XPS 420 RAM Upgrade

Question

Hi. Soon I will be ordering a Dell XPS 420 with 2GB of DDR2-800(MHz) RAM. What I want to know is if it is possible to further upgrade the RAM at a later date with a brand that is other than Dell. Such as Crucial for instance. Will there be any compatibility problems? More specifically, I'm thinking of ordering two 1GB DDR2-800 (PC2-6400) sticks to fill in the two (supposedly) empty sockets, so as to come to a total of 4GB. So would that be a simple and easy process, or would there be certain implications on the way?

Davet50 · Answer

shouldn't be an issue as long as the ram is the same speed. Be aware of the 3gig limit in a 32bit OS...

keithg2 · Answer

You will be able to add another 2GB of 800MHz RAM to your system. Make sure you get a 2x1GB kit so you continue getting dual channel performance. Crucial is my preferred vendor for Dell computer RAM upgrades. I have not had any compatibility issues using their RAM. It is also the preferred vendor in these forums.

Ganon92 · Answer

So two of these; http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=60CEABF0A5CA7304 Would be alright?

Robert Moyer · Answer

What i did with my xps420 I ordered it with 2gb memory and with the $200.00 Dell coupon( if I ever get it )will pay for the other 2gb memory and then some,I'll have to see what else to buy to make up the $200.00

packerFan07 · Answer

theres been several complaints that even when matched with 800mhz ram, it gets bumped down to 667mhz. n ot sure of the outcome of that issue   happened to me.   The crucial ballistix by itself (without Dell memory) is indeed recognized as 800 mhz in the 420. I have 2 more on the way and will know what happens with 4 ballistix in the machine... BTW: This was what memory finder suggested as well...

fishywishy · Answer

theres been several complaints that even when matched with 800mhz ram, it gets bumped down to 667mhz. n ot sure of the outcome of that issue

keithg2 · Answer

Looks to be compatible with the XPS 420. Message Edited by keithg2 on 01-28-2008 04:12 PM

dschieses · Answer

Hi,   for me the upgrade with OCZ gold 800MHz works fine and i think a little bit faster :-)   cu dschieses

dschieses · Answer

Hi,   you see it in your BIOS when you plug in the new memory.

g35rocker · Answer

How do you tell what speed your ram is running at?  Is it somewhere in vista or do you need other software?

packerFan07 · Answer

you can also see this from the Dell support utility. One of the four main options is "About your system'. Once there, select system information. Then there is a tab for memory. You need to show details. BIOS is the easiest however.

You can also get things like cpu-z and sandra (both have free versions) that will give you more information than is comprehendable (to me anyway) about your memory and other components. Sandra even has an analyzer that provides tips based on your setup...

Message Edited by packerFan07 on 01-29-2008 05:00 PM

g35rocker · Answer

I tried to go into the dell support utility, About your system.  It says the content is no longer available.  Any reasons why?

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XPS 420 RAM Upgrade

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