Memory upgrade XPS M1330

Question

Currently have 2gb (1x2gb) DDR2 SDRAM 667mhz dual channel installed.  Can I install any compatible memory in dimms 1 and 2 as long as they are same and keep dual channel capability or is there more to it than that.  What are matched pairs ,and is that the defining requirement for dual channel ?  Any advice greatly appreciated.   Biker27

dgkpcon · Answer

As long as the modules are the exact same (2 x 512mb) (2 x 1gb) (2 x 2gb).The easiest way to get matched pairs is a kit.

sagrav84 · Answer

Regarding this, you can add any DDR2 SDRAM 667mhz memory to the computer. The XPS can only handle up to 4 GB so this means that with this configuration you have you can only add 2GB more. And if they are the same type and size the dual channel activates, giving the computer a 'boost' as to say so.

Danthegreat1 · Answer

Please don't be cheap and do the whole 'I WANT 3GB BECAUSE 4GB DOES NOT HELP ME'.  You'll be dual channeling, and hopefully something will be supported later on for it.  You'll be able to use up to 3.25GB and it seems there's so many pros.   ::NOT FIRMED:: I've heard   ' In some cases, OEMs may be able to tweak their BIOS to reserve less memory for platform use, but we’re not talking a huge difference (ie, 100’s of MBs). In the end a 32-bit OS and/or application can only, ever, handle 4GB of memory at a time, the AWE stuff just swaps chunks of memory in and out of that 4GB space, thus fooling the application and OS into using more space than it can 'see'. '

BikerTH · Answer

Thanks for the reply. I can get 2x2gb same manufacturer for around £60 to £80 which is a big saving on

the Dell price which is over £300, and according to the 'CRUCIAL' website these look to be matched pairs and

if you buy the ones for around £80 (the pair) they are 800mhz and not 667mhz, and CRUCIAL say these are still compatible.

BikerTH · Answer

Thanks for the reply, I was led to believe to ge dual channel the memory boards had to be 'matched pairs'

So I asked the obvious question of 'Novatech' if I bought the memory from them (much cheaper than Dell)

would I get dual channel as long as both boards were the same capacity/manufacturer, and they said NO

because their's were not matched pairs, hence the slight confusion. Anyway I have since found you can

get 4gb (2x2gb) from CRUCIAL for around £60 to £80, the £60 are PC2-5300 667mhz and the £80 are

PC2-6400 800mhz and according to CRUCIAL both are compatible.

BikerTH · Answer

Thanks for that it looks like I can go for a much cheaper option than offered by Dell, last time I looked

Dell want in excess of £300 puond for 4gb (2x2 gb), but I can get 4gb (2x2) for around £60 to £80 which are the same manufacturer but not necessarily 'matched pairs'.

tigerwolf7 · Answer

You'd want to buy them in a kit together, so you know they'll work for sure.  (Crucial sells them like that, it'll say 2x2GB or whatever).  Theoretically you should be able to mix other identically sized DIMMS, but it may not always work, and the easiest thing to do is to buy it as a kit.  Doesn't cost anymore anyway.

BikerTH · Answer

Thanks for the reply, I had differing/confusing info, I did think that as long as they were the same capacity and ideally the same manufacturer you should get dual channel as long as the mother board supported it, but then a local supplier to me said they needed to be matched pairs and not just the same capacity and manufacturer, but I could'nt get a clear statement of exactly what matched pairs are, but thought they must be paired by passing testing within defined tolerances.  Looks like my understand was correct in the fist place.

smjohns · Answer

Don't bother buying the 800mhz sticks as they will only run at 667 in the M1330. That is the maximum speed supported.

BikerTH · Answer

Thanks for that I will stick to the 667mhz and save £20

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