Member Avatar for ProjectXBOX

Hello all, I'm hoping someone can shine some light on this problem.

Recently my dell inspiron 2600 notebook started locking up and BSODing randomly.. Upon the restart from one of these failures, the computer would refuse to POST, and would emit a beep code of 1-3-3-1. Dell tech support identifes this as a "motherboard failure" however they refuse to elaborate. On a hunch, i removed one of the two sticks of 128MB SDRAM and ran on a flat 128MB. When running on a single stick of RAM, the computer runs fine, aside from being terribly overburdened by lack of RAM. however when both sticks are installed, the computer will always fail by locking up in windows, having the LCD completeley black out and lock up. Refusal to post, or BSOD/locking up at boot-time. I have done numerous RAM troubleshooting steps such as swapping sticks and slots to verify that i didnt have a "bad stick" and i have verified that both sticks are indeed 100% good. Also, both slots are confirmed good as well. This is definietly an issue tied to the physical RAM, slots, or amount of ram itself. The only thing i can think of is that the motherboard is having trouble handling more than 128MB of ram.. does anyone have any ideas?? sorry about the long post, i wanted to make sure i documented everything ive done so far though..

Thanks,
-Jay and laptop

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jkerner

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Short expert note: the symptom of each DIMM working alone but the system failing when both are present usually indicates a board-level problem (memory controller, power rail, or a damaged trace/solder joint) rather than two identical bad modules. ’s low-risk tips (clean contacts, reset BIOS) are sensible first steps. ’s later report that a motherboard swap fixed the problem confirms that outcome is common for this failure pattern.

Try this diagnostic sequence in order:

  1. Boot a known-good memory tester (Memtest86 or similar) from CD/USB and run with both sticks installed; let it complete several full passes.
  2. Retest each module alone in each slot and log results (you already did this; repeat after cleaning).
  3. Clean module contacts with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free swab; if using a pencil eraser, remove residue afterward. Reseat firmly and test again.
  4. Power-reset the laptop (remove AC, battery, hold power 30s). If the CMOS cell is accessible, remove it briefly and then restore defaults.
  5. If available, flash the latest BIOS only after backing up data and while on AC power; follow Dell instructions exactly.
  6. Test with a known-good AC adapter and battery; a failing VRM can show the same behavior under added load.

Do a careful visual inspection around the DIMM area for cracked solder joints, lifted pads, burnt components or bulging capacitors. Small cracks or cold joints near the memory circuitry are a frequent cause; those usually require professional rework or a board replacement. Reflow attempts without proper equipment are risky.

If the above steps still fail, a motherboard replacement or swap (as did) is the practical next step for a consumer. When sourcing a replacement, verify board revision and CPU/socket compatibility; swapping the board can also be an opportunity to upgrade the processor if the replacement supports it.

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Member Avatar for fren

It's a memory issue.

Clean the gold contact of the sticks and reseat them several times in their slots.

Or the last memory upgrade might not be compatible with your system.

Member Avatar for ProjectXBOX

Fren,

Thanks for the reply, I'll try cleaning the ram contacts. There was no upgrade to the system, this was the ram that came stock with the machine. The only thin i dont understand though is if its a dirty contact, then why both sticks would still work perfectly on their own but not together. Ah well, computers... gotta love em!

-J

Member Avatar for fren

If those two sticks installed in your computer came with the original factory setup and they were successfully working together previously. I think what you need to do is set the bios again in default values if you can still get into bios or through the cmos battery on the system board if it's not soldered in the board.

Member Avatar for jkerner

Hello all, I'm hoping someone can shine some light on this problem.

Recently my dell inspiron 2600 notebook started locking up and BSODing randomly.. Upon the restart from one of these failures, the computer would refuse to POST, and would emit a beep code of 1-3-3-1. Dell tech support identifes this as a "motherboard failure" however they refuse to elaborate.

Jay,
Any resolution on this issue? My laptop has developed the same symptom.
jkerner

Member Avatar for ProjectXBOX

yes i found a resolution..

I bought another junk 2600 on ebay and swapped motherboards... >.<

Thats the only way i could clear up the problems.

Plus i ended up getting the 1200MHz chip with the new one so i actually upgraded my cpu in the process!

sorry i didnt have another way for you..

Member Avatar for jkerner

Thanks for the update! I'll try your approach.

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