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- Black screen after adding memory to additional slot

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03-15-2018 02:38 PM
I tried to add memory 8gb to the additional memory slot.
All I receive is a black screen.
I swapped memory in the original slot and it works fine. 8 gb.
I tried placing new and old memory in the additional slot alone and I get a black screen.
HP P7-1423w
I'm using Windows 10, Bios 8.20 REV. A
Original Memory m378b1g73bh0-ck0
Additional Memory m378b1g73db0-ck0
Any suggestions?
Thanks
03-16-2018 05:54 AM
It might be that the second slot is knackered.
Or - more likely - it might be that these modules, although look very alike, are not, and do not like each other.
-> Compare what you see in CPU-Z in memory tab for each of these modules (one by one). If there are diferences, then most likely it's the answer.
And:
-> Get a matched pair off Amazon (so you can return without hassle) and replace the ones you have / try again.
03-16-2018 06:12 AM
1. No beeps when installed. Either new or old in the additional slot.
2. The screen stays blank if there are two modules installed or if the original slot is blank and either module is in the additional slot.
3. Both stickers new and original read PC3-12800
03-16-2018 06:29 AM - edited 03-16-2018 06:30 AM
We both are correct.
1 & 2. PC works when either memory module sits in slot #1 - which I guess is a primary slot.
-> That confirms that both modules independently are okay and slot #1 is okay either.
-> That also indiactes that PC will not work with memory sitting in slot #2 (I guess: secondary) - which is expected. Slot #2 is probably okay as well.
3. This label does not make them identical (they're not the same model: m378b1g73bh0-ck0 vs. m378b1g73db0-ck0)
- there might be difference in regime of works (timing & voltage) which will not allow them to work as a pair.
Download this chappy
https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
And check / compare what yoiu see under SPD tab. Example here:
http://i45.tinypic.com/ve1184.jpg
03-16-2018 07:50 AM - edited 03-16-2018 07:50 AM
Can't see them yet, they need to be approved by moderators.
Do they show the same information though?
In either case it's really worth trying what I suggested earlier: buy PC3-12800 2 x 8GB pair from Amazon / elswehere - so you can return them - and check if they work correctly.
03-16-2018 05:00 PM
Based on everything mentioned, I believe you have a faulty slot 2 on the mainboard. I have seen that before.
RAM slots are honestly not that fickle when it comes to pairing ram. as long as the modules are the same type and speed, (eg. PC3-12800s) they should work together. I mix brands all the time (Hynix, Samsung, Kingston etc..) which will have minor differences, but I've never had a problem between HP & Dell desktops, laptops, servers, workstations & all in one units.
I've checked, anf there's no newer BIOS for your unit.
As long as you can return the module's, you could try buying two EXACT modules, but I personally wouldn't bother. I think you're stuck with 8GB until you get a new PC. Sorry.