Optiplex 9020 RAM offers impressive performance.
Optiplex 9020 RAM offers impressive performance.
If I add RAM to the "blue slots" (3&4) on my transplanted Optiplex 9020, on startup I get a error message that the memory configuration has changed and to select F1 to continue or F2 to change the memory in BIOS (A25). There is no option on the BIOS to reconfigure the memory. Exiting the BIOS results in a boot failure. After removing the RAM in those slots, it takes several restarts to get the computer. Others who have had similar problems have updated the BIOS, but A25 is the latest BIOS. Any ideas?
I haven't experimented with that. All the modules are identical (the RAM in the 9020 and others). I've been reluctant to adjust slot 1&2 RAM because the system keeps failing until I change it, then I have to try again repeatedly before it stabilizes (boots into Windows).
I handled this when I first configured the system (it's a project PC). This is my second motherboard for the build (the first one didn't work and I'm still working on it). The new board needed a fresh coin battery. I removed the old RAM from the previous slot. Two modules had different brands but identical specs, and two were original Dell parts. After installing the new board, it wouldn't boot properly with the mismatched brand modules in slots 3 and 4. It would attempt to start, then show a memory setting change warning and then crash with a BSOD. I removed those mismatched modules, then accessed BIOS and successfully booted into Windows. I purchased two used Dell OEM Hynix 4GB PC3-12800 modules and installed them. The system displayed the "memory configuration changed" notice. I pressed F1 to keep going, F2 to enter BIOS and adjust settings. Pressing F2 didn't allow changes—no option appeared. Exiting triggered a BSOD. Tomorrow I'll try F1 again (a Dell Community post mentions a user kept getting BSODs after a cold boot until they updated their BIOS, but I've already updated to A25). I'll also test the "new" RAM in slots 1 and 2.
Today’s experience began with swapping the modules I installed in DIMM slots 1 and 2 (white tabs). The system launched without problems using Hynix 4GB PC3-12800 memory. Later, I replaced them with the original modules in slots 3 and 4 (black tabs). After turning on the machine, a BIOS warning appeared: “Warning! The memory configuration has been changed, press F1 to continue or F2 to enter setup.” I selected F1 and the computer restarted successfully. I then performed a soft reboot. The system failed to start—fans cycling on and off, followed by a beep. This was a single beep not recognized by Dell; they indicated code 1-3-2 for memory failure. After removing the original modules, I powered down and booted into Windows. The new or Hynix modules were installed correctly. The original modules remain Kingston, while the Hynix are double-sided. The system will start with either set up in slots 1&2 (white tabs) or after pressing F1 with both modules installed. Once configured, it boots normally, though the RAM slots 3 and 4 still show as occupied under certain conditions.
Read from the guide: Various sizes of memory chips can be combined (such as 2 GB and 4 GB). However, every channel needs the same setup.
Memory chips should be placed starting from the first port.
Important: Memory slots on your machine might have different names based on the setup. For instance, A1, A2 or 1,2,3.
When mixing quad-rank modules with single or dual-rank ones, place the quad-rank in the slots with the white release buttons.
If memory chips of different rates are used, they run at the slowest speed installed.
A tip: Avoid mixing different types of memory; use only identical sticks. Good luck!
I reviewed the manual carefully. It states:
1. All channels need identical module sizes—same configuration for both 2GB and 4GB sticks.
2. You must keep the same stick type in each channel (no mixing).
3. You may use single or dual rank modules, but the sticks within each channel must match. Quad-rank sticks go only in white slots.
4. RAM speed will default to the lowest module speed—different speeds allowed per channel as long as all sticks in a channel are uniform.
Based on this, your setup seems compliant. You have two 4GB single-rank modules and two 4GB dual-rank modules, all PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM at 1600MHz. As long as you place one set in white slots and another in black slots, it should work.
The manual warns that mixing incompatible speeds or mismatched configurations will trigger a non-Dell error (code 1-3-2 on page 48). It also notes that the system won’t power on until you install the correct configuration, then it runs normally until you attempt a restart. After restarting, you’ll see a brief beep indicating the issue.
If you encounter any LED indicators or error messages, double-check your module assignments and ensure no unexpected changes were made.