Up until now I used only one RAM module with 8 GB, it was a Samsung SO-DIMM 8GB module, DDR4-3200, CL22 (product number M471A1G44AB0-CWE).
Now I decided to upgrade my Librem’s memory, so I took a look at the Intel Specs for the i7-10710U and I knew: I’ll by a kit with two 16 GB DDR4-2666 modules. So I bought a Kingston FURY Impact SO-DIMM Kit 32GB, DDR4-2666, CL16-18-18 (product number HX426S16IB2K2/32).
I put in the new modules and started my Librem 14, but it wouldn’t boot. The LEDs are on, but the display stays black. Now when I put only one of the new modules (no matter which) in I have no problem. And when I pick one of the new modules and put it in together with my old module – no problem…
I tried every combination and the only combination which doesn’t work is when I put in both modules of my new memory kit. Am I the only one with this problem? Can someone give me a hint what I could do to solve this? Thanks!
I use PureBoot-Release-30 and Librem EC 1.13_2023-03-22.
It sounds like there is a problem with those two sticks operating in dual channel mode. It could be an issue with the EC or Coreboot or even the sticks themselves (one not quite meeting the timing specs they advertise during dual channel access). I would contact support.
More comprehensive fault isolation would say to try those two modules together in a different computer. However I understand that you may not have another computer or, if you do, another suitable computer.
Theoretically sudo dmidecode --type memory | grep Channel would possibly diagnose whether dual channel is working. However obviously that only works if you can boot! Have you tried any Live Boots? Have you tried a Live Boot that gives you a memory test option?
I guess it depends on how much you want to persevere with this but have you tried changing (reflash firmware) to BIOS?
And are the two existing firmware versions the latest?
Both @stefann’s PureBoot and EC firmware are the latest version, and I have very similar RAM within my Librem 14 as well, except that mine functions just fine.
That’s what I thought and why I asked if I’m the only one affected by this. Because I’m quite sure there are some people out there using two modules together in dual channel mode. So if this was a issue with the EC or Coreboot I shouldn’t be alone in this… I’ll contact support later, maybe it sounds familiar to them.
I did that. But no luck
Yes, that makes sense, but the only other computers I have left are my ROCK Pi 4 and my Pinebook Pro… So no suitable ones
Normally I see the “Librem 14” lettering first, long before boot devices come into play… The screen stays black and I wouldn’t even be able to enter PureBoot menu. However, for the sake of completeness I’ll try a live system later.
Oh, that’s an idea. I’ll try it with coreboot/SeaBIOS. Thanks!
Thanks, one difference I read about on an Austrian price comparison website (in German) is that your modules are “dual rank” and mine are “single rank”… Apart from that (and the amount of memory) they seem to be quite similar…
I tried that without any luck, same problem. I’ll contact support.
