Dell XPS 720 compatibility issue with TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF

vvspy · #1 09-26-2008, 10:25 AM

i had run into same problem. If enable EPP/SLI in BIOS (DELL XPS 720), the Dominator 4GB PC2-8500 (C5DF) failed Memtest86+ v2.01, mainly couldn't pass test seven [random number sequence]. Tested each stick under EPP/SLI ON, one passed, and the other failed. It also failed in windows memory diagnostics tool "hardware problem was detected..."

So filed RMA to local PC store, just received new replacement kit today...

installed and tested with windows memory diagnostics tool, "No memory error". Unfortunately i got "memory_management" BSOD again... ran with memtest86+, RED FLAGs in test seven [random number sequence] one more time. However, it still passed windows memory diagnostics.

i'm confused...

will run tests under both EPP ON and EPP OFF, and posted picture back...

RAM GUY · #2 09-26-2008, 11:46 AM

vvspy, Make sure that you are testing the modules one at a time in the slot closest to the CPU. Let us know your results! Also, are you using this memory in place of the memory that came with the Dell, or are you running them together?

vvspy · #3 09-27-2008, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAM GUY

vvspy, Make sure that you are testing the modules one at a time in the slot closest to the CPU. Let us know your results! Also, are you using this memory in place of the memory that came with the Dell, or are you running them together?

The dominator kit was purchased in local store not come from DELL.

I removed RAM, and tested each in slot 0 (closest to CPU), both passed the memtest86+ v2.01 test {EPP/SLI ON in BIOS}, and thank god this time, the 4G KIT also passed the memtest86+ v2.01 under EPP/SLI ON after swapping and re-sitting the ram sticks.

Attached results. btw, what's Dominator SPD settings from DELL? Same as retail Dominators?

Thank you for all your help, wish u a lovely day!

vvspy · #4 09-27-2008, 11:17 PM

Now it's acting weird. Yesterday evening the kit passed memtest86+ v2.01, i was surfing and gaming for 3-4 hours, no problem. Turned off PC before bedding.

this morning, powered on, memtest86+ v2.01 was running when booting, so patiently waiting till it was finished.

wow, RED FLAG again in test 7 [random number sequence]... any thoughts???

RAM GUY · #5 09-29-2008, 02:08 PM

How many passes before you get the error?

vvspy · #6 09-30-2008, 03:40 AM

i had another go today (4G KIT, EPP ON). Passed the first run, then i kept running for a while. it failed the second run in test 7.

anyway, sometimes it could pass for one time, then fail the continuous second run, otherwise it couldn't pass the first run.

RAM GUY · #7 09-30-2008, 12:01 PM

Do you get the same errors with EPP disabled? Have you tested just the 4GB kit in the system, or were your results with all 4 modules installed?

vvspy · #8 10-01-2008, 03:44 AM

all the tests so far is under Corsair 4G kit only. Disabled EPP, the RAM passed the memtes86+ v2.01

RAM GUY · #9 10-01-2008, 11:49 AM

Without the ability to manually adjust the settings in the BIOS there is not much that you can do at this point other than replace the set. Please use the On Line RMA Request Form and we will be happy to replace them. Be sure to check the box that says “I've already spoken to Technical Support and/or RAM Guy.”

vvspy · #10 10-08-2008, 03:13 AM

Before RMA the corsair dominator 4GB PC2-8500 set, i managed to get my friend's PC for comparision test.

My PC setup:
XPS 720 --> H2C, QX6850, H2C Cooling, 4GB Dominator, 500G, XFX GTX 260, X-FI, DVD-RW, 750W PSU

My friend's PC setup:
Q6600 OC 3.2GHz, 4GB DDR2-800 CL4 EPP (F2-6400CL4D-4GBPK), XFX 780I SLI Mobo, XFX 8800GT XT SLI, X-FI Fatality, 150GB RAPTOR, 500GB WD Green Power, SST ST1000W

view "test PCs.jpg"

1.) put dominator 4G kit into 780I Mobo, set MEM in bios, see "780i bios 1.jpg", and "780i bios 2.jpg"

2.) do memtest86+, pass 3 times with no error. "corsair EPP 1066 780I.jpg"

3.) put ******** 4GB kit into XPS 720 (EPP/SLI ram ON), check ram voltage and SPD via nvidia control panel and CPU-z v1.47, EPP ON, 2.1V, SPD 4-4-4-12-36-2T 800MHz.

4.) then do memtest86+ for 6 hours, pass 8 times with no error. See "******** 4G EPP XPS 720.jpg"

5.) put dominator back to XPS 720, do memtest86+, ... ERROR... RED FLAG.

6.) send it back to local store for RMA

Compatibility issue??? hope my third set could finally close my case here.

RAM GUY · #11 10-08-2008, 12:31 PM

That would suggest the problem is with your system, but we can try replacing the modules but make sure that you load setup defaults when ever you change hardware like that.

vvspy · #12 10-08-2008, 02:29 PM

i'll see how the third set dominator goes, meanwhile, will try get another set 4G diff. brand of PC2-8500 RAM. will post result later about one week time.

So far, the system can handle EPP at 800MHz 4-4-4-12-36-2T (2.1V). I feel the dominator stick is thinner than the ******** stick i tested before. It's a little bit loose, not so tighten as ******** stick in dell system.

vvspy · #13 10-16-2008, 11:35 AM

received the third set, had tested with memtest86+, straightly pass 4 times, error in 5th times, prime95 fatal error in run.

but the system is much stable now, no BSOD so far in two days. Will talk to dell tech. for possibility to replace the mobo.

RAM GUY · #14 10-16-2008, 12:19 PM

That would suggest some other problem, did you load setup defaults when you changed the modules?

vvspy · #15 10-16-2008, 02:20 PM

i burned the bootable memtest86+ CD, so everything should be in default setting. Due to limitation of dell XPS 720's BIOS (no manual adjustment for MEM), only enable EPP/SLI memory support in BIOS.

Tried abusing the windows vista to get a BSOD, but never happened so far.

anyway, the ram kit is working smoothly.