Optiplex 7000 SFF RAM Upgrade

Question

Hi,

I want to upgrade the RAM on my Optiplex 7000 SFF from the standard installed 16GB (2x8GB) to 32GB (2x16). I used the Crucial website to identify 2 x CP2k16G4DFRA32A DDR4 Pro modules, which I purchased. However, the PC stopped during POST with 2 x amber & 5 white flashing LEDs, which indicate 'Invalid Memory Installed'. The new Crucial RAM was installed in slots 1 & 2 and the BIOS is at the latest version.

I contacted Crucial and they confirmed that the RAM modules were compatible. I then contacted Dell Support and was advised that the Crucial RAM modules are not compatible.

I then tried 2 x Corsair Vengeance LPX CMK32GX4M2E3200C16 modules and they too stopped during POST with the same 2 x amber & 5 white flashing LEDs, which indicate 'Invalid Memory Installed'.

Has anyone else come across this problem?

Thanks

bradthetechnut · Answer

Newer Optiplex's have a more minimal list of supported RAM.

Please see this post by @redxps630 : Optiplex 7000 user validated ram

As for Crucial, normally their RAM works in Dell's, but not some of the latest ones. A few years ago, twice I emailed them with proof from a Dell Tech Guide when they had the wrong RAM listed for a unit that wasn't working for users. They never changed it.

The links in the post I linked show a valid list, but don't go to the product though.

bradthetechnut · Answer

Also from a post I made a while back. dell optiplex 7000MT DDR5 Ram campatibility :

A safe bet? 4800MHz RAM as sold by Dell for 7000 MT: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/pfydresults/274763?categoryId=2999&sid=51

@redxps630 is right about the slightly slower speeds for the MT. Yet, the micro has 4800MHz specified.

Smithy50 · Answer

Firstly, thanks for taking the time to respond to my question.

I have not looked at all the RAM modules in the compatibility list, but the ones I have looked at are DDR5, except for the Kingston kdk8nx-mie, but that seems to be a discontinued item. My Optiplex 7000 SFF is DDR4. Do you know of any currently available DDR4 modules that are compatible?

bradthetechnut · Answer

Not cheap, but here we go.

Optiplex 7000 Small Form Factor Parts & Upgrades Dell Memory Upgrade - 16GB - 1RX8 DDR4 UDIMM 3200MHz

Since I saw Samsung listed in redxps' list: Samsung M378A2G43AB3-CWE 16GB DDR4 3200MHz PC4-25600 1.2V 1Rx8 288-Pin UDIMM Desktop RAM Memory Module https://a.co/d/aXct7Gi

Ok, so safest bet is going to be the Dell RAM. As for Samsung, the same RAM module listed in redxps' list, so there's a good chance of it working.

Also a safer bet, and I think you're on it already: I wouldn't chance mixing brands in these newer Optiplex's until we know more from other users. I've seen in both in this forum and the Precision forum whereas RAM gets mixed and the unit doesn't work. Then the original RAM is reinstalled, and the unit still doesn't come to life.

Smithy50 · Answer

Once again thanks for the response to my post.

I have several older Optiplex 7xxx SFF PCs, which I have upgraded the RAM on without any issue. This is the first time I have come across the problem. I really like the Dell Optiplex SFF PCs. My older ones are not Windows 11 compliant, which is one of the reasons I bought this new 7000.

I never mix RAM modules of different type or manufacturer, hence why I wanted to remove the 2 x 8GB Dell supplied modules and replace them with 2 x 16GB modules.

I guess that If we were going to produce a list of non-compliant RAM modules for the Dell Optiplex 7000 SFF, we could start with the Crucial CP2k16G4DFRA32A DDR4 Pro and the Corsair Vengeance LPX CMK32GX4M2E3200C16. It's disappointing that Crucial Tech Support confirmed their modules were compliant when I asked them.

The Dell supplied modules are SK Hynix 8GB 1Rx16 PC4-3200AA HMAA1GU6CJR6N, so I could try and get another pair of these modules and install them in slots 3 & 4 to achieve my aim of having 32GB of RAM.

bradthetechnut · Answer

Dell does often use Hynix for their OEM.

Optiplex Desktops

Optiplex 7000 SFF RAM Upgrade

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