Computer memory question (Converge :-) )

Grim/Don

Grim/Don

Joined
Feb 1, 2003
Messages
1,221
Hi again,

I'm looking to add or replace the memory in my computer (Studio XPS 7100) I downloaded Speccy and it says I've got 4 slots of DDR3 (6.00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 664MHz (9-9-9-24))

So I was looking at getting this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...m_re=Dual-Channel_DDR3-_-20-231-568-_-Product

(Or even 2x of them) :-)

I just want to be sure that I'm getting the right kind or is there's better options at around that price.

Let me know if you need any other info.
 
There can be compatibility issues with certain models of RAM and certain motherboards. Motherboard manufacturers usually have a long list of RAM that their boards have been tested with. Additionally, the memory companies usually have websites where they list memory upgrade recommendations given a specific model of computer. That'll help, or just some kind of confirmation that someone with your model of computer has successfully used that memory would be nice.

Also, you probably know this, but if you're using a 32-bit version of Windows, there's a low limit as to how much memory it can 'see' and use. If you've got a 64-bit OS, no worries.
 
Because modern memory works faster when installed in matched pairs, it's important to check the Dell manual and see which two slots you should use for two sticks of RAM. There's usually more than one 'right' configuration.
 
Yeah Bob is right on all that.

I'm looking at your mother board specs and it looks like you want ddr3 1333, not 1600.

And it is dual channel, so you will want to put the two sticks into the dual channel slots. Do you have the manual? It should tell you which 2 are dual chsnnel.

Here are 16gb ddr3 1333 choices (2x8gb)

http://m.newegg.com/ProductList?isF...055||600006072||100007611+600532698+600006072

Gskill is definitely good, I'd go with them or crucial.


And here is where I saw the specs of your motherboard
http://www.findlaptopdriver.com/specs-dell-studio-xps-7100/


And there *could* be compatibility issues but most likely any of those will work. I'm looking for a compatibility list for your motherboard, when I'm on lunch Ill let you know if I find one.
 
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Gskill is the only brand I've ever had to return. It was only once though, so it may have been a fluke.

Kingston, Crucial, and Patriot are three brands I've never had a problem with.

Beware of paying a bunch extra $$ for good-looking RAM with fancy graphics. Unless your computer has a clear window. ;)
 
Piso Mojado said:
I used to buy memory from Micron through their crucial.com retail store. This is what they have for Dell Studio XPS 7100:

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Dell/studio-xps-7100

They are good for a price check without the dealer and counterfeit variables.
Click to expand...

I did see that however they are listing memory above 1333. His motherboard only supports up to 1333 so theres no need to over pay for 1600 or 1866. Don't know why those are listed. It must be taking specs off a higher model dell that can run memory at those speeds
 
It hard to say why the different specs, but there are a few possibilities. If the computer was manufactured with the same model number for a few years, they might not all be the same. BIOS updates can change the compatibility. The computer may have not been originally outfitted with the fastest compatible RAM either, especially if the faster RAM was cutting-edge and selling at cutting-edge premium prices.

And it sometimes happens that as the lower-spec RAM becomes more obsolete it gets harder to find and more expensive than a newer-spec RAM that happens to be backwards-compatible.
 
64 bit OS, so no worries there: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1. Also, no clear case, so appearance isn't a concern.

Dell 0NWWY0 Motherboard Specifications.

Memory: 4 * 240-pin DDR3 DIMM slots – Dual Channel DDR3 1333 non-ECC , un-buffered memory (Max 16GB)

Does that mean that I can only go up to 16 gig?(or is that outdated?) if so, I'd probably be better to get 4x4gb.
 
Grim/Don said:
Memory: 4 * 240-pin DDR3 DIMM slots – Dual Channel DDR3 1333 non-ECC , un-buffered memory (Max 16GB)

Does that mean that I can only go up to 16 gig?(or is that outdated?) if so, I'd probably be better to get 4x4gb.
Click to expand...

That's usually hardware-fixed, but I think that can change later on some computers with BIOS upgrades. If the original limit was artificial and then corrected, for example. And sometimes the published capacity isn't really the maximum possible on that motherboard, it's just the max that the computer company (Dell) would certify as being stable with that particular computer on account of heat, power supply ratings, or some other factor. Or maybe the computer manufacturer never did thorough testing with any higher amount.

But I would expect 16GB to be about the max of a Windows7-era motherboard.
 
You really won't need more than 16gb anyway. Unless you're doing some crazy memory hogging stuff. Id go for 2x8gb (16gb) ddr3 1333 memory and put them in your dual channel slots. You'll be good to go.
 
Shop on price. If faster memory is cheaper go for it. Older memory gets more expensive because of manufacturing volume, or rather lack of it.

For my older computers, I generally used faster memory because it was cheaper so don't be hard set on matching an obsolete memory specification. Used memory can also be a cost effective option. I pulled memory out of my parts box of salvaged stuff many time to boost an older machine for someone on a limited budget.
 
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