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Dell Inspiron 15R 5520 RAM Upgrade Issue

3.1K views 8 replies 3 participants last post by  dlipman  
#1 ·
I'm currently using a Dell Inspiron 15R 5520, which, by default, has one 4GB DDR3 1600MHz RAM stick pre-installed. I wanted to upgrade the RAM to 8GB so that I could run games better. I purchased another 4GB DDR3 1600MHz off of Amazon and inserted it into the second slot which hasn't been used from the time of purchase (which was nearly 7 years ago).

So since I tested the second port multiple times and it wasn't showing any increase in RAM when I rebooted the computer, I tested the new stick in the first slot (which is being used by the older RAM stick), and it worked fine. But when I inserted it into the second slot, alone, it wasn't working. Neither sticks worked in the second slot, so I assumed it was an issue with the slot.

Please do let me know if I can fix this myself, or do I have to enable the second slot through software means, or anything that I've missed doing in this process.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Please update the Inspiron 15R 5520 BIOS to A17
https://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER04986135M/1/5520A17.exe

It has been purported to mitigate problems with RAM upgrade issues.
Additionally "This update includes the latest CPU microcode that addresses the Intel Security Advisory INTEL-SA-00115(CVE-2018-3639&CVE-2018-3640)."
https://www.dell.com/support/home/u...drivers/driversdetails?driverid=0k0d8&oscode=w764&productcode=inspiron-15r-5520

NOTE: When installing a BIOS update, use the AC Power Supply and do not interrupt the process.
 
#3 ·
Hey man, I updated the BIOS, and tried fixing the RAM and again, experimented every slot in different ways, but I'm getting no positive result. Do I need to make any software changes in order to get it work? Or if there are other ways, please do tell me.

Thanks.
 
#4 ·
No. The system accepts 16GB RAM. Older versions of the BIOS inhibited the recognition of some RAM additions. There is nothing you can do in any OS as they inherit the amount of RAM from the platform and that is governed by the BIOS. Perhaps the RAM you purchased via Amazon is not the correct module. I believe it should be unbuffered, non-ecc.

Have you tried only installing the new RAM module and see if it boots with only that ?

What is the exact make and model of the RAM you obtained ?

Example:
https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Dell/inspiron-15r-(5520)
 
#5 ·
No. The system accepts 16GB RAM. Older versions of the BIOS inhibited the recognition of some RAM additions. There is nothing you can do in any OS as they inherit the amount of RAM from the platform and that is governed by the BIOS. Perhaps the RAM you purchased via Amazon is not the correct module. I believe it should be unbuffered, non-ecc.

Have you tried only installing the new RAM module and see if it boots with only that ?

What is the exact make and model of the RAM you obtained ?

Example:
https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Dell/inspiron-15r-(5520)
Hello again.
I've attached the link to the RAM stick I bought. Please check it and tell me if there's any compatibility issue.

Samsung ram memory 4GB DDR3 PC3-12800,1600MHz https://www.amazon.in/dp/B009AEYBYI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_qiDbuckPkdAoI

Thanks.
 
#6 ·
Crucial is saying it ought to be DDR3L (Low Voltage); but, I have seen them make that mistake numerous times in the past. However; you are going to need to search the part number from the old memory to see if it is DDR3L and, if it is, you bought the wrong part for the upgrade. Virtually none of the systems let you mix L and non-L parts.
 
#7 ·
I have looked into the RAM specifications of my laptop. According to what I've read, the laptop has normal DDR3 slots. What I've also read is that you can insert a DDR3L into a DDR3 slot, but can't do the opposite.
So considering this fact, it is supposed to work. Please look into this and let me know ASAP.

Thanks
 
#8 ·
There is also the specific of the memory chip density and whether or not the PC supports their organization. Your safest bet is to match the existing memory module originally installed.
The only thing I would do first is to try one of the memory modules in the other slot as you may have a problem with it rather than the memory itself.
P.S. I have personally seen DDR3L parts not work in DDR3 PCs; but, never delved into exactly why.
 
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