Member Avatar for blackrobe

Hey,

I'm hoping someone could help me. I received my 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-10666 today to upgrade my from 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 memory.

I installed them successfully and even the BIOS did show 8129MB of RAM and showed the RAM modules placed (note: showed serial numbers as 00000.. and empty manufacturer), but as its booting up it gets to a black screen with 8 blue dashes at the very top of the screen, and holds there. I chose Startup Recovery several times, takes so long, and still doesn't fix the problem. I switched back to the 4GB, got the same screen, then a BSOD (blue screen)

Any ideas??

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by safyrmwn

Dani AI

Generated

Quick summary and practical checklist based on the thread: reported an intermittent POST hang after fitting 2×4GB SODIMMs and later that the machine booted and showed the full memory. Common causes for that behaviour are SPD/compatibility quirks, a marginal contact in a slot, or BIOS memory training failing on first POST. ’s pointer to the vendor support pages is sensible — BIOS and platform compatibility are the usual culprits when aftermarket SODIMMs behave oddly.

Recommended diagnostic steps (in order):

  • Boot a trusted memory tester from USB (MemTest86 or Windows Memory Diagnostic). Let it run several passes; zero errors is expected for stable RAM.
  • Test modules one at a time in each slot to isolate a bad DIMM or a bad slot.
  • Before re-seating RAM, remove AC and the main battery (if removable), press-and-hold power ~15s to discharge caps, then re-install. This clears residual power that sometimes blocks POST.
  • If instability or POST hangs persist, check BIOS updates and the laptop memory specs (max per slot, required SODIMM type). If the modules are ECC, registered, or an unusual voltage, they can cause boot problems.

Performance and follow-up checks:

  • Extra RAM helps multitasking but does not speed up disk-bound loads. If applications feel slow after the upgrade, inspect Task Manager/Resource Monitor for high disk or CPU activity during load times. A failing or slow HDD is a frequent reason for “still slow” behavior after a RAM upgrade.
  • Use lightweight benchmarks (Geekbench, PassMark) for a quick sanity check, and a disk benchmark (CrystalDiskMark) if disk activity is high. Check SMART for the HDD’s health.

Cautions and final notes:

  • Ensure modules are laptop SODIMMs, unbuffered/non-ECC, and voltage-compatible. If SPD data is not fully populated in BIOS that alone isn’t fatal, but persistent errors should prompt an RMA with the memory vendor or reverting to manufacturer-approved modules.
Member Avatar for blackrobe

Hey,

I'm hoping someone could help me. I received my 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-10666 today to upgrade my from 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 memory.

I installed them successfully and even the BIOS did show 8129MB of RAM and showed the RAM modules placed (note: showed serial numbers as 00000.. and empty manufacturer), but as its booting up it gets to a black screen with 8 blue dashes at the very top of the screen, and holds there. I chose Startup Recovery several times, takes so long, and still doesn't fix the problem. I switched back to the 4GB, got the same screen, then a BSOD (blue screen)

Any ideas??

Nevermind. Worked now somehow. 8GB shows up everywhere, its sort of speedy however some stuff take some time to load I'm guessing cause CPU is reading from the disk for those. What's the best way to test the performance?

CPU-Z shows this:
DRAm Frequency: 532.1 MHz
FSB:DRAM : 4:16
CL: 7.0 clocks
tRCD: 7 clocks
tRP: 7 clocks
tRAS: 20 clocks
tRFC: 86 clocks
CR: 1T

Do I need to configure anything?

Thank you for your help

Member Avatar for safyrmwn

Nevermind. Worked now somehow. 8GB shows up everywhere, its sort of speedy however some stuff take some time to load I'm guessing cause CPU is reading from the disk for those. What's the best way to test the performance?

CPU-Z shows this:
DRAm Frequency: 532.1 MHz
FSB:DRAM : 4:16
CL: 7.0 clocks
tRCD: 7 clocks
tRP: 7 clocks
tRAS: 20 clocks
tRFC: 86 clocks
CR: 1T

Do I need to configure anything?

Thank you for your help

Hi,
Not sure if you're still having issues.
Maybe this will help if you haven't read it:

Sorry I can't offer you more assistance.
Good luck with your upgrade. :)

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