Member Avatar for Big_Jim

I recently aquired a dell optiplex gx150, it had no ram or harddrive, so after i bought the correct ram and installed a harddrive, i installed them (yes correctly) and i started it...it wont run, there is a orange light in the middle of the motherboard, i tried dissconecting the CD drive, to no avail, i took out all cards i could, still no help....advice?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by larrym

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Memory is still the likeliest culprit— and were on the right track—because the POST beeps combined with the amber/diagnostic LED behavior point at DIMM detection/configuration faults rather than the hard drive or CD-ROM. Dell’s desktop beep/LED guide explains those memory-related patterns and recommends reseating and testing modules as a first step. Dell beep-code guide. (dell.com)

Practical isolation steps (safe, sequential):

  1. Power off, unplug, and ground yourself.
  2. Remove non‑essential devices (cards, drives) so the system is at minimum configuration.
  3. Remove all DIMMs, then install a single module into socket A (closest to the CPU) and attempt POST. If that fails, try the same module in the other socket; then try any other module you have. This isolates “bad DIMM” vs “bad slot.” Inspect slots and modules for bent pins or debris; use compressed air and handle modules by the edges. The GX150 manual specifically documents installing a DIMM in socket A first and running the system memory diagnostics afterward. GX150 User's Guide. (manualslib.com)

If you can get the system to boot far enough, run the Preboot/Diagnostics memory tests (or boot Memtest86 from USB/CD) to get a definitive failure report — the on‑board diagnostics include a System Memory test group. If diagnostics keep showing memory errors after swapping known‑good DIMMs and slots, that points beyond the sticks to either a failing system board or a power-related fault; Dell’s docs advise contacting support when diagnostics fail. (dell.com)

One additional, low-risk step: reset NVRAM by removing the coin‑cell battery for ~60 seconds with the unit unplugged and the power button briefly pressed to discharge residual power, then reinstall and retry (the manual covers battery/NVRAM behavior). Keep ESD precautions and don’t force connectors. If a known‑good DIMM in both sockets still fails and the amber LED persists, prepare for motherboard/PSU replacement or using a donor OptiPlex for parts. (manualslib.com)

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Member Avatar for compdoc

are you absolutely sure that you installed the correct RAM. Could you post which RAM you installed?

Member Avatar for Big_Jim

I forgot to mention when i hit the power button it beeps a couple of times.
RAM is a 512M PC-133

Member Avatar for jbennet

How many times, describe them
No display at all?

Member Avatar for Big_Jim

1 beep, then a big break, 3 in quick succsesion, then a small break, then another 2 in quick sucsession.

they are low and long...

Member Avatar for compdoc

if its one stick of 512MB that wont work. thats to much RAM for one slot. you need two 256MB sticks. PC133 is correct. the beep codes according to the dell website seem to be a memory issue. if you have the right RAM reseat them, if that doesn't work take them back for new ones.

Member Avatar for larrym

RAM is def your problem. As compdoc mentioned above. The Maximum supported memory for this system is 512MB. You need two 256 MB Memory Modules for a Dell OptiPlex GX150 Series System.

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