z420 workstation RAM upgrade Not Working

[4thand26]

Did you add RAM like me?  I had mismatched RAM, causing the fan to spin at high speeds and not boot.

Once I ordered 4 new, identical, sticks that were compatible, the unit started up and has been running well since.

[Top_Shelf]

I ordered a kit of 4x8GB = 32GB of RAM.  So it is identical.  It's third party from Crucial.

[4thand26]

You have this ram installed and it doesnt work?  You get the high speed fan?

Here is a picture of what worked for me.  I tried many many many combos, but 4 of these from Crucial worked.

[Top_Shelf]

Sorry, I can't see that picture.  With the RAM installed, I get the fan spinning on high, and no video.  I installed all 4 RAM sticks in the black memory channel, which from what I read is what is recommended.

[4thand26]

There were 4 slots x 2.  You have to put 2 sticks on each side - which I think is what you are saying with the black slots.

Here are some numbers from the RAM.

PC3-14900E-13-13-E3

8GB 2RX8

8GB DDR3 - 1866 EUDIMM 1.5V CL13

[MrMax0]

Was this issue "solved" menaing is there a clear pattern to what is causing issues with various RAM?

I have the same problem, the Z420 had 4x4GB modules, the slots are marked with 2 different colors so, basically modules in every other slot.

Tried to add 4x8GB but had the same issues as described here, loud beep from the mobo, fans going into turbo mode etc..

Removing the 4x4 to avoid compatibility issues doe to different RAM size, frequency and CAS timing etc didnt do anything. Ploblem remained.

The brand of the 8GB modules is "Micro Memory"

http://www.micromemorybank.com/

and rating is: 8GB DDR3 1600MHz (PC3.12800) - MMH 3803

Since this is a company comuter I did not actually order the stuff myself, but those who did checked the product number of the workstation to assure compatibility.

I can't tell from the product number if this is ECC memory and/or if it is a requirement or just a recommendation?

[BambiBoomZ]

MrMax0,

At the Micro Memory Bank site, a search for "z420 8GB" produced a listing that specified "PC3-12800"  but the item listed is ECC Registered.  If the RAM is Registered, it should be called PC3-12800R.  The model number "MMH 3803" did not produce a result.

ECC Registered memory will not run in a z420.

If the processor is a Xeon E5 first version, the proper RAM is PC3-12800E **  which = DDR3-1600 ECC unbuffered.   "PC3" is DDR3, 12800 means 1600 and "E" is ECC Unbuffered. 

** See Page 14

 The simple solution is to exchange the 8GB  for PC3-12800E.

For best performance, install the 8GB modules in slots 1/8/3/6 and the 4GB in slots 2/7/4/5.

BambiBoomZ