Can I Use 4 x 8 GB = 32 GB Memory in my Vostro 460?

Addendum:  I'm running Win 7 64 bit.

Max ram is 16 GIG according to crucial.

However I see other boards with Intel H67 Express chipset that say 32 Gigs Max.

So the answer is Maybe.

Thank you.  I understand your "Maybe".  

I surmised that the published 16 GB limit might have arisen because the 8 GB modules weren't available at the time the Vostro 460 came out.  So the maximum was 4 x 4 GB = 16 GB.  But there might be some other reason why 4 x 8 GB = 32 GB won't work.

Does anyone know of a way I can find out for sure whether 32 GB will work without possible damage to the computer or damage to memory modules?  

Might "too much" memory overload the power supply or cause other possible problems?

(I'm using the computer for simulations and the simulation software grabs all the memory it can find and runs much faster if it doesn't have to page data out to disk.)

Thanks for your help,

Don

I wouldn't expect it to break the computer, but I don't believe it would recognize the added memory. The user manual shows the maximum memory configuration to be capped at 16GB with 4 x 4GB sticks. The 2 x 8 configuration is probably okay, but the motherboard will probably not register more than 16GB; in my experience, these caps are usually either coded or hardware limitation and won't raise

I can't say for sure though, as I don't have this system to try it out

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/vos460/en/sfits/sfits_en.pdf

I agree, it can work. Please be sure to post back if you try adding the additional memory to let us know, either way

The Dell manuals publish the validated data for the system. In most cases, systems have capabilities beyond those specifications. So I agree with Speedstep.

There is an easy way to find out. Order from Crucial, who do sell 8GB modules for the V-460. They guarantee their memory so if it doesn't work, you can return the modules.

Thank you -- that's all very helpful.  A further question -- Is it possible that the power requirements of the extra memory would overload the power supply?.  Does memory require much power?  

No, more RAM will not require a new power supply.

The crucial Link in your post is not 8 gig modules.

its 8GB Kit (4GBx2)  

And it says

Memory Type: DDR3 PC3-12800, DDR3 PC3-10600, DDR3 PC3-14900, DDR3 (non-ECC)

Maximum Memory: 16GB

Slots: 4

Each memory slot can hold DDR3 PC3-12800, DDR3 PC3-10600, DDR3 PC3-14900 with a maximum of 8GB Kit (4GBx2) per slot.*

*Not to exceed manufacturer supported memory.

That's why I said Maybe.

Crucial will not accept RMA for ram that is not chosen and listed as compatible with your model dell.

I do not find ANY 8 Gig modules for The V460.

Sorry, that is correct.

How one fits 2x4GB modules in each slot, well, that's anyone's guess. However, as we have seen previously with RAM in Dells, Crucial is not always right either.

Hi Don,

Good to hear. Thanks for letting us know.

Trey,

I've had no problems with the 32 GB of memory.  According to the Dell Support Center the memory I used is Mushkin 8.00 GB DDR3-SDRAM (1333 MHz) part number 992018 (997018).  I believe that I bought if from TigerDirect or NewEgg.

Don

Hi Don,

Just wondering if you have had any problems with your upgrade.  I would like to do the same thing if it worked out. Do you have a link to memory that you purchased?

Thanks,

Trey

Four years after your first post, I have followed your advice. I've just installed Mushkin part number 994018 being 4x8GB PC3-10600 DDR3 UDIMM 9-9-9-24 1.5V Silverline, and it works seamlessly under Win 7 Pro. I've also installed twin 2TB WD drives in RAID 1 configuration. With the original i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40 GHz, my Vostro 460 is humming along.