Memory upgrade for Dell Vostro 430

Question

Hi guys. I was trying to collect as much information as possible before posting here to get the correct answer from forum experts. So here we go. I'm planning to upgrade memory in my Dell. Here are some screen shots (all images are clickable and will open in a separate window to see full size) The original memory installed in my system (3): Technology DDR3 SDRAM Form Factor DIMM 240-pin Memory Speed 1333 MHz ( PC3-10600 ) Data Integrity Check Non-ECC RAM Features Unbuffered Module Configuration 512 x 64 Compatible Slots 1 x memory - DIMM 240-pin CPU-Z screens: I've always trusted Kingston's memory and couple years ago they had my system on their list. Now they don't. I wrote down the number back then (KVR1333D3N9K2/8G) and was trying to find it like that. Turned out that it was discontinued and replaced by KVR13N9S8K2/8. I also called the support number to make sure it will work. The rep I was talking to said that it won't and that they don't support the system like I have any more. OK. Forget about Kingston then. Went on Dell's website. Put my service tag -> check memory upgrade for this particular system. Here is the screen: What? Doesn't Dell know what they sold me? Fine. The hell with Dell :) Went on Crucial. Downloaded and ran CrucialScan. Here is the screen: The first thing they recommend is again not what I have. It's PC3-12800 instead of 10600 and as far as I understand CL11 is slower than CL9 too. When I clicked 'Show all compatible computer memory' I got this: At least I can see the specs that are the same with what I have. I have. But I'm afraid to buy anything because all the specs were the same on Kingston's website and still they told me it wouldn't work. I'm lost... What do you guys think about all this? Thanks for reading.  For some reason the pictures are not visible. Just the links....

RoHe · Accepted Answer

The good thing about Crucial is that if they recommend specific RAM for a specific system, they guarantee it will work or they take it back.

I see both PC3-10600 and PC3-12800 listed for the Vostro 430 at crucial.com. For example:

8GB Kit (4GBx2) DDR3 PC3-10600 • CL=9 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1333 • 1.5V • 512Meg x 64 • • Part #: CT1029719

The differences in speed vs CL may not be very noticeable...

EDIT: Keep in mind if you mix DDR3-1333 RAM with DDR3-1600 RAM, everything will run at the speed of the slowest RAM. So unless you're replacing all of it, you may want to stick with 1333 MHz RAM, though the price is identical for both types.

RoHe · Accepted Answer

You're welcome. Dell PCs can be very fussy about RAM even when the specs are exactly the same. If Kingston is saying theirs won't work, you should take their word for it. Otherwise, you might get stuck with useless... That's why many regulars on this forum buy RAM from Crucial, because if you buy what they recommend for your system, they'll take it back if it doesn't work.

rmike1991 · Answer

RoHe, Thanks for your reply. How come the rep at Kingston told me that their memory will not work in my system even though all the specs were the same... Am I missing something?

This is the one I'm talking about: http://www.kingston.com/us/memory/search/?partid=kvr13n9s8k2/8

rmike1991 · Answer

Got it. Thanks again.

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