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December 13th, 2019 08:00
XPS 8930, adding memory
So I ordered a Dell XPS 8930 and I plan to add more memory to it. The manual lists only 4 configurations. Mine came with 8GB, so I assumed it would be two sticks of 4, according to the configuration table. But when I opened it up, it was only a single 8GB stick in slot 1. That's not one of the configurations listed. So do I have to follow the configuration table or can I gradually add three 16GB sticks one at a time? I don't want to have to buy them all at once.
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Vic384
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December 13th, 2019 09:00
As you have found out, not all working configurations are in the Memory Configuration Matrix. Your configuration, a configuration of a single 16GB memory module, and others have been found to work. If you don't add memory modules in matched pairs in slots with similar colored securing clips the memory will work in single channel mode. Single channel mode has slightly lower performance than dual channel mode but you will probably not notice the difference. I recommend buying memory from crucial.com, their memory is guarantee compatible. Also it does not pay to purchase high speed memory, the memory speed in the XPS 8930 is limited to the SPD speed which is 2400MHz for the i3 processor and 2666MHz for the i5, i7, and i7k processors.
fireberd
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December 13th, 2019 09:00
In most cases the memory needs to be all the same brand/type. Mixing memory with different brands usually results in memory conflicts and won't boot. This applies to all computer brands, not just Dell.
How much memory do you really need? I have a desktop I use for my recording studio and I have 16GB installed and even with a big recording project with lots of MIDI I've never been over 8GB.
Either buy exact Dell branded replacement to add memory or remove the Dell and start with a brand that will work. Crucial is what most techies on here suggest as its guaranteed to work in a Dell. Some brands are iffy on whether they work.
Here is the link to the Crucial memory for the 8930
https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Dell/xps-8930
fireberd
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December 13th, 2019 10:00
The 2666 but it will only run at the speed of the Bus (2400).
Schertzy82
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December 13th, 2019 10:00
Ok thanks, that helps. Another thing though, the max memory speed for an i3 processor (which is what I have) is 2400MHz and the module in mine says 2666 on the sticker. Why is Dell going against their own specs? If I enter Dell XPS 8930 on Crucial's website, the compatible modules that show up are all 2666. So which one do I need, 2400 or 2666. Thanks for the help.
Vic384
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December 13th, 2019 12:00
"Why is Dell going against their own specs?" I don't think Dell is going against their own specs. For the i3, the memory is running at 2400MHz which is the max for the i3. Dell is probably using 2666MHz memory to minimize stocking issue.
Schertzy82
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December 13th, 2019 23:00
Ok that makes sense to me now, that the 2666MHz modules will work but will only go as fast as the processor allows. In my case, 2400MHZ. As you can tell, I'm not very well versed in this stuff. I saw that the modules Crucial listed for me were all 2666 and I thought I had to match the speed exactly for it to work. Then I opened my PC and saw the 2666 module in it and got really confused. But I think I get it now. So it looks like I'll be ordering a kit from Crucial to replace the 8GB module currently in it. Thanks again for all the help. I really appreciate it.