Predator Helios PH315-55 won't boot with upgraded RAM after BIOS update

Last week I had an issue where the laptop just died mid game and wouldn't reboot. I spoke with Acer support and they sent me Curry's way. Curry's sent it off for repair, but before I took it in I removed my upgraded parts as I wasn't sure whether they would exchange the laptop and I didn't want to lose the parts. I also reinstalled the original RAM sticks.

They found that the battery was faulty and so did some repairs to that. But they also did a BIOS update.

After receiving the laptop back, it works perfectly with the original RAM, and even with my second SSD. But it will not boot with the upgraded RAM. I have also noticed that it will only boot with the original RAM in a specific configuration. I spoke with Currys again and they said that it's probably the BIOS update that has broken everything. Is it possible that the BIOS update would lock the existing parts down to their specific slots? If so, is there a way for me to fix this?

The new RAM that is now not working is Crucial RAM 32GB Kit (2x16GB) DDR5 4800MHz CL40 Laptop Memory CT2K16G48C40S5

Thanks in advance!

Accepted answers

iamCalR

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1237030#Comment_1237030

Hi mate. I know that the RAM is compatible as it worked in the system for 2 months before the battery issue! I have since been in contact with Crucial (who also say in their website that the RAM is compatible) and they suggested something similar to @eGomes.

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1237068#Comment_1237068

Apparently, there is such a thing as RAM "training" for DDR5 RAM. The system needs time to sort the correct settings or something when new RAM is installed and can take up to 15 minutes to boot on a black screen.

I have now managed to get my laptop to boot with one of the Crucial sticks installed (post battery repair) after leaving the laptop on black screen for a few minutes.

Now, one of my RAM sticks was also broken. I have sorted a replacement set of RAM with Crucial as it is still under warranty so this should solve my problem.

All comments

AnhEZ28

@iamCalR did you try to test with each stick?

iamCalR

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1236929#Comment_1236929

Yes. Only the one configuration of the original sticks works.

AnhEZ28

@iamCalR

Does the laptop boot up with only 1 new stick from the kit?

iamCalR

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1236933#Comment_1236933

No, it only boots with both of the original sticks.

eGomes

Hi @iamCalR,

Theoretically, UEFI firmware updates should improve RAM compatibility and support.

Have you tried running a test with these Corsair modules on another equipment. To make sure they are working!?

iamCalR

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1236960#Comment_1236960

Hi, I don't have access to other hardware unfortunately.

eGomes

They installed version 1.11 on your Predator PH315-55!?

https://www.acer.com/us-en/support/product-support/Predator%20PH315-55/downloads?suggest=PH315-55;0

Try to do a full Reset the Embedded Controller:

Shutdown the laptop completely;
Disconnect the power plug (disconnect the cable connection to the power supply);
Remove the battery and CR2032 from the device;
Remove RAM modules;
Press and hold the "Power" button / key for at least 30 ~ 50 seconds;
Reinsert your Corsair RAM modules;
Reconnect the CR2032, battery and power cable again;
Try to start your laptop! 😉

Commodore_1995#

Have you tried it with just the new RAM?

StevenGen

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/693703/predator-helios-ph315-55-wont-boot-with-upgraded-ram-after-bios-update

The Crucial ram that you are using is NOT compatible, only use the Acer fitted and suggested ram, especially with this new DDR5 type ram. The Predator PH315-55 works with the following ram modules from the following manufacturers listed below. Bottom line is, if you want 32GB total DDR5 ram, then only fit the below 16GB DDR5-4800Mhz spec ram highlighted below, as that is what Acer suggests for your laptop and fits to all the PH315-55 laptops:

eGomes

In the HP Community's there are comments that it is necessary to wait 2 to 5 minutes (with black screen + FANs at max speed) after replacing RAM modules:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/HP-840-G9-RAM-Upgrade/m-p/8525908/highlight/true#M691180

iamCalR

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1237030#Comment_1237030

Hi mate. I know that the RAM is compatible as it worked in the system for 2 months before the battery issue! I have since been in contact with Crucial (who also say in their website that the RAM is compatible) and they suggested something similar to @eGomes.

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1237068#Comment_1237068

Apparently, there is such a thing as RAM "training" for DDR5 RAM. The system needs time to sort the correct settings or something when new RAM is installed and can take up to 15 minutes to boot on a black screen.

I have now managed to get my laptop to boot with one of the Crucial sticks installed (post battery repair) after leaving the laptop on black screen for a few minutes.

Now, one of my RAM sticks was also broken. I have sorted a replacement set of RAM with Crucial as it is still under warranty so this should solve my problem.

eGomes

Hi @iamCalR,

We are happy that your DDR5 Corsair modules are working correctly after following the suggested procedure:

Crucial - DDR5 systems may require memory 'training'

It will certainly help other colleagues who may have the same issue.

Regards! 🤗😊👏

Commodore_1995#

Yes, sometimes the black screen may remain for some time after upgrading the ram. Now, if the black screen problem persists, I always advise, in these cases, to update the motherboard bios as well.

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