PC wont boot with RAM installed in slot 2

[smiffit]

Product: HP Slimline Desktop 260-a101na

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 (64-Bit)

HP Slimline Desktop 260-a101na. It comes standard with 2 slots for RAM. And says it will support up to 16GB ie 2x 8GB .

The PC comes stock with 1 x 4gb stick of ram found in slot 1. 

I have 2 new identical 4GB rams 

Upon attempting to add an additional stick into slot 2, the computer lights will turn on and the hard drive will spin as if booting up, but no connection will be made to the monitor. At first I thought it was the RAM upgrade, but that proved not to be the case due to the fact that the 2nd stick of RAM works just fine in slot 1, and the original RAM that came with the PC does NOT work if placed in slot 2. In fact, if ANY piece of RAM is placed into slot 2, the computer is unable to establish a connection with the monitor. Additionally, if slot 1 is left empty, and RAM is placed in slot 2, the same error occurs.

I've checked the BIOS settings, and I see no relevant settings for activating the 2nd slot of RAM. I also don't see any switches or problems on the motherboard itself causing problems, and I haven't been able to find someone with this exact problem online for this PC. That being said, this problem must be common due to the fact that upon not being able to succeed in making the RAM upgrade. 

[Nal_NR]

Hi @smiffit,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

I understand how frustrating it must be to face this kind of issue, especially when you're trying to improve your PC's performance with a simple RAM upgrade. Let’s work through this together to identify the root cause.

• Have you checked if the RAM sticks you purchased match the same specifications (speed, type, and voltage) as the original RAM?
• Is there any visible damage or dust in the second RAM slot that could affect the connection?
• Have you tested the PC with the second slot empty and only the new RAM installed in the first slot to ensure compatibility with your motherboard?

Let's try these steps. 

Inspect the Second Slot

• Power off the PC and unplug it.
• Carefully inspect the second RAM slot for dust, bent pins, or other physical obstructions.
• If dirty, use compressed air to clean the slot gently.

Reset the CMOS (BIOS)

• Power off the PC and unplug it.
• Locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard and remove it for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, use the Clear CMOS jumper if available.
• Reinsert the battery and boot the system with only one RAM stick in slot 1. Then test with RAM in slot 2 to check if resetting helps.

Test Individual RAM Sticks and Slots

• Test each RAM stick one by one in slot 1 to confirm they work individually.
• If both sticks work in slot 1 but not in slot 2, the second slot might be defective.

Verify BIOS Version

• Check if you have the latest BIOS version installed for your HP Slimline Desktop 260-a101na.
• Visit the HP Support website to download and install any BIOS updates, which could improve memory compatibility.

Recheck Supported RAM Configuration

• Confirm the supported RAM configuration for this model in the manual or HP's documentation.
• Some motherboards require specific configurations (e.g., matching ranks or capacities) to enable dual-channel mode.

If the issue persists despite these steps, the second RAM slot may have a hardware defect.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[smiffit]

its the second ram slot thats at fault nothing will work if its put into slot 2 which probably why HP only install a ram in slot one

[Nal_NR]

Hi @smiffit ,

Thank you for performing the recommended steps, I see that it has not helped. 

This might require one-on-one interaction via remote assistance to fix the issue over the phone. 

I've sent you a private message with further instructions. In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name or simply click on this link.

If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the Accepted Solution button, that'll help us and others see that we've got the answers!