Dell Precision 390 Upgrade to 8GB RAM

Savedadogs,

I have a Dell Precision 390n that is running with 8 GB of RAM successfully.  I got 4 x 2GB DIMMS ECC directly from Kingston, as they sell the same manufacturer part number but at around 40% of the cost (60% less) than Dell.  I don't have the Kingston part number on me.

As for the chipset, I can't say as I don't know when Dell manufactured your system.  I got my two 390n systems in May 2007.

I also was able to add a Q6700 quad processor in addition to the extra memory.  For the memory you'll need to be on BIOS 2.2.0 and for the processory BIOS 2.5.0.  It is just best to upgrade to the current BIOS before upgrading your hardware.

As for operating systems, I'm dual booting:

1) Windows XP Professional x64
2) Red Hat Enterprise WS 4 Update 6

and not having any problems.  Please note:  The support for the x64 version of Windows XP is spotty both at Microsoft and third parties.  Device drivers are the biggest issue.  Many times the only ones shipped with or known by technical support are the 32-bit version.  I'll give you an example:

I have a Dell 962 Printer.  It comes with the 32-bit drivers / software.  There are 64-bit drivers / software available for it BUT technical support didn't know where to find them.  Finally, after several hours I found them on the Internet via an article someone wrote about his frustration finding these drivers.  I talked to technical support and they check discovering the drivers mentioned by the person are in deed the correct Dell 962 Printer drivers and software.  And another piece of hardware working.

Good luck in your upgrades!!

Bert.

Hi Bert,

 

     Thank you for your help. I ordered the RAM (8GB - ECC) and an OEM copy of Windows XP Professional 64-bit. Can you tell me what driver I need to load before installing Windows XP Professional? I have a floppy drive. I noticed that other people always have problems installing a fresh copy of windows with newer computers.

 

Thank you.

I installed Windows XP Pro x64 by using the drivers found in the driver section for Windows x64 & the 390.

I followed the directions I found at:

http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-6230-0.html?forumID=101&threadID=215138&messageID=2301979

They say:

Windows XP 64 bit Driver for Dell Precision 390 1. Download the driver from Dell and unzip to floppy. It's the Intel Maxtrix driver (not application)
2. boot up with Winxp 64 and Press F6 to install other drivers, then press S
3. You will get a list of drivers to install. Select " Intel 82801GR/GH Sata AHCI Controller"
4. Hit Enter and Enter again to continue Winxp installation.

I found the drivers for the 390 Windows x64 at:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?os=WXPX&osl=EN&catid=-1&impid=-1&SystemID=Latitude+Precision+390&hidos=WW1&hidlang=en

I used an USB 512 MB Flash Drive to hold the other drivers from the site. You'll need to install them quickly.

Do NOT miss the Intel Chip set driver.

If you have a Dell printer, you'll need the x64 bit drivers. I found the one for the Dell 962 on the FTP site via another website. I don't know about other Dell printers.

NOTE: The only main issue I have left is ACTIVATION. I had to re-install so many times I now have to activate via the phone. From now on, I'll NEVER EVER activate UNTIL I'm satisified I'll be using that installed copy of Windows.

I HATE having to call Microsoft to ASK PERMISSION to run software for which I paid $300.00!!!!

Bert.

Hi,

 

I'm about to get some and i'm getting mixed signals.

Should i get the FB DIMM modules or unbuffered Dimm. I spoke to a Dell Rep and he said to get the FB DIMM.

I have a PWS 390 that came with 4GB (4x1).

 

FB Dimm  

 

UNFB Dimm 

 

Any help would be appreciated..

 

 

Here is the memory I got and it works just fine.

 

http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/partsinfo.asp?root=&LinkBack=&ktcpartno=KTD-DM8400BE/2G

 

It is ECC 2GB/DIMM unbuffered. I don't believe buffered memory works in the 390.

 

I also found 390 memory at:

 

http://www.edgetechcorp.com/memory/upgrade.asp?cid=31124 BUT I wanted ECC (not Non-ECC) memory.

 

NOTE: I remember reading somewhere the 390 will NOT work with buffered memory, but don't remember where. The 490 and 690 WILL work with buffered memory but not the 390.

 

NOTE: The price I paid was $70/DIMM but that was during a sale. I just looked and the price is $112/DIMM. I recommend going with the UNFB DIMM that says it works with the Dell.

 

Bert.

 

Oh, P.S. At Kingston you can get a list of all the memory available for the 390:

 

http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/modelsinfo.asp?SysID=31915&mfr=Dell&model=Precision+Workstation+390&root=&LinkBack=&Sys=31915-Dell-Precision+Workstation+390&distributor=0&submit1=Search

 

Thanks for that, the same one i ordered today.

 

Much appreciated