RAM issues

[Rob_NNCC]

I have a Dell CS24-SC that I got for next to nothing. It is a good server, but I thought it could use some more RAM. Looked it up, Registered ECC DDR2 5300, bought http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-12G...552&&clkid=6566964803434759703&_qi=RTM1303752
and the RAM stops the server from posting.

Looking at the RAM modules in the server reads as: 4GB 2Rx4 PC2-5300p-555-12 and the ram I bought reads as 4GB 2Rx4 PC2-5300p-555-k3 I am wondering what the K3 means, and if this ram is not compatible with my server, as I have tried just the new RAM one stick at a time.

Thanks in advance!

Rob

 

[Martyn]

Did you try the Crucial site to check the ram?

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Yeah, I stay away from grabbing "any old RAM that seems to fit the description".

I prefer to go to Crucial.com...and through their memory advisor tool, you're presented with a list of RAM that is tested, guaranteed, compatible with your system.

Takes away the guess work..and wondering why perhaps that one or two hangs or glitches you get a month are due to incompatible RAM.

I don't see where the RAM you got is ECC. Does it have an even number of modules on it? Or odd? ECC RAM will have odd numbers...like a 9th chip in the middle. Non ECC has even numbers. Most servers prefer ECC, some will take non-ECC...but some refuse anything but ECC.

Perhaps the density of the RAM you got isn't supported by your server, and sometimes doing a BIOS update with gain you some compatibility.

Voltage?

 

[angry_geek]

From: http://aramblinggeek.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/on-the-dell-cs24-sc-server/

256MB/512MB/1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB DDR DIMMs in matched pairs

emphasis added. That should read "DDR2"; it's a typo on his blog.

First: Don't buy used RAM on fleabay.
Second: Most of Dell's servers from that era required FB ECC RAM. Expensive stuff, but not as expensive as wasted hours trying to figure out why used RAM won't work.

PS: If interested, I have 4 x 2 GB sticks of Crucial DDR2 667 FB ECC RAM pulled from a PE 2950. If you want it, let me know, and I'll make you a fair deal. This stuff here: http://www.memory4less.com/m4l_itemdetail.aspx?itemid=1442997814

 

[Rob_NNCC]

Thanks guys.

I tried Crucial, and it does not have this server.
BIOS update? If you find it or any real documentation on this server I will try it.


Yes, the new RAM has 9 BGA RAM chips per side, plus what I assume are the buffer chips, two per side, and the IC2 ID chip on one side.


Thanks Angry_geek, you researched this, I can tell. I did try it in matched pairs as well as in singles. I tried in singles because the system posts on the RAM that came with it in singles.

I tried Fleabay due to the great price. I did not see any reason for it to not work...

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

I tried Crucial, and it does not have this server.
BIOS update? If you find it or any real documentation on this server I will try it..

If it's running with a Windows OS on it, try running their active X sniffer. Since the good link that A_G put up states it's a limited production run for a specific cloud host, actually made by a different hardware vendor...I'm not surprised that it's not in the drop down menu for Dells typical models.

kinda reminds me of the "NetworkEverywhere" routers that Linksys resold under their name brand...but they were even worse than typical Linksys grade hardware. A one of a kind outsourced production run made for an upcoming ISP that folded before launch.

Anyways, you may find Crucials sniffer tool identifies the motherboard and chipset enough to give you a recommendation...like it's a supermicro board or something.

 

[AndyM]

Thanks guys.

I tried Crucial, and it does not have this server.

On odd occasions, the Crucial site will not list memory for specific systems. Easiest way to get around the problem, is to call them on their 800 number, and tell them the system you have. They should be able to fulfil the order, and they also warrant their products, so if it doesn't work, then you get a full refund.

Andy