Table 3. Memory

FEATURE	SPECIFICATION
Memory connector	Two SODIMM slots
Memory capacity	4 GB or 8 GB
Memory type	DDR3L SDRAM (1600 MHz)
Minimum memory	4 GB
Maximum memory	16 GB

 

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/precision-m2800-workstation/dellprecisionm2800_om-v1/technical-specifications?guid=guid-a5e695f5-4a5d-4e8d-a739-8adf87e15ff4&lang=en-us

Regards,

U2

He's in MI and I'm in CT. I don't think he's every upgraded a laptop, but I'm willing to talk him through it long distance.

New question:

What is the worst that could happen if the max system RAM is exceeded by 12GB? I will abandon the idea if there's no conclusive answer to that, or if the motherboard could be damaged.

The system will work with either DDR3 or DDR3L memory, so unless it's damaged by a static shock (unplug and disconnect the battery before installing), worst case is the system will fail to POST with the RAM installed.

 

You can only try, but it's not supported - this system is 8G/slot max.

 

Welcome to the Dell Community @dgphotog 

The M2800 takes DDR3L!!!

What type are you trying to use???

Is it DDR4???

If so then it will not fit.

Best regards,

U2