laptop memory upgrade help request

Did you get RAM modules recommended for Dell laptops or "generic" modules? Sometimes these cheaper modules arn not fully compatible with Dell machines. In addition, if you bought them at e-Bay and some other outlets, there is a good possibility that they are used modules pulled from commercial servers. These modules could be "double density" chips that are Rank 2 instead of Rank 1, and the computer thinks each one is two modules instead of one, and most system boards have a limit on how many ranks are supported. Others have posted very similar problems. Best to buy RAM from suppliers like Crucial that guarantee they will work and supply a lifetime warranty.

There is also a possibility that one of the pair of modules is faulty, but this is unlikely to happen with two sets for two computers.

I would also suggest going to Crucial for you memory problem, they have an online scanning tool that will determine what type and speed that your Inspirons take. My inspiron runs DDR2 PC5300/533Mhz, total of 2GB which I purchased from crucial and haven't had any problems with them, as well as they are a very reputable memory outlet to go through.  They'll also, after the scan results, give you a list of different types speeds that you laptop can handle, They're also very reasonable in price w/free shipping.  Hope this helps you in some way. 

Andrew

Kirk and Andrew,

Appreciate the recommendations.  This is the first time I tried one of these posts and I'm very impressed with your willingness to provide help.

As more background, I purchased Edge Tech Corp memory (1GB PC2700 NONECC UNBUFFERED 200 PIN  DDRSODIMM).  CostCo is selling Edge Tech memory and provides, via Edge Tech, a on-line memory selection tool.  Edge Tech seems to be a reliable source for memory; after all, they are "approved" by CostCo.  I also checked with Dell and the Edge memory appears to meet Dell's specs.  As you suggest, the Edge memory units are not faulty; all 4 work fine, if only one is installed and one original 0.25 module is in the other slot.  I tried every conceivable combination of new and old memory in both laptops - I'm getting good at removing and replacing the keyboard on the 700m.

I'll try the Crucial online scanning tool and also look for something to do with the software configuration of the two laptops - maybe there is something other than the BIOS updates that is necessary (I'm getting well above my level of expertise . . . .)

Thanks,

Ken

The Edge recommendation for both of your Inspirons is DELNB00001GPC2700.  If this is not what you purchased, please post the part number and I will research it. If this is the number, then ????? The fact the the same problem is occurring with both laptops makes me think it's the memory and not something with the computers or the BIOS.

When you first booted, was there a long pause while the new memory was being recognized?

I found several sites with users posts concerning Edge modules in laptops. Consensus was almost 100% that the modules did not work. My advice is to return these to Costco and purchase from a reliable supplier. Crucial is a good place to start. After you get a part number recommended for your Inspirons, you can check resellers shch as NewEgg for better prices for the same part number. Note that most manufacturers offef "value RAM", which are cheaper than most of their models, but are not guaranteed to work.

The Crucial 1GB for the 700m is:  CT405756 • DDR PC2700 • CL=2.5

For the 8600:                             CT325810 • DDR PC2700 • CL=2.5

Price is $53 each. Note the timing spec, CL=2.5. This specifies how many CPU cycles it takes to move data in/ouy of RAM.

You should check the timings for the Edge RAM using CPU-Z, a free system checker. Some systems are timing sensitive, and some system boards will only work with RAM having the correct timing.

Ken,

Did you find a solution to your memory upgrade issue? I'm upgrading my 700M as well and posting it here in case anyone does a search for "700M memory". I was confused by the two differnet part# CT405756 versus CT325810 since they both had the exact same specs:

1gb DDR PC2700 • CL=2.5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR333 • 2.5V • 128Meg x 64

So I had the following conversation with Crucial:

"Rhone :  They are actually the same exact part. When you order by advanced search or by motherboard/system information online, you are shown the “external” part number CT325810 or CT405756. The part number that you see on your module is the actual module base part number CT12864X335. If you order by advanced search or motherboard/system information, the external part number is included in the packing list with your memory module. The modules are exactly the same. I apologize for any confusion."

Both part# actually refer to the same physical memory. The actual number on the chip is CT12864X335. So both the 8600 and 700M uses the exact same memory. In Ken's case, there was something off with the Edge memory. Did you ever verify the part# you bought from Costco is Edge DELNB00001GPC2700?

-dan