Dell Precision M4500 not booting with Patriot Signature 16GB (2 x 8GB) PSD316G1333SK

[PresentNow]

I bought from Newegg, Patriot Signature 16GB (2 x 8GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 Laptop Memory Model PSD316G1333SK - for my Dell Precision M4500 Laptop based on the upgrade recommendation (one of several available) from Newegg.

The memory is recognized within the BIOS, but the system does not boot. The Windows Log-on screen comes up briefly, then it flashes a blank white screen for a few seconds, then goes to the “Windows Error Recovery” Screen, and then gives the option to “Launch Startup Repair.”

It launches the repair, but after a few minutes, for the second time, flashes that same white screen again, and reverts to the “Windows Error Recovery” Screen. This two-step sequence repeats in a loop. Have made many attempts.

No memtest can be run, because the laptop isn’t booting to get that far. The memory configuration is failing the built-in memory test in the diagnostics.

My configuration - with the latest BIOS firmware update and Windows updates:

Intel Core i5-540M Dual Core 2.53GHz
NVIDIA Quadro FX 880M
Windows Professional 7 64-bit

Have switched memory slots, and also put in each 8GB individually – still same results.

I don’t believe the memory is the issue because these are replacements for an identical Patriot pair originally sent out from Newegg, which [mal]functioned in the exact same way.

Have had a look at the BIOS trying to locate the Memory Timings settings in an effort to match that of the modules, but have not found an option that allows access in the BIOS.

According to someone at Patriot a couple weeks ago, he recognized that the Dell Precision M4500 appears NOT to allow access to be able to modify voltage/timing/latency settings

When I reinstall the as-shipped memory (2x1GB), the laptop again functions normally.

This is my fourth attempt to upgrade, twice with the identical Patriot modules.

I first tried twice before (also with memory from Newegg and listed in their recommended list) a single Corsair 8GB stick. That also did not work, while the BIOS recognized it. The only difference was it Blue-screened instead of white-screened. Experienced this with the first and replacement Corsair sticks, so tried the Patriot next time around, with the above-referenced results.

It is unlikely that all these memory modules are bad, so it may have to do with those settings not apparently reachable in the BIOS for modifations. So what may this mean if so? Do I have to source memory, specifically with the identical Latency/Timing settings, as those (2x1GB) memory as shipped?

As a side-note, I’ve seen several postings online where people are experiencing similar issues, some with specifically with Dell, but no working solution.

Any ideas?

Thank you in advance for your time.

[Patriot_Ben]

Have you tried flashing it to the latest BIOS? I would recommend that first.

[PresentNow]

....My configuration - with the latest BIOS firmware update....

Thanks, already seen to.

[Patriot_Ben]

Sorry about that... I definitely missed that

We've seen a few cases similar to this before... It definitely it is not a memory issue but rather how the memory is being addressed.

(If available) Can you try disabling your legacy usb option in the bios? In some cases, this alleviates the issue. There seems to be a conflict with this; in relation to the memory controller with higher capacity memory.

[PresentNow]

There was not a "legacy USB option" in the BIOS, only a "legacy USB emulation" parameter under the POST. Disabled that, but no change. Results were the same. I'm running out of time for an RMA, as I will have to return these modules if I cannot get them to work. Makes no sense to keep $100+ worth of Memory I cannot utilize.

Thanks again for your time.

[PresentNow]

....We've seen a few cases similar to this before... It definitely it is not a memory issue but rather how the memory is being addressed....

Was Patriot ever able to definitively solve this issue? If so, can you outline in your next communication, all respective strategies you are aware of that worked? I'll implement them where possible one after the other to see if any work at all for me.

I need to make a decision one way or the other on this, as I cannot possibly afford to throw my limited funds on this memory, if an upgrade is not in the cards for me. I really need to request an RMA in the next couple of days if I cannot get it to function.

Thank you again.

PS.
Spoke to Patriot support on the phone a while ago, and they advised after looking further into this, that they visited the manufacturer's (Dell) site, and Dell indicated the maximum memory for this laptop is 8GB. I am aware of that, but am also aware that there are posts online from users not only of Dell, who document they've been able to use more memory upward of what the manufacturer said.

Additionally and more importantly when you fill out your computer specs online for Newegg (where I purchased my Patriot memeory) and other known retailers, they DO LIST 16GB options as "compatible" with this specific laptop as configured, and naturally prospective customers do often follow such recommendations. Finally, to throw a bit more in the pot, as per my initial post above, I did try the 8GB before (Corsair) memory, but that delivered only BSODs.

So now I'm just about giving up on trying to upgrade this unit, especially to 16GB even though others claim to have done it - unless you, Patriot_Ben, have any other advice that may be a possible "fix" to this.

I wish to thank you again for your input and assistance to this time, it is sincerely appreciated.

[PresentNow]

Guess this is a dud. No response.

[Patriot_Ben]

PresentNow,

Sorry for the late reply. Unfortunately we would recommend working with Dell to iron out the issue. The fix needs to come from their end. All of our memory conforms to DDR3 SODIMM specs and is a host-dependent product.

The only thing we can recommend were the aforementioned legacy usb options or memory remap.

[aussiem4500]

I bought from Newegg, Patriot Signature 16GB (2 x 8GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 Laptop Memory Model PSD316G1333SK - for my Dell Precision M4500 Laptop based on the upgrade recommendation (one of several available) from Newegg.

The memory is recognized within the BIOS, but the system does not boot. The Windows Log-on screen comes up briefly, then it flashes a blank white screen for a few seconds, then goes to the “Windows Error Recovery” Screen, and then gives the option to “Launch Startup Repair.”

My configuration - with the latest BIOS firmware update and Windows updates:

Intel Core i5-540M Dual Core 2.53GHz
NVIDIA Quadro FX 880M
Windows Professional 7 64-bit

Any ideas?

Thank you in advance for your time.

Yes - dual core machines supprot Max 8GB according to Dell. You can run 16GB if you have an quad core i7 such as 720-740qm 820QM-840qm or the 920-40 extreame processors.

Did you ever find 8GB that was supported by the motherboard / bios ?

I have a M4500 and ran into the 16GB issue you did - with a i7 620M - ie dual core.... different memory brand however.

[Patriot_Ben]

Hello,

Actually after looking into this further we would not recommend exceeding 8GB (2x4GB) max:
http://ark.intel.com/products/43122/...specifications
http://ark.intel.com/products/43125/...Cache-1_86-GHz

Intel officially lists only up to 8GB support with these mobile processors.

Sorry for any inconvenience.