Hello, I have a Dell XPS 430 with 3 gb of ram (3 * 1 Gb DDR3-1066Mhz PC3-8500) and i want to upgrade it up to 8 Gb DDR3-1333Mhz PC3-10600. I checked before bying the new ram if my system would be compatible and it is compatible (http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/p/19265455/19453683.aspx#19453683) So I've bought 2 * 4 GB G.Skill Ripjaws DDR3-1333 Mhz PC3-10600 (CL7) but the system is not starting. Leds, fans etc are working but the BIOS is not even loaded. I've tried with 1 or 2 pin but nothing change (no bip sound). The new ram works because it has been tested successfully on another computer. Please help me to make my new ram working on my PC. Thanks.

Until someone else show up there are a few things. First can you provide exact model number, since there are many of this type, next, some G.Skill Ripjaws CL7 as reported by few people, are unable to run at timing 7-7-7-21 on certain motherboards, I doubt you have full BIOS control and can change latency to 8/8/8/24 to see if this is the problem. On which PC this RAM was tested, is it Dell as well?

Just a few thoughts, I might be wrong.

Thanks for your answer.

Here is the model of the ram: Kit Dual Channel DDR3 G.Skill Ripjaws X, 2 x 4 Go, PC3-10666, CAS 7 (7-7-7-21, 1.5 volt). As you said, i don't have the full BIOS control (i can't change the latency). The ram has not been tested on a Dell PC.

Do you think I should change the ram to take one with higher latency (CAS 9 for example) ? 

First about the RAM model. If you go to newegg and plug your understanding of model you will have plenty entries, G.Skill has numeric models for an example try this one in newegg search F3-12800CL7D-8GBXM and you will have only this one, so you know.

Second, I would not experiment with Dells and just use CAS 9, which is standard, unless you are open to experimentation.

Third, just a suggestion, if you want just RAM increase and not trying to squeeze a few more frame per second for your game, go with Crucial which is generally guaranteed to work in Dell PCs, well most of the time, so if you agree go to Crucial memory adviser, check the RAM model and buy else where for lower price.

And lastly, so if you still want a little experiment, you can actually increase your memory to 12 GB! You can actually see that one user in this post complain about problems with G.Skill as well, so choose wisely. I use Corsair and see no problem, just FYI.

The G.Skill ram model is: F310666CL7D-8GBXH

Why "you would not experiment with Dells and just use CAS 9" ? Is there any problem with it ? I don't understand.

I don't want to increase my memory to 12 GB because I won't use it, 8 GB is enough. I choosed G.Skill because i heard it was a good brand. I plan to by the same memory but with CAS 9. Do you think it will be compatible ? How to know ?

Do you think Kit Dual Channel DDR3 Crucial Ballistix Sport, 2 x 4 Go, PC3-10600, CAS 9 is a better choice (Réf CRUCIAL : BLS2CP4G3D1339DS1S00CEU) ?

Thanks

Why "you would not experiment with Dells and just use CAS 9" ? Is there any problem with it ? I don't understand.

Dell motherboards are generally made for narrow specs, so any advances beyond may cause instability, or may not, so that is why faster RAM may cause you problems.

Just for the sake of G.Skill I look around and stumbled on this post, look for "senile" reply, this is the model (F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT ) recommended there and it is working on Dell Vostro 460.

Regarding other memory models, as I said previously, everyone here would recommend Crucial, I don't know about advanced models, so it is up to you.

I have doubts that the faster GSKILL would cause instability problems, but I could be wrong.

I've installed faster memory in several Dells, without stability problems Just last night, I installed 4gb of GSKILL PC6400 in an old GX620 and it's working smoothly. (OS is Windows 8 Pro.)

CAS 9 is less advanced then CAS 7. Anyway, I think I will go for the Crucial RAM if it is more compatible than other brands. I will let you know when I will have it and test it.

See you ;)

I also think that you should update your bios pl.

I have dell xps 430 with q9550 core 2 quad processor and 4gb DDR3 1333 Ram its ok dear

I think your cache is less or processor should be changed

I think your processor is of 1066 bus speed so you have to change it with 1333 bus speed processer

Hello Synok,

I am sorry to hear you are facing issue with the memory upgrade. Yes, indeed G.SKILL is a good brand. I would like you try installing just the 4GB modules; one module at a time (keep the rest of the slots empty) and repeat the process with the other module, only if you haven't tried it yet. Also update your BIOS to the latest version. I do not think that the above process will help you either, but hey why not give it a try?

Having said that, according to G.SKILL the memory which you are having is compatible only with motherboards having the following chipsets "Intel Z77, Intel Z68, & Intel P67" - (Click here!! - http:/www.gskill.com/products.php?index=346). There is no mention that it supports "Intel X48 Express Chipset/ ICH9R" which is the chipset of the original motherboard which comes with Vostro 430. You can try G.SKILL "F3-10600CL9S-4GBNT /F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT ", this might work with your motherboard (this memory is CL9 memory and not CL7). To confirm about the chipset you can check the dell specs from the following link - ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_xps_desktop/xps-430_Setup%20Guide_en-us.pdf 

If you have any question regarding the memory please let me know. 

Good luck with the upgrade!! 

Regards,

Xqzit.

Thanks for coming, this is another reason to check twice the compatibility of parts prior purchasing. Good information!