XPS 8930 RAM

Thanks, Vic,

Which do you think would be better: to keep the stick of 8, or just pull it out to get 2-channel mode, but with 8GB less RAM?

First, I have to say that the configuration you are planning is not in Dell's Memory Configuration Matrix, but it has been shown to work by others in this forum. I would put the 16GB memory modules in slots DIMM1 and DIMM2 (slots with the white colored securing clips) and the 8GB module in DIMM3.Because the 8GB module is not pair with another 8GB module, all your memory will operate in single channel mode. There is some performance degradation in single channel mode but you will probably not notice it. Given the current lower price of memory I would consider pairing the 8GB module. I have had success purchasing memory from crucial.com.

I would keep the 8GB and run in single channel mode; in my opinion, it is better to put it to use. The link, at the bottom, is an article that concludes there is little real world difference between single vs dual channel

https://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/1349-ram-how-dual-channel-works-vs-single-channel

Hi,
This is Geoffrey from Dell Social Support team.
I did check your system details and I see your system is shipped with an 8GB 1x8GB DDR4 2666MHz memory.

The system has:
4 UDIMM slots
Per memory module slot: 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB
Total memory: 8 GB, 16 GB, 24 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB

To add 16GB to your system: You will need to put the memory in the DIMM1 and DIMM3 slot

I hope, I was able to answer your query.

@Dell-Geoffrey RMemory needs to go in slots DIMM1 and DIMM2 first. The Service Manual error goes back to the XPS 8910 and is in the manuals for the XPS 8920 & XPS 8930. Memory needs to be installed in slots with matching colored securing clips (either white or black) and those slots are DIMM1 & DIMM2 (white) and DIMM3 & DIMM4 (black) if you want the computer memory to operate in dual channel mode..

Also in error is the Memory Configuration Matrix. Not only does the matrix show the incorrect slots to be paired, it does not show all available configurations. @Columbian 's memory configuration, as delivered by Dell, is an example of a configuration not in the matrix (8GB of memory in a single memory module).

There are probably many users that install paired memory modules in DIMM1 & DIMM3 and see that the total memory is correct but do not realize that their computer is operating in single channel mode.