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What is Max RAM Upgrade for Quad-Core Inspiron 530?
I have an Inspiron 530 desktop with 4GB RAM. I'm trying to figure out whether I can upgrade it to 8GB (in conjuction with an upgrade to Windows 7 64-bit).
According to the Owner's Manual, the Inspiron 530 is limited to 4GB. Apparently the 530a/530c can be upgraded to 8GB.
However, I've read posts from people claiming that an Inspiron 530 with a Quad-core processor CAN be upgraded to 8GB, and my computer does have a Quad-core processor (Core2 Quad 6600 at 2.4GHz).
So far as I can tell my machine is a vanilla 530--that's the way it's identified in Windows System...I don't see any 530a or 530c anywhere.
I tried the "Crucial Memory System Scanner"...and it confirmed (?) that each of my four RAM slots can only hold 1GB.
Yet...there are people who say they have done this?
So I'm confused...which is it? Can I upgrade my machine to 8GB or not? Does it depend on the motherboard?
Thanks for any help.
FYI, Here are posts saying it's possible to use 8GB:
http://www.motherboardpoint.com/inspiron-530-desktop-4gb-ram-limit-t180083.html
http://en.community.dell.com/dell-groups/gaming/f/3344/t/19395005.aspx
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/p/19411692/19967554.aspx#19967554
rdunnill
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November 22nd, 2012 23:00
I think the only recourse is to try it -- if it works, it works.
DELL-Chinmay S
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November 22nd, 2012 23:00
Hi Scruffylg,
You can find below the specifications of the memory supported by your computer :
Dell has not tested 8 GB of memory with your computer. It might work or might cause system stability issues. For more information, you can refer to link: http://dell.to/Ui9Xql
Please reply for further clarifications.
shesagordie
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November 23rd, 2012 11:00
scruffylg
Have you read the following post,
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/p/19411692/19968394.aspx#19968394
Bev.
speedstep
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November 23rd, 2012 11:00
BIOS upgrades are REQUIRED for Larger Modules.
If you have 2 Ram slots its 4 gigs.
If you have 4 Ram slots its 8 gigs.
YOU CANNOT EVER ADD 4 GIG Modules.
2 GIG is the max size of any memory module.
The ability to use more than 3 gigs of ram REQUIRES 64 bit OS.
Inspiron 530/530a/530c
Maximum memory 4 GB (Inspiron 530 only ) 8 GB(Inspiron 530a/530c)
CRUCIAL will NOT RMA any Ram that is not purchased using their RAM Advisor tool if it does not work.
Inspiron 530/530a/530c
If a single DIMM is installed, you must install it in connector DIMM_1.
1
Pair A: matched pair of memory modules in connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_3
2
Pair B: matched pair of memory modules in connectors DIMM_2 and DIMM_4
Inspiron 530b/530d
If a single DIMM is installed, you must install it in connector DIMM_1.
1
Pair A: matched pair of memory modules in connector DIMM_1 and DIMM_2
scruffylg
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November 23rd, 2012 15:00
Thank you to everyone for responding....I really appreciate it.
Bev--I saw that other post...but I was just trying to get it confirmed from Dell, given that the information seemed, on some level to contradict the documentation. I wasn't sure how to confirm that I had the "03" motherboard, especially without having to open up the machine....I'm primarily interested in whether it can be expanded to 8GB so I can decide whether to install 64-bit Win7 right now rather than 32-bit.
So...am I safe in saying flat out...anyone with a Quad-core 530 mini-tower can install 8GB of RAM? (Assuming, of course that they are using a 64-bit OS to recognize it?)
shesagordie
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November 23rd, 2012 19:00
scruffylg
I doubt that Dell will confirm that the 530 MT with a Core 2 Quad processor, supports 8gb of DDR2 RAM [4 x 2gb modules] as it's an EOL system
But, member teabone13 states this is a fact.
Any Inspiron 530 MT shipped with a Core 2 Quad CPU and a 350w PSU has the Foxconn G33m03 motherboard.
You can always check this, by opening the case and check the label on the motherboard.
Bev.