Trying to install more RAM in my Z420 workstation - Will not boot

[chrisgreen160]

So I have purchased 6 sticks of 8GB DDR3 1600mHz unbuffered RAM for my Z420 workstation. When I install the RAM the system does nto boot, and a few minuts after starting it up the fans begin to over rev, sounds like a plane taking off... not sure what to do. I have updated the BIOS to BIOS Version/Date Hewlett-Packard J61 v03.91, 10/17/2016. When I install the original 4 sitcks of 4GB RAM, the system works just fine.

[mdklassen]

> I have purchased 6 sticks of 8GB DDR3 1600mHz unbuffered RAM 

Your computer: https://www.support.hp.com/id-en/document/c03277050

Memory expansion slots - 8 DDR3 memory slots
Memory type supported - DDR3, UDIMM (Unbuffered), ECC
Memory modes - Channel interleaved
Memory speed supported - 1066-MHz, 1333-MHz, and 1600-MHz DDR3 

Maximum memory - Supports up to 64GB

So, your six 8GB sticks are the below the supported maximum.

Are you sure that you purchased 'ECC' RAM, instead of the usual "consumer" RAM?

Part-numbers of the original RAM?

Part-numbers of the new RAM?

[MtothaJ · Accepted solution]

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@mdklassen wrote:

> I have purchased 6 sticks of 8GB DDR3 1600mHz unbuffered RAM 

Your computer: https://www.support.hp.com/id-en/document/c03277050

Memory expansion slots - 8 DDR3 memory slots
Memory type supported - DDR3, UDIMM (Unbuffered), ECC
Memory modes - Channel interleaved
Memory speed supported - 1066-MHz, 1333-MHz, and 1600-MHz DDR3 

Maximum memory - Supports up to 64GB

So, your six 8GB sticks are the below the supported maximum.

Are you sure that you purchased 'ECC' RAM, instead of the usual "consumer" RAM?

Part-numbers of the original RAM?

Part-numbers of the new RAM?

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ECC REG also works fine in the Z420 - I had 64GB 1866mhz ECC Reg in mine.

There are matched kits on ebay for a very reasonable price and this would be my preferred approach to upgrading the memory in these machines.

[chrisgreen160]

Looking at the RAM, I didn't purchased ecc... well that was a stupid mistake. Thanks for the help!

[mdklassen]

> Thanks for the help! 

Welcome to this forum.

I see that you clicked "Accept As Solution" for the SECOND person to state the requirement for 'ECC' RAM.

Please click the purple/white "Thumbs-Up" icon for each response that has been helpful.

Note that 'ECC' RAM is either "unbuffered" or "registered". 

Some motherboards that require ECC RAM can handle either type of RAM.

Please follow the manufacturer's specifications for your computer, and purchase "unbuffered" RAM.

Note that "unbuffered" RAM is faster than "registered" RAM.