Pavilion dm3-2020eo doesn't start after RAM change

[Leo83]

As the topic says my computer doesn't start after a RAM change.

I have updated from 2x 2GB to 2x4GB DDR3 SO-DIMM 204pins RAMs. When I start the computer after installing the new RAM's nothing happens, all I get is a black screen.

According to the computers spec. it should be able to take up to 8 GB DDR3 RAM's.

Can any one help me?

Thanks,
Leo

[Huffer]

Please identify the full specs of the original and attempted replacement memory. Manufacturer and any specs listed on the modules. Also have you tried each of the 4 gig modules individually? And i assume all is well when you put the original modules back in.

[Danjen]

This is the speed of the chip you need:

4GB 204p PC3-10600 DDR3-1333 SODIMM

Note the front side bus speed is 1333 .  The 4GB chips you have may be out of the speed range for your notebook.

[Leo83]

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Huffer wrote:

Please identify the full specs of the original and attempted replacement memory. Manufacturer and any specs listed on the modules. Also have you tried each of the 4 gig modules individually? And i assume all is well when you put the original modules back in.

---

You are correct, original modules work fine, no problem starting the computer when using them. Unfortunately I do not have the specs for them, they are HP "original" think it say "replacement units" on them - came with the computer when I bought it.

The new ones are:

• Team, Team Group Inc.
• 4 GB
• DDR3
• SO-DIMM
• PC10666
• 1333 MHz
• 204 pin

Yes they did work individually and I actually managed to boot up with both of them in place, after like the 10th time - bend socket pins perhaps??? But when checking in Win 7 it stated that it only saw 6 GB out of the 8 GB and of those 6 GB it was only using 2 GB minus some for graphics i presume.

CPU-Z saw 6 GB RAM.

And now to the weird part... I then restarted the computer to check what the BIOS saw and now once again I have problem booting with both new RAMs.. So tried them individually again and the results are that one is working on both sockets, but with Win 7/CPU-Z only seeing and using 2 GB,  and one is not working at all.

[Leo83]

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Danjen wrote:

This is the speed of the chip you need:

4GB 204p PC3-10600 DDR3-1333 SODIMM

Note the front side bus speed is 1333 .  The 4GB chips you have may be out of the speed range for your notebook.

---

The only difference on the specs for the new RAMs seem to be the "PC3-10600" new state "PC-10666", but from your reply it will seem that the important thing is to have the correct bus speed which seem to corresponding, see my answer to Huffer.

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Here is the key:

one is working on both sockets and one is not working at all.

You have a bad memory module. It happens very infrequently but not impossible to get a brand new bad memory stick. Get the bad one replaced and I think you will be fine. 

[Leo83]

---

Huffer wrote:

Here is the key:

one is working on both sockets and one is not working at all.

You have a bad memory module. It happens very infrequently but not impossible to get a brand new bad memory stick. Get the bad one replaced and I think you will be fine. 

---

I just edited my reply too you, stating the OS and CPU-Z only seeing the working module as a 2 GB instead of the 4 GB. I take it then that both are faulty... I will check if I can get them replaced and if so check back in here to let every one know if this solved my issues.

Until then, thank you for your support. Much appreciated!

[Leo83]

It was bad modules, I had no problem returning them and getting new ones.

Thanks for all the help!!