Crucial memory is suggested as it is guaranteed to work in a Dell.  Dell's have a history of memory compatibility with non-Dell memory.  Also replace memory with all the same type, do not mix as that frequently causes problems.

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

For future posts, always include your specific model.  I had to look up what the motherboard was to find you have a Small Form Factor version.  

Dell Optiplex 780 Tech Guide.pdf - if it helps.

Adding to what fireberd said, max ram for the 780SFF is 16GB.

Hi @bradthetechnut,

Not sure why I cannot reply your private message and thus reply you here.

And yes, you're right on the information you found about mix use of memory in different frequency. 

In some cases of other PC brands/models, DIMM chip density and memory slots in single or dual channel may make a difference too.

I discovered there's at least 2 different manuals for the 780.  One manual states it can only take 1066MHz RAM while the other states that it can take both 1066MHz RAM and 1333MHz.  This has caused debate in other posts.  (I have one manual (stating the 1333MHz RAM) and bmcowboy has the other.)

However, it's in the fine print:  "This system supports both 1066MHz and 1333MHz DDR3 memory, however the memory will operate at 1066MHz speed due to chipset specifications."

I've installed 4x4GB RAM in my Optiplex 780. The spec is:

Crucial CT2K51264BD160B 8 GB Kit (4 GB x 2) (DDR3L, 1600 MT/s, PC3L-12800, DIMM, 240-Pin) Memory

Despite many attempts it does not work. 

PC makes 6 buzzing noises. 

Nothing appears on the screen.

I'm ignorant when it comes to computers so any advice woukd be much appreciated.

Thanks. 

The "1600" in the RAM model # = 1,600MHz.  As I posted above, the 780 takes either 1,066MHz or 1,333MHz RAM.  Optiplex 780 Tech Guide 

I got after Crucial twice this year for having the wrong RAM on their website.  Twice for each time a Community Member had a problem with it.  Now this is the 3rd time.

I sent Crucial a link to the Tech Guide + a screengrab.  I see they still have the wrong RAM on their site.  By the way, when selling RAM, they don't refer to something like a Dell Tech Guide; they only refer to their website.

A couple of other tips:  When upgrading hardware, make sure you have the latest BIOS that's for your 780.

If your size 2032 CMOS battery hasn't been replaced within the last five years, upgrading hardware is a good time to replace it, not just reset CMOS with the same ol' battery.  A low battery can cause all sorts of bizarre problems.

Hi and thanks. 

Only just realised this morning that your comments were for me. 

You said:

"When upgrading hardware, make sure you have the latest BIOS that's for your 780." 

I've no idea what that means, let alone how to go about upgrading the BIOS. 

Help! 

Andrzej 

I may look into getting anew battery after our holiday booked from tomorrow. 

I'm confused re. how the emails I receive integrate with this site and how I find whoever asked me for security tag. It was Delcares, I think. 

Do not post service tag number. Its considered personal data by Dell. 

Hi @DrBlest,

Before we even go there with downloading any BIOS (Google it to find more info on it, like use "Dell BIOS" for a search term) lets find out what version of BIOS you have.  As old as the 780 is, it might already have the latest BIOS on it.

Upon turning on the PC, press F2 when you get the Dell splash screen.

On the left side you'll see System.  I can't immediately remember if it tells you rignt away what version of BIOS you have, like A17 for example.  If it doesn't, expand the System tree.  Highlight System Info.  You should see your BIOS version on top of the screen.  Use ESC to exit BIOS.

Just so you know, in those older BIOS, it's all keyboard.  It doesn't take a mouse.

Below is an example of what your BIOS screen will look like.  The difference is I don't have a PC anymore with that version of BIOS so I can highlight System Info and take a new screengrab.  But you'll still see System and System Info on the left side.

dec/22 16 gb ddr3 a 8600 not 1333 not 1600 , this message is from my optiplex 780 with 16 gb  and Q8500 . old  but very efficient and free  !

I know these 780s are old, but like one of the previous posters here said, it works great for general internet use.  You used DDR3-8500 RAM?  I'm sure it downgraded the speed to what the motherboard is compatible with, but thanks for sharing the upgrade kit you used.

I can't figure out why it doesn't work when I purchased 2 more sticks of same exact kind that were in there - Samsung M378B5273DH0-CH9.  It is low density, 8 chips per side.  This is what I bought, but not from this site:

M378B5273DHO-CH9 Samsung 4GB DDR3 PC10600 Memory (memory4less.com)

It accepts 8, and accepts if I swap the old 2x4 out with the new 2x4 chips, but together 4x4 it beeps at me 6 times.  Yes, the BIOS is up to date (A15). 

Does anyone here have any idea why this isn't working?

Thanks in advance!

Figured it out - I removed the CMOS battery, which another poster suggested, and I was very surprised that fixed the problem!  Now I see all 16gb with no annoying beeps