Studio XPS 7100, memory (RAM) upgrade

Question

I have recently started using Photoshop Elements - which can use a lot of memory. Out of interest, I looked to see how much a memory upgrade would cost. This machine no longer appears on the list for upgrades provided by Dell, so I looked at a couple of alternative suppliers.
On one site, it suggests "DDR3 PC3-10600 1333MHz 240-pin DIMM". Looking at the Crucial site, it suggests "DDR3 PC3-12800". On the Crucial site, there appears to be no mention of the frequency. However, when I did a search on eBay for the same product number, I found some modules that were described as 1600MHz.
I am not technical, so don't know what it all means. However, I'd like to know whether the 10600 and 12800 designations would have any impact on compatibility (both with the computer and with existing memory modules if I only replace two out of the four). Similarly for the 1333MHz vs the 1600MHz.
Given the age of the machine, I was hoping I might be able to pick up some replacements from eBay without spending a fortune, but am confused with the numbering and concerned about compatibility. Can anybody shed some light on the matter?
Thanks.

redxps630 · Accepted Answer

Re: as long as I go for all 4 of the same type (e.g. DDR3 PC3-12800), then they would be compatible, possibly just running at a slower speed than they might be capable of?

go for the least expensive major name brand pc3-10600 aka ddr3-1333 on eBay such as Samsung Elpida Crucial Micron Hynix. These older Dell models are not picky of exact name brand, as when you bought pc from Dell originally they may ship with any of these major name brands. Some users say avoid Kingston which is a cheaper brand.
12800 may or may not work. There are a lot of used but still perfectly working pc3-10600 on eBay so no need to take your chance on 12800.

fireberd · Answer

On Dell's and especially older ones we suggest Crucial for non-Dell branded memory. Dell's have a history of memory compatibility and Crucial is guaranteed to work in a Dell. Other brands may or may not work. Also, do not mix memory only have one brand/type as we have also seen reported problems with users and mixing memory brands/types.

Vic384 · Answer

@BorderReiver2 DDR3 PC3-12800 (12800 MB/sec)  is the same as DDR3 1600 MHz. Just multiply 1600 by 8.

redxps630 · Answer

Re: both with the computer and with existing memory modules if I only replace two out of the four

ddr3 is not expensive now. assuming you have 4x2 gb now. take them out to check their spec (they should be identical from dell). buy 2x4 gb that matches the old ram speed, or buy 4x4 gb to replace em all. just make sure you buy non ECC for desktop only. PC3-10600, DDR3-1333‐MHz DDR3 DIMMs; non‐ECC memory only

BorderReiver2 · Answer

Thank you to everybody for replying, I do appreciate it. However, I am still somewhat confused.

One respondent suggests that only Crucial devices guarantee compatibility and another said only go for "PC3-10600, DDR3-1333‐MHz DDR3 DIMMs; non‐ECC" yet the Crucial site only suggests "DDR3 PC3-12800" which, apparently, is 1600Mhz. I'm assuming that they no longer make chips that slow?

May I take it that, as long as I go for all 4 of the same type (e.g. DDR3 PC3-12800), then they would be compatible, possibly just running at a slower speed than they might be capable of?

fireberd · Answer

In ref to my comments about Crucial. Other brands will work but most other brands do not guarantee compatibility. Dell's have a long history of memory compatibility with Non OEM (Non Dell) memory. You can use whatever you like, just what we have seen over the years.

Same way with mixing memory, some have been OK with that. We have seen a lot of memory problems posted due to mixing memory so we (most of the techies on here) suggest to avoid mixing. Mixing problems are not just a Dell problem, I see it on others and even had it myself with an ASUS motherboard. I had 2 8GB Corsair memory sticks and 2 G-Skill 8 GB (same speed) memory sticks. Either the Corsair only or G=Skill only and it worked OK. Both brands installed and it gave a memory error and would not boot.

Chino de Oro · Answer

@BorderReiver2 , this is the memory kit for your system, lifetime warranty from seller whom has international branches.

BorderReiver2 · Answer

Thank you everybody for your replies. Just for completeness, I have purchased two separate pairs of Samsung 4GB modules from eBay which all appeared to be the same model. I ran the boot-up diagnostics and it showed no errors, so all appears well.

All the best

BR

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Studio XPS 7100, memory (RAM) upgrade

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