Hey I have a old Alienware Aurora and I am in the process of attempting to upgrade the RAM. I am pretty sure I have the Alienware Aurora r1 but it could be an r2. Everywhere I look it just calls it a "Alienware Aurora"... I'm not very hardware savvy and just want to make sure I put the right RAM in there.
Anyways here are some of my current specs:
Processor: Intel Core i7 920 QC @ 2.66GHz
RAM: 3GB DDR3 1333 MHz (3 x 1GB 1333MHz each)
Video Card: ATI Radeon HD 5770
Honestly I think that is everything required to answer my questions. The main question I have is that I've read it has 6 slots for RAM. Is there a maximum I can put in each slot? I also read I can put a maximum of 24GB @ 1333MHz and 12GB @ 1600MHz, does that mean @ 1600MHz could be 3 x 4GB or would it have to be 6 x 2GB or does it not matter? I already purchased 4GB RAM of DDR3 1333Mhz PC3 10666, but I am thinking about just returning it and instead getting the same at 1600MHz. Now I have seen some people recommending putting in like 2GB in each slot for some other forum posts. Can I put a 4GB RAM into one slot or is the most I can put in one slot 2GB when @ 1600MHz? Also is there anything else I need to know before sending back and swapping for the other RAM? Basically my plans were to buy a 2 x 4GB 1600 MHz combo pack from Newegg and then when they refund the 1333MHz just buy another 4GB of 1600MHz RAM and adding that to the 8GB I already plan on putting in there... Honestly all of this has me going in circles and is so confusing. Can anyone clarify for me all of this? Obviously I plan on removing the 3GB already in there and starting fresh. Would I be able to fill 3 of the slots each with 4GB of 1600 MHz and if I can do I need to purchase them under any pretenses or can I buy a pack of 2 and then another 4GB of the same brand and almost the same model? Please let me know and thanks for your time.
Jonas200
97 Posts
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June 5th, 2014 01:00
you have the i7 920 CPU which comes with a x58 chipset...this means it was sold as the R1
The x58 chipset supports triple channel memory, but you are free to decide how many slots you want to use.
Your CPU won't benefit too much from 1600MHZ RAM...if it is cheaper go for 1333MHZ instead.
Generally, best results are obtained if you keep it simple i.e 3 x 2GB or 3 x 4GB - don't mix and match with different brands as the timings will likely be different and may cause you stability issues.
AstralExplorer
5 Posts
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June 5th, 2014 01:00
AstralExplorer
5 Posts
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June 5th, 2014 01:00
Jonas200
97 Posts
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June 5th, 2014 02:00
you should be able to put 4GB in one slot, but you should consult the R1 owner's manual to ensure you are putting them in the recommended slots. There are often differences between motherboards and this should be checked.
Triple channel is a technical term that refers to a way of plugging same sized RAM sticks in multiples of 3...theoretically it provides slightly better performance in your computer. But rarely ever worth the effort.
AAA737flyer
2 Intern
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757 Posts
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June 5th, 2014 06:00
amric1
52 Posts
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June 5th, 2014 08:00
Triple channel means that your mobo is optimized to have modules installed in sets of three. That doesn't mean that it won't boot up with 2 sticks, or even 1, but it will generally run best with 3.
As AAA737flyer told you, do not mix ram - you will have compatibility issues. Ram is sold in kits for a reason. 3 x 4 GB or 6 x 2GB - it's up to you. Some say fewer sticks is less stress on the memory controller, but I wouldn't lose sleep over it.
Your mobo has six slots. If you get a 3 module kit, use only the gray slots. I have been using the Corsair CMZ12GX3M3A1600C9 kit for the past 4 years with no issues.
Alienware-Naomi
6 Operator
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1.8K Posts
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June 5th, 2014 10:00
Hi everyone!
Just to clarify, the Aurora R1 supports up to 24 GB (1067 MHz and 1333 MHz) or 12 GB (1600 MHz XMP). The module capacities supported are 1 GB, 2 GB and 4 GB.
According to the Service Manual, the recommended configurations are slots 1, 3, and 5 or 1 - 6. Check the following guide:
AstralExplorer
5 Posts
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June 5th, 2014 16:00
So should I return the 4GB of 1333MHz RAM I bought and buy a 12GB (3 x 4GB) set or can I just buy 2 more (singular) of the exact same brand and model as the 4GB I just bought? Does it absolutely 100% have to be a set?
If you recommend returning it I am thinking about just buying 1600MHz instead of 1333MHz because it is only 10$ more expensive (for a 12GB set), would it be worth upgrading for gaming?
If it's worth upgrading to 1600MHz what exactly is 1600MHz XMP? Is that a specific type of 1600MHz RAM and how do I know if the RAM I am looking at is XMP?
If it's not worth upgrading then does the 1333MHz RAM I buy have to be a certain PC3# such as 10600, 10660, or 10666? Or does that not matter?
Also what are the specific brands of RAM suggested for my processor? I have read some brands are better for some processors, do you suggest CORSAIR the most?
Lastly with it being a "triple channel" if I just bought a 2-pack (2 x 4GB each) of RAM and only put in two memory sticks in the appropriate slots that would work right? I know it's recommended to do by 3's by technically speaking I could just put two sticks in and might not run into any problems?
Please answer these questions as I am going to take action tonight most likely so I can get the RAM ASAP as the game I want to upgrade for just launched two days ago. Thanks for all the help thus far!
Alienware-Naomi
6 Operator
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1.8K Posts
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June 6th, 2014 09:00
There are many different memory configurations. Different brands and speeds won't work well together, so that's why it's recommended to buy a set. You can install 2 or 3 memory sticks in the recommended configurations I posted above. As for gaming, 8GB should be more than enough.
AstralExplorer
5 Posts
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June 6th, 2014 18:00
Alienware-Naomi
6 Operator
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1.8K Posts
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June 9th, 2014 11:00
The description matches the specifications for the Aurora R1. However, I can't guarantee it will perform properly as this isn't a validated memory upgrade for this model.
I would recommend you buy the Dell certified memory. Send an email to alienhelp@dell.com to get more information.