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April 18th, 2019 08:00

780 MT, adding RAM

Hi,

I'm attempting to add at least 8GB of RAM to an Optiplex 780 MT.  I have the below 8GB stick but when I insert it and turn on the computer, lights 3 and 4 are on and the computer won't boot.  I'm assuming there is a compatibility issue with the RAM.  I was told by a Dell rep that the Crucial brand is most compatible with Dell computers.  

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008KSHQBU/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_MUiUCbXJ786M3

Do I need two 4GB stickers to get 8GB or can I use a single 8GB stick?  Am I able to mix brands?  Right now, there are two 2GB Samsung sticks installed.  Can I add a single 8GB with an existing 2GB stick to make 10GB?  Please advise.

8 Wizard

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47K Posts

April 18th, 2019 08:00

8 GIG modules are not supported.  Max ram is 16 NOT 32.

Slots: 4 (2 banks of 2)

Maximum Memory: 16GB

Ram cannot be QUAD RANK.

Ram cannot be HIGH DENSITY

Ram cannot be ECC or Registered or buffered.

https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Dell/optiplex-780-desktop

DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • UNBUFFERED • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V • 512MEG X 64 •

Crucial works and there are other compatible vendors.

https://www.amazon.com/Timetec-1333MHz-PC3-10600-Unbuffered-Optiplex/dp/B071Z7BD2T/

 

 

 

 

35 Posts

April 18th, 2019 08:00

Thank you for the reply.  However, the 780 that I have only has two slots.  Therefore, the max amount is 8GB (2 sticks of 4GB)?

6 Professor

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7.3K Posts

April 18th, 2019 19:00

The GX520 also only came with 2 DIMMs.  The 380 MB is a little shorter and doesn't reach the bottom of the case.

6 Professor

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7.3K Posts

April 18th, 2019 19:00

As far as 780's go, only the USFF has only 2 DIMM slots.  Also, the 380 has only 2 DIMM slots, all sizes.  It makes me wonder if you have a different model other than what's stated, possibly sold to you with a different badge?

If it helps, 1st screengrab is from 780 Tech Guide, and the 2nd one from 380 Tech Guide.  The 380 is just one example I thought of right away that came with 2 DIMM slots.

Images of MB's can be Googled.  Be sure to specify "MT" as you did here.  You can see if the image matches your MB.

Optiplex 780Optiplex 780

 

Optiplex 380Optiplex 380

 

6 Professor

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7.3K Posts

April 18th, 2019 19:00

I found what looks like a couple of 780's on eBay that only come with 2 DIMMs.  I didn't know they existed.  The 780 is suppose to be a step up from 755 and 760, which come with 4 DIMMs.

EBay Optiplex search

EBay Optiplex 780

Edit:  After I made this post, I double-zoomed in on the MB that's in the 780 referenced in the links.  I zoomed in, screengrabbed it so I could zoom in further, and took another screengrab.  The black tabs that are harder to see at first, that hold the chips are there, besides the white ones.  It looks like this model still has 4 DIMMs.

One of our Rockstars or other experts, if they decide to chime in, might have a better idea if a 780 MT was ever made with 2 DIMMs.

Capture+_2019-04-18-23-23-06.png

I didn't notice right away edges were trimmed on photo above.  Can't delete photo once added.I didn't notice right away edges were trimmed on photo above. Can't delete photo once added.

8 Wizard

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47K Posts

April 19th, 2019 05:00

June 4th, 2022 07:00

Put 2 4gb ram sticks into both white slots. It will not take 8gb in one white column, it needs 2 4gb ram sticks in both white columns, same for the black columns

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