Precision T3400 RAM limit and type

Question

Hello,

I'm looking at adding additional memory to my T3400 workstation. I've been checking this forum for info. Currently I have 2x2GB PC2-6400 ECC DDR2-800 (image attached).

Following a Crucial (memory) link I noticed they sell an 8GB kit (2x4GB)

http://www.crucial.com/eu/store/listparts.aspx?model=Precision%20Workstation%20T3400&Cat=RAM

1a) Would this mean I could have as mush as 16GB on my system?

1b) Could I use them with my current modules?

Anyway, following other crucial suggestions I can't find ECC modules at 800MHz, except for 1GB modules. Because I can't mix ECC with non-ECC:

2a) Can I mix DDR-800 with DDR-667? It will probably be slower.

2b) Can I mix PC2-6400 with say PC2-8500?

2c) Shall I get rid of my current modules (I can throw them on another T3400 I have) and get new kits alltogher?

2d) Which modules would you suggest? I was looking at:

DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64 • (Ballistix) @ €62,39 inc. VAT;

DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64 • @ €51,99 inc. VAT;

DDR2 PC2-8500 • CL=7 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-1066 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64 • (can I take advantage of 1066MHz?) @ €80,39 inc. VAT;

Any comments highly appreciatted. Rgs.,

xqzit · Accepted Answer

Hello,

1a) Yes, max is 16GB.

1b) The 8GB kit which Crucial is offering is a Non-ECC memory while your current memory is ECC. Mixing ECC and Non-ECC will not work so if you are going with the 8GB kit you need to make sure the ECC memory is removed.

2a) Yes, you can mix different speeds. Yes, you are right, when you install higher speed memory with lower speed memory the higher speed will default to the lower speed. So DDR2-800 will run at 667MHz rather than its original speed. The difference isn't that huge but still you wont be getting the 100% speed from the memory.

2b) As the above reply, same goes with PC2-6400 and PC2-8500. You won't be able to utilize PC2-8500 at its highest speed it should get automatically downclocked to 6400, so I'd recommend PC2-6400 so that there is less hassle and it is less costlier than 8500.

2c) Yes, you can install your existing memory in your other T3400 machine, but before deciding on that make sure the other machine uses ECC memory.

2d) My choice would be -

DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64 • @ €51,99 inc. VAT.

The reason is i'm not a big fan of paying excess Euros just for a lower CL memory (in this CL5 over CL6) so save your budget and spend it somewhere else. The difference is very minute and you won't be noticing it. Moreover, as I pointed out earlier PC2-8500 wont be able to run at 1066MHz instead it should run as the same speed as PC2-6400 800MHz... so again why pay the extra euros ?

If you need ECC memory then check this site which I googled - Memorystock.com or try in newegg or Amazon.

Cheers!!!

speedstep · Answer

Memory Type:DDR2 PC2-6400E (ECC)

Maximum Memory: 16GB Slots: 4

Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-5300, DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 PC2-8500 with a maximum of 4GB per slot.* \

You cannot Mix ECC with Non ECC and the ram should all be matching from the same vendor unless you are looking for trouble.

You cannot take advantage of 1066 Mhz.

Mr_Ninja · Answer

Hi,

Can anyone confirm that 16GB is supported in the T3400?

I have seen some info that says it needs at least A08 BIOS and/or that the memory needs to be ECC.

Crucial seem to be selling 8GB non-ECC kits, mentioned above, which leads to physically being able to put 16GB in a machine.

Do I have to spend £££ (and potentially throw the money away) on memory to test this?

I have read the Intel memory spec. on the X38 chipset and it says only 8GB, but it is dated 2008.

www.intel.com/.../318469.pdf

Thanks.

mknabster1 · Answer

I can tell you that I currently have 8GB running in mine, and i'm looking to upgrade to 16GB, but i'm having trouble finding a kit that's not overly expensive.

log1o · Answer

I bought an 8GB (2x4GB) kit from Crucial. The one I mentioned above. They're not the cheapest kit, but it was the only one I could find for 8GB.

It's slightly slower than the ones I had (667 vs 800MHz) but the extra ammount of RAM should more than compensate.

I'm looking at buying another kit to upgrade to 16GB, but will wait a while longer because of cost.

DanDickerson · Answer

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Metaltruss · Answer

I installed 16mb of ram and upgraded my OS to a 64bit windows 7 professional and it looks like it is only recognizing 8gb. What am I doing wrong? I have a Dell T3400 from about 2007 or 2008.

Thanks, Scott

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Precision T3400 RAM limit and type

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