Can't guarantee the RAM will run in Dual Channel Mode because the new 8 GB module won't be exactly identical to the existing 8 GB module. But 16 GB running Single Channel Mode should still be faster than the 12 GB you have now which is running Single Channel Mode because the two modules aren't even the same size.
You can check the Channel Mode on the Memory tab (= "Channel #") in CPU-Z (free).
Always power off, unplug, and press/hold power button on front of PC for ~15 sec before working inside the case. Consult the Service Manual for more info about removing/installing RAM. And save the 4 GB module that you remove, just in case...
Post back and let us know when you have 16 GB of RAM running. And congrats - you passed the math test!
Are you asking how much RAM you can add? Or what brand to buy...?
And it would help if you tell us how much RAM you have now...
Here are the specs for this model:
So you could use up to 2x 8GB RAM modules, maximum. Many peeps around here buy RAM for Dell PCs from crucial.com because they guarantee it works if they recommended it for your specific PC model.
And you want to use an identically matched pair to allow the RAM to work in Dual Channel Mode. Mismatched modules will only work in slower, less-efficient Single Channel Mode.
I have an Inspiron 3847 with 8gb of ram in it - this is what it had when i bought it brand new, but need a little advice with how to upgrade it with more. I'm not sure if it has two 4gb sticks in or one 8gb stick.
@Stef73 - You only have 2 RAM slots in this PC model, so chances are high you have 1x 8 GB.
You can download CPU-z (free) and click its SPD tab. Memory Slot Selection on that tab will show you which slot(s) has a RAM module installed. If you select a slot and the info is blank, that slot is empty. You probably have a 1x 8 GB module in slot #1, and slot #2 is empty.
And with a 1x 8 GB module installed, you could add another 1x 8 GB for a total of 16 GB, which is the maximum amount supported by this PC model.
I downloaded that program and it gave me the following: I have 2 4gb sticks in the memory slots on my pc! I thought maybe it would be one 8gb stick, but no. This being the case, can i upgrade one stick and leave the other 4gb stick in? Or does it need to be equal amount on each slot up to 16gb?
The table I posted above says 12 GB of RAM is a supported config in the Inspiron 3847.
12 GB RAM won't run in "dual channel" mode which is somewhat faster and more efficient than "single channel" mode, which you'll have with 1x4 + 1x 8 (12 GB total). But 12 should be an improvement...
You might want to remove the 4 GB module from the slot closest to the CPU and install the 8 GB module there.
Just make sure you get RAM that's compatible, like here. And only you can decide whether to replace one or both 4 GB modules.
RoHe
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43.7K Posts
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January 16th, 2020 11:00
If Crucial recommends it, it should work...
Can't guarantee the RAM will run in Dual Channel Mode because the new 8 GB module won't be exactly identical to the existing 8 GB module. But 16 GB running Single Channel Mode should still be faster than the 12 GB you have now which is running Single Channel Mode because the two modules aren't even the same size.
You can check the Channel Mode on the Memory tab (= "Channel #") in CPU-Z (free).
Always power off, unplug, and press/hold power button on front of PC for ~15 sec before working inside the case. Consult the Service Manual for more info about removing/installing RAM. And save the 4 GB module that you remove, just in case...
Post back and let us know when you have 16 GB of RAM running. And congrats - you passed the math test!
RoHe
10 Elder
10 Elder
•
43.7K Posts
0
January 15th, 2020 12:00
Are you asking how much RAM you can add? Or what brand to buy...?
And it would help if you tell us how much RAM you have now...
Here are the specs for this model:
So you could use up to 2x 8GB RAM modules, maximum. Many peeps around here buy RAM for Dell PCs from crucial.com because they guarantee it works if they recommended it for your specific PC model.
And you want to use an identically matched pair to allow the RAM to work in Dual Channel Mode. Mismatched modules will only work in slower, less-efficient Single Channel Mode.
kaine23
13 Posts
0
January 15th, 2020 12:00
I have 12 gb of ram now. what's the highest I can upgrade to?
RoHe
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43.7K Posts
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January 15th, 2020 12:00
Re-read my previous post...
You have 12 GB (1x 4 GB + 1x 8 GB) and one of those two will have to be replaced because you only have 2 DIMM slots, so do the math...
kaine23
13 Posts
0
January 15th, 2020 19:00
So I can get this 8gb stick to up it to the max 16gb?
https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/inspiron-3847/CT8961386
Stef73
3 Posts
0
September 15th, 2020 02:00
I have an Inspiron 3847 with 8gb of ram in it - this is what it had when i bought it brand new, but need a little advice with how to upgrade it with more. I'm not sure if it has two 4gb sticks in or one 8gb stick.
RoHe
10 Elder
10 Elder
•
43.7K Posts
1
September 15th, 2020 10:00
@Stef73 - You only have 2 RAM slots in this PC model, so chances are high you have 1x 8 GB.
You can download CPU-z (free) and click its SPD tab. Memory Slot Selection on that tab will show you which slot(s) has a RAM module installed. If you select a slot and the info is blank, that slot is empty. You probably have a 1x 8 GB module in slot #1, and slot #2 is empty.
And with a 1x 8 GB module installed, you could add another 1x 8 GB for a total of 16 GB, which is the maximum amount supported by this PC model.
Stef73
3 Posts
0
September 16th, 2020 07:00
I downloaded that program and it gave me the following: I have 2 4gb sticks in the memory slots on my pc! I thought maybe it would be one 8gb stick, but no. This being the case, can i upgrade one stick and leave the other 4gb stick in? Or does it need to be equal amount on each slot up to 16gb?
RoHe
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10 Elder
•
43.7K Posts
1
September 16th, 2020 11:00
@Stef73 - Wasn't expecting that!
The table I posted above says 12 GB of RAM is a supported config in the Inspiron 3847.
12 GB RAM won't run in "dual channel" mode which is somewhat faster and more efficient than "single channel" mode, which you'll have with 1x4 + 1x 8 (12 GB total). But 12 should be an improvement...
You might want to remove the 4 GB module from the slot closest to the CPU and install the 8 GB module there.
Just make sure you get RAM that's compatible, like here. And only you can decide whether to replace one or both 4 GB modules.
Stef73
3 Posts
0
September 17th, 2020 06:00
Thanks for your help and advice.
I don't get why the price of 2 8gb sticks together is more expensive than buying 2 singurlarly together but hey oh.
RoHe
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43.7K Posts
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September 17th, 2020 11:00
@Stef73 - I didn't understand why a kit of two costs more than 2x one. Maybe you should contact Crucial and ask and see what they'll do for you.
Usually a kit of 2 is exactly the same as 2x one...