Precision 7510 : Weird problems with Crucial 16GB RAM ECC stick (Only boots if you mix the RAM!)

So does the Samsung RAM. Both have entries for CAS = 16 and CAS = 15 so I don't think that's the problem. Does the Crucial memory scanner offer you the ECC RAM? The on-line listing for the 7510 doesn't mention ECC RAM perhaps because it needs to know that an Xeon CPU is on board.

I suspect the incompatibility might be shared between Dell and Crucial. I would first try to ask Crucial support if they know any reason for incompatibility. If they say it is OK then it's time to ask Dell.

John

 

No,.... the crucial memory scanner doesn't show this RAM as compatible with the 7510.

Actually they don't show any ECC RAM stick or 16GB RAM stick as compatible with the 7510.

 

In the end I found a good offer for 4 x Dell A8860720 (4x16GB ECC), that is the "Dell certified" RAM upgrade for this laptop.
I installed it and it is working perfectly. I will be returning the Crucial modules.

I have now 64GB ECC working perfectly (with the integrated GPU /w optimus enabled also)

I took a screnshoot of the SDP info of one of this modules, just in case someone may find it interesting.



As you can see, the SPD Revision is 1.1 (like the Crucial modules that this laptop refused to accept by they own).
So my guess is that the only reason the Precision 7510 was rejecting the Crucial modules was because of the speed or timings.

My conclusion is that the Precision 7510 will reject RAM at 2400Mhz unless there is any other 2133Mhz module on the system.

I bet this artificial limitation is done on purpose, so they can sell you the "certified RAM" at a premium cost. What a shame to Dell.

 

I'm pleased you got it working. What a p.i.t.a. incompatible RAM can be.

Seems unlikely to me that Dell would specifically strategize selling their systems with RAM compatibility issues intentionally and in nefarious way as to generate more profit for Dell. That is a terrible idea and certainly a higher up at Dell would have shot down such a suggestion... imagine this: "We build our top laptops requiring x spec RAM sticks. Crucial OUT! Kingston OUT! And we'll be the only outlet of brand x. Just wait for the money to roll in." actually, I can imagine that conversation happening. But doesn't seem the pros would outweigh the cons because support calls alone will cost them more money.

I'm reminded that these were the first systems with ECC available in a laptop. So availability and compatibility are sure to be issues. Some months ago another user here had same problem shopping for aftermarket 16GB ECC sticks. I can share the part#s of the 16GB ECC sticks in one of our 7710s if anyone cares, they are likely the same part#s you have now. The part #s are cheaper if purchase from ebay but they are likely from cannibalized precisions.

My conclusion is that, although unfortunate that RAM compatibility is an issue, I don't think it was intentional by Dell as means to make more money. But who knows...? Lenovo and China are spying on department of defense. anything is possible.

 

Known issue with system board not being able to clock down more than 1 memory module. Had this exact behaviour with Thinkpad P50 and Crucial ECC memory. Ordered 4 sticks, only 1 would work at any given time and in any of the 4 available slots.