Dell community users report that Dell BIOS/UEFI intentionally limits Alienware 17 R4 to use a maximum RAM of 32GB.
If 64GB installed, the system will only use 32GB. The Alienware 17 Series finished with R5. Dell has no plans to change their BIOS so that Alienware 17 Series can use 64GB.
If physical RAM insufficient, Windows 10 virtual RAM should be used, with OS (C:) ultrafast M.2 NVMe solid state drive.
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Hi @U2CAMEB4ME welcome to this user to user forum.
Our Alienware 17 R5 has max physical RAM of 32GB and our virtual RAM is another 32GB min to 64 GB max (potential RAM of 96GB). We also have a 1TB OS(C:) ultrafast M.2 NVMe solid state drive. Our system processing performance is adequate at the moment.
Our two DDR4 RAM slots use SODIMMs. SIMMs are a type of memory module containing random-access memory used in computers from the early 1980s to the late 1990s.
[This user does not work for Dell and volunteers their free time. Please remember to say thank you by clicking on my thumb up icon.]
I read on a forum, don't remember where, that an alienware owner of an R3 laptop installed the two 32gb modules and was working fine.
I'll give it a try later, if I can purchase the modules and if it does not work I'm allowed to return them. (it's an expensive gamble if i need to keep them without using them).
I need to upgrade my ram for a presentation early next week, is an architecture project and the files became too big to process the VR software, so my only option now is a couple of 16Gb 3.2ghz modules, I know that my Alienware runs up to 2667ghz memory... does the faster Ram modules work in my laptop even if they run slower than the laptops speed capacity? or they will not run at all?
Hi @RUBEN ESCOBAR Alienware 17 R4 Setup and Specifications (physical) Memory says RAM speeds of 2133 MHz, 2400 MHz, and 2667 MHz with Configurations of 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB are supported. Check that your 3200 MHz RAM modules will run at a slower speed (most, but not all will).
Windows 10 gives you the additional option of your OS (C:) drive to use virtual RAM.
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Hi @RUBEN ESCOBAR found 17 R3, 64GB or 128GB ram upgrade?. Please be aware that if Dell recommendations are not followed, the Dell Warranty does not cover use of parts that are not recommended (either directly or indirectly). If your system stops working, its your fault.
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crimsom
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Posted December 20th, 2020 14:00
Hi @alex1987br, @RUBEN ESCOBAR welcome to this user to user forum.
Dell community users report that Dell BIOS/UEFI intentionally limits Alienware 17 R4 to use a maximum RAM of 32GB.
If 64GB installed, the system will only use 32GB. The Alienware 17 Series finished with R5. Dell has no plans to change their BIOS so that Alienware 17 Series can use 64GB.
If physical RAM insufficient, Windows 10 virtual RAM should be used, with OS (C:) ultrafast M.2 NVMe solid state drive.
[This user does not work for Dell and volunteers their free time. Please remember to say thank you by clicking on my thumb up icon.]