwartz What would you suggest to check available RAM? – ja_ke – 2014-08-09T20:20:59.430

    Bump @dav Any suggestions? – ja_ke – 2014-08-24T13:46:59.320

    Answers

    0

    4 GB of RAM will work only if you have no graphics card.  The 320 disables the 2nd RAM slot when a graphics card is present.

    Rick

    Posted 2014-08-03T17:33:14.630

    Reputation: 1

    0

    Make sure you have the latest version of the BIOS installed from Dell's website. We have a few 320's running here with 4GB of RAM.

    Be sure the sticks match in specs, ie the same speed and both are non-ECC.

    Bert

    Posted 2014-08-03T17:33:14.630

    Reputation: 1 476

    asking questions in your answer? – Sickest – 2014-08-03T17:46:44.213

    I have, although I will check, and it's a pair of identical Kingston "KVR533D2N4/2G" Sticks. – ja_ke – 2014-08-03T17:47:48.800

    What month/year are the 320's you have? – ja_ke – 2014-08-03T18:38:53.557

    -2

    Ues 2x 2GB DDR 2 of 667mhz only. It will solve your problem.

    Shan khan

    Posted 2014-08-03T17:33:14.630

    Reputation: 1

    Welcome to Super User! Can you [edit] you answer and explain why you are recommending this? – bertieb – 2019-03-03T20:24:33.580

    Asked: 2014-08-03T17:33:14.630

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    Active: 2019-03-04T02:34:05.987