dg27,

There are no overclocking options on the Studio XPS 9100. Below is the ram we shipped on this model =
DDR3 1333 MHz PC3-10600 (I/O Bus Clock 667MHz)
P382H 4GB Samsung, 1333MHz, 512X64, 8, 240, 2RX8
1N7HK 2GB Hynix, 1333MHz, 128X64, 8, 240, 1RX8
G8NT0 2GB Micron, 1333MHz, 128X64, 8, 240, 1RX8
P223C 2GB Samsung, 1333MHz, 128X64, 8, 240, 2RX8
TW149 1GB Micron, 1333MHz, 128X64, 8, 240, 1RX8
GR82X 1GB Nanya, 1333MHz, 128X64, 8, 240, 1RX1

PC3-12800 is not supported. It is all PC3-10600 with an I/O Bus Clock of 667MHz. So I do not think speccy is reading our ram correctly.

Thanks, Chris--this is helpful.

What gets me confused is that sometimes when I look for PC3-10600 it comes up as PC3-10666.

I'm assuming this RAM would work:

Crucial Ballistix BLS2KIT4G3D1339DS1S0 Desktop Memory Kit - 8GB (2x 4GB), PC3-10600, DDR3-1333MHz, 240-pin DIMM, 1.5V, CL9, Non-ECC, Unbuffered

Please confirm. Thanks.

dg

What gets me confused is that sometimes when I look for PC3-10600 it comes up as PC3-10666.

PC3-10600, DDR3-1333MHz or faster is fine.  per other msg, you won't use faster speed, but it won't hurt either.  yes you'll see 10600 and 10666.  you can google why that is the case. for you, feel free to ignore/consider the same for the 9100.

Thanks for all your help, Lawrence.

I'll post what I plan on getting once I've picked it out. Didn't remember that I could replace just the 3 X 1GB (I thought slots 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 had to match).

dg

So if I opted to replace all the RAM and go with 24 GB, I'm assuming this would be OK?

CORSAIR XMS3 12GB (3 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory Model CMX12GX3M3A1333C9

• Cas Latency: 9
• Voltage: 1.5V
• Multi-channel Kit: Triple Channel Kit
• Timing: 9-9-9-24
• Model #: CMX12GX3M3A1333C9

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145332

$60 X 2 = $120 @ NewEgg

What concerns me is that there is no mention of PC3-10600 anywhere in the product description. But on the same NewEgg page they show the same model number (Model #: CMX12GX3M3A1333C9) in a dual channel kit, and there they list it as PC3 10600).

dg

Didn't remember that I could replace just the 3 X 1GB (I thought slots 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 had to match).

have to match per bank of 3 slots.  seperate banks don't need to match

from the XPS 9100 service manual

CAUTION: If you remove your original memory module(s) from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any
new memory module(s) that you may have, even if you purchased the new memory module(s) from Dell™. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly. The recommended memory configurations are: matched memory module(s) installed in DIMM connectors 4, 5, and 6 and another matched memory module(s) installed in DIMM connectors 1, 2, and 3.

What concerns me is that there is no mention of PC3-10600 anywhere in the product description.

DDR3-1333 is PC3-10600 (10666/10667) - sort of redundant.  so don't be concerned about the lack of mention. 

that part number is for the triple channel kit [http://www.corsair.com/en/xms3-12gb-triple-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmx12gx3m3a1333c9.html], so not sure why referenced in a dual channel kit 

you are referencing the same part I ordered. so I know it worked in my Studio XPS 9100.  Similar triple channel kits from the other big names should work just as well.   note for the same price you can get http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148549 or for $10 more, CAS7 chips http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148510

Lots of 3x4GB options http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600006078&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=100

OK, this clears up that question.

I'll probably opt to replace all six sticks with two sets of three.

Thanks.

dg

>>note for the same price you can get http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148549

I was actually looking at that, but earlier today ChrisM said "PC3-12800 is not supported." That's why I ruled it out.

>>or for $10 more, CAS7 chips

Actually I am somewhat partial to Crucial, having used their sticks before. Is this better RAM or is it 6 of one and half dozen of the other?

Considering how infrequently I upgrade, I think this may be worth it if CAS7 makes a difference.

Thank you,

dg

i have dell 9150 and i upgraded my ram with dell chips made by kingston which work well not all chips are compatible mixxing like samsung. download CPUID-z programm for accurate info on your system from dell. also yes there is a programm available too over clock mhz on ram xps 400 , 9100, 9150 ect. if you purchase ram from dell ask to be sure it is made by kingston which mine is and has dell logo on it.....any other questions just ask...also i do not recommend using system checking software from other web sites... risky virus potential. crucial, newegg, ect. any questions just ask.....xps 400/9150 intel pentium d 960...

also the 10.600 and 12.8 is the band width and as was mentioned is redundant dont worry about that your chipset x58 and w/cpu detirmines the bandwidth x58. also if you go too higher frequency ram it wont run it all but it wont hurt as mentioned before also.:emotion-11: hope this helps confirm...

Thanks for this useful info.

--dg

Thanks, Lawrence: This is an important clarification. I took "not supported" to mean that the difference in the spec might mean that the system wouldn't boot up properly, or that there could be other problems, etc.

dg

Hello VMR88,

Yes, I did upgrade my RAM in December 2012 and then upgraded the an a Samsung 840 Pro SSD a couple of months later.

I checked and the RAM I bought was this:

Crucial Ballistix Tactical 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model BLT4G3D1337DT1TX0. I got 2 kits of 3 X 4 GB at Newegg. I just checked and it's not available there:

(www.newegg.com/.../Product.aspx;Tpk=N82E16820148510).

It did seem to make a significant difference all around, as did the SSD.

I have been using Pro Tools a lot that can be a huge resource hog, but I have had no issues whatsoever.

I sure hope you can find the RAM.