Dell Optiplex 380 max RAM

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. 

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?

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

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

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.

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

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

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?

Secondly, can you tell me why this one didn't worked with my system I tested a day ago?

www.newegg.com/.../Product.aspx

I own the MINI TOWER version so does it matter?

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?

Anyone?

You are correct.