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Dell Optiplex 380 max RAM
Hello,
I purchased an Optiplex 380 a couple of years ago which came with 2x2GB RAM @ 1066Mhz and now I think time has come to upgrade to at least 8GB. So, I tried a kingston value ram of 4gb @ 1333Mhz and unfortunately it beeped with 1 and 3 diagnostic LEDs lit. I know that the Dell manual says a maximum of 4GB ram but I have seen people here on dell forums running 2x4GB without any problems, so according to my thinking, maybe the bus frequency is the problem? shall I try 1066Mhz? Crucial's site also suggests up to 1600Mhz so whats the confusion here?
P.S. I have latest BIOS A07 flashed.
Dell-Gokul G
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September 8th, 2015 22:00
Hi,
Thank you for reaching out.
Did you try 8GB(4+4) or Does it beeps even with a 4GB stick in one slot?
Try each stick on both the slots, If that fails, you may try 1066 mhz.
P.S: We haven't tested 8GB configuration on this motherboard from the factory, If none of the steps works, You may have to revert back to 4GB.
Thanks.
Elite021
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September 9th, 2015 03:00
Yes I tried that Kingston 1333mhz in single slot, it didnt worked, I have seen on various forums with people able to run 8GB on this system so I think 1066Mhz is my last hope.
Actually I have just checked my existing ram in CPU-Z and its PC3-10700 which is 1333Mhz I guess right?
Elite021
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September 9th, 2015 04:00
According to this manual, dell says it supports upto 8GB ram, so whats the confusion? http://www.techdata.com/business/dell/082010_123/Files/august2010/Dell%20OptiPlex%20380.pdf
speedstep
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47K Posts
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September 9th, 2015 07:00
This ram works.
CT5285373
DDR3 PC3-12800 • 9-9-9-24 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V • 512Meg x 64 • Low Profile
Others dont.
http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Dell/optiplex-380-desktop
speedstep
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September 9th, 2015 07:00
Ranks are sub-units of a memory module which share the same address and data buses and are selected via CS (Chip Select) in low level addressing. For example, take a memory module with 8 chips on each side, with each chip having 8 bit wide data bus, then that module would have one rank for each side for a total of 2 ranks, if we define a rank to be 64 bits wide. That's why High density is not sufficent for some chipsets because the BUS is 128 bits wide. This is also why only 1/2 of each dimm is working when 4 are used. You need RANK 4 ram due to the width of the bus. Some systems only allow single rank memory.
high density RAM is not compatible with intel cpu's and Intel ® G41 Express Chipset you will see this noted on ebay and other sites.If you install high-density memory on a motherboard that is not compatible with the module, it will not work or only recognize a portion of the memory.
With 4 slots max ram is 8 gigs aka 2 gig max memory module size.
16 gigs is not possible aka 4 x 4 gig module.
speedstep
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September 9th, 2015 07:00
You cant use High density Quad Rank Ram. The speed of the ram also counts.
DDR3 PC3-12800 • 9-9-9-24 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V • 512Meg x 64 • Low Profile •
DDR3 PC3-10600 • CL=9 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1333 is too slow.
http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Dell/optiplex-380-desktop
Elite021
10 Posts
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September 9th, 2015 07:00
Well thanks a ton for your clarification, ok one more confusion, my current rams are 1.5v so I can expect 1.5v to work?
And you are saying that I will have to stick with max 4GB RAM? where dell tech specs PDF says 8GB is supported
speedstep
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September 9th, 2015 07:00
Basically EVERYTHING about those modules is wrong.
Elite021
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September 9th, 2015 07:00
So can you specify what to look for when I purchase a 4GB stick for my 380? and max ram speed supported is 1066 right? or 1333 or 1600 might work as long as 4 rank?
Elite021
10 Posts
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September 9th, 2015 07:00
I am sorry but can you explain "High Density Quad Rank" Ram in layman's terms please, that would be appreciated :)
Elite021
10 Posts
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September 9th, 2015 07:00
Secondly, can you tell me why this one didn't worked with my system I tested a day ago?
www.newegg.com/.../Product.aspx
Elite021
10 Posts
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September 9th, 2015 08:00
I own the MINI TOWER version so does it matter?
Elite021
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September 9th, 2015 08:00
Another question that came up in my mind is that the memory speed won't matter as long as it is above the required speed because the controller would down clock it to suppose 1066 Mhz right?
Elite021
10 Posts
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September 10th, 2015 11:00
Anyone?
cblucas
1 Message
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November 25th, 2015 12:00
You are correct.