Trying to upgrade from 8GB to 16GB - won't boot at 16GB

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  1. Posts : 40
    Windows 10
       #1

    Trying to upgrade from 8GB to 16GB - won't boot at 16GB


    Gateway DX 4840
    Intel i3 540 @ 3.07GHz
    BIOS version P01-A0 03/19/2010
    Chipset Intel H57
    Memory originally 8 GB (4 x 2GB) dual-channel 1333 MHz DDR3 (double sided) CL9
    Specs say "Upgradeable to 16GB using four DIMM modules)

    Tried to upgrade to Kingston ValueRAM 16 GB (4 x 4 GB) 1333 MHz DDR3 CL9 DIMM SR x8 STD
    (previously tried 4 Patriot sticks at 1600 MHz - wouldn't boot in any combination)

    Computer beeps once but won't boot.

    Tried new RAM in all 4 slots - won't boot.
    Tried original 2 GB in first two slots with new 4 GB in last two slots - won't boot.
    Replaced original 4 x 2GB ram (all four slots) - boots just fine.

    Any idea what the problem is or what I can do?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 16,325
    W10Prox64
       #2

    Hi.
    Just a thought - the new RAM isn't ECC is it? because you'd want non-ECC (unless it's a server).
    Have you checked for any BIOS/Chipset revs for your system? Other than that, I can't imagine what the problem is. It shouldn't be that difficult.

    EDIT: You could try clearing the CMOS, see if that helps.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 40
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    simrick said:
    Just a thought - the new RAM isn't ECC is it? because you'd want non-ECC (unless it's a server).
    I don't know. It doesn't say anything about ECC or non-ECC anywhere.

    simrick said:
    Have you checked for any BIOS/Chipset revs for your system? Other than that, I can't imagine what the problem is. It shouldn't be that difficult.
    I've been trying to find that information. I have to admit I'm a bit nervous about BIOS upgrades.

    simrick said:
    EDIT: You could try clearing the CMOS, see if that helps.
    How would I do that?

    Or as Homer Simpson would say, "Can you dumb it down a bit, Doc?"
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #4

    The current BIOS for your system on Gateway's website is P01-A3 and you are on P01-A0.

    Clearing the CMOS settings would clear out the specs for the old memory and force it to scan the new memory.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 16,325
    W10Prox64
       #5

    How to Clear Your Computer’s CMOS to Reset BIOS Settings

    Scroll down to "Reseat the CMOS battery".
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #6

    Did you get 1.5 volt memory?

    DX4840 Series Memory Upgrade - Gateway DX4840 Series Computer Memory

    4096MB-1333MHz DDR3-1333 PC3-10600, 240p DIMM, 1.5v
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 366
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #7

    NavyLCDR said:
    The current BIOS for your system on Gateway's website is P01-A3 and you are on P01-A0.

    Clearing the CMOS settings would clear out the specs for the old memory and force it to scan the new memory.
    Id say that this is most likely the issue. Upgrading the BIOS would likely fix your issue. Ive seen older BIOSs cause some really odd issues. Upgrading the BIOS on newer systems is usually pretty simple. Go to the support website for your specific model and download the newest BIOS and update it.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 40
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #8

    NavyLCDR said:
    The current BIOS for your system on Gateway's website is P01-A3 and you are on P01-A0.

    Clearing the CMOS settings would clear out the specs for the old memory and force it to scan the new memory.
    simrick said:
    How to Clear Your Computer’s CMOS to Reset BIOS Settings

    Scroll down to "Reseat the CMOS battery".
    NavyLCDR said:
    Did you get 1.5 volt memory?

    DX4840 Series Memory Upgrade - Gateway DX4840 Series Computer Memory

    4096MB-1333MHz DDR3-1333 PC3-10600, 240p DIMM, 1.5v
    I don't know. I don't believe voltage was specified.

    ArazelEternal said:
    Id say that this is most likely the issue. Upgrading the BIOS would likely fix your issue. Ive seen older BIOSs cause some really odd issues. Upgrading the BIOS on newer systems is usually pretty simple. Go to the support website for your specific model and download the newest BIOS and update it.
    Thanks everyone. I'll try these suggestions and get back here with the reesults.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 40
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #9

    What are the chances I'll make my computer unbootable with a BIOS upgrade?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 13,898
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #10

    djbaxter said:
    What are the chances I'll make my computer unbootable with a BIOS upgrade?
    Depends, biggest problem in my experience has been with power failures mid-stream so I do it only with the computer plugged into a UPS/Uninterruptible Power Supply.
      My Computers


 

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