Dell OptiPlex DDR3 Memory Compatibility Guide
Summary: Reference the DDR3 Memory Compatibility Guide for the Dell OptiPlex series.
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This article is not tied to any specific product.
Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Instructions
Table of Contents:
1. Memory Speeds
Some confusion has been created due to the difference in the listings for speed ("MHz"), and the way memory is described from a sales standpoint ("personal computer XXXXXX"). The listings below should resolve any confusion.
| PC3-6400 | 800 MHz |
| PC3-8500 | 1066 MHz |
| PC3-10666 | 1333 MHz |
| PC3-12800 | 1600 MHz |
| PC3-14900 | 1866 MHz |
| PC3-17000 | 2133 MHz |
Only showing 4 GB?
To fully use 4 GB or more of memory, require a 64-bit enabled processor and 64-bit operating system. With 32-bit operating system, the total amount of available memory will be less than 4 GB. The amount less depends on the computer configuration. See the following Microsoft article: Memory Limits for Windows Releases 
2. Model Compatibility Matrix
NOTE: Best practice is to install memory in pairs of matched memory Size, Speed, and Technology. If the memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance.
NOTE: DDR3 and DDR3L
Below memory compatibility will be DDR3 unless stated otherwise. (example: DDR3L)
DDR3 is not backward-compatible with DDR2.
DDR3 and DDR3L are socket compatible, however, It is NOT compatible with computers using 4th Generation Intel (Haswell) processors, which exclusively support 1.35 V operation for memory.
Example:
System will shut down early in POST with a specific error code or beep code. Technical Support must verify that the right memory is used on these computers to prevent unnecessary dispatches.
Below memory compatibility will be DDR3 unless stated otherwise. (example: DDR3L)
DDR3 is not backward-compatible with DDR2.
DDR3 and DDR3L are socket compatible, however, It is NOT compatible with computers using 4th Generation Intel (Haswell) processors, which exclusively support 1.35 V operation for memory.
Example:
System will shut down early in POST with a specific error code or beep code. Technical Support must verify that the right memory is used on these computers to prevent unnecessary dispatches.
For older legacy computers not listed below, check your computer manual for more information about hardware compatibility. https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/
| Model | Dimm Slots | Max Memory | Memory Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| OptiPlex 3010 (MT, DT, SSF, USFF) | 2 | 8 Gb | 1333/1600MHz |
| OptiPlex 7010 (MT, DT, SFF) | 4 | 16 Gb | 1333/1600MHz |
| OptiPlex 7010 (USFF) | 2 | 16 Gb | 1333/1600MHz |
| OptiPlex 9010 All-In-One | 2 | 16 Gb | 1333/1600MHz |
| OptiPlex 9010 (MT, DT, SFF) | 4 | 32 Gb | 1333/1600MHz |
| OptiPlex 9010 (USFF) | 2 | 16 Gb | 1333/1600MHz |
| OptiPlex 9020 (MT, SFF) | 4 | 32 Gb | 1600 MHz (DDR3 Non-ECC) |
| OptiPlex 9020 (USFF Micro) | 2 | 16 Gb | 1600 MHz (DDR3) |
| OptiPlex 3020 (USFF Micro) | 2 | 16 Gb | 1600 MHz (DDR3) |
| OptiPlex XE2 (MT, SFF) | 4 | 32 Gb | 1600 MHz |
| OptiPlex 3011 All-In-One | 2 | 8 Gb | 1333/1600MHz |
| OptiPlex 9020 All-In-One | 2 | 16 Gb | 1333/1600MHz (DDR3L memory only) |
| OptiPlex 790 | 4 | 16 Gb | 1333 MHz |
| OptiPlex 3030 All-In-One | 2 | 16 Gb | 1600 MHz (DDR3L memory Only) |
| OptiPlex 3050 | 2 | 16 Gb | 2133 MHz* (DDR4) (*with Intel 6th Gen CPUs or 7th Gen Celeron dual core CPU) |
| OptiPlex 7020 (MT and SFF) | 4 | 16 Gb | 1600 MHz (DDR3/DDR3L Non-ECC) |
| OptiPlex 9030 All-In-One | 2 | 16 Gb | 1600 MHz |
| OptiPlex 7040 (Micro) | 2 | 16 Gb | 2133 MHz (DDR4 Synch DRAM)) |
| OptiPlex 7040 (SFF, MT) | 4 | 64 Gb | 2133 MHz (DDR4) |
| OptiPlex 5040 (MT) | 4 | 16 Gb | 1600 MHz (DDR3L memory only) |
| OptiPlex 5040 (SFF) | 4 | 32 Gb | 1600 MHz (DDR3L) |
| OptiPlex 3040 SFF, MT, and Micro | 2 | 16 Gb | 1600 MHz (DDR3L memory only) |
| OptiPlex 7440 All-In-One | 2 | 16 Gb | 1600 MHz (DDR4 Non-ECC) |
NOTE: Voltage
DDR4 improved power efficiency over DDR3 and DDR3L memory technologies. Reducing DDR3L DRAM I/O voltage from 1.35 V used to 1.2 V.
DDR4 improved power efficiency over DDR3 and DDR3L memory technologies. Reducing DDR3L DRAM I/O voltage from 1.35 V used to 1.2 V.
Affected Products
Optiplex 3010, OptiPlex 3011, OptiPlex 3020M, OptiPlex 3030 All-In-One, OptiPlex 3040 Micro, OptiPlex 3040 Small Form Factor, OptiPlex 3040 Tower, OptiPlex 3050 Tower, OptiPlex 3050 Micro, OptiPlex 3050 Small Form Factor, OptiPlex 5040 Tower
, OptiPlex 5040 Small Form Factor, OptiPlex Tower 7010, OptiPlex Micro 7010, OptiPlex Small Form Factor 7010, OptiPlex Micro 7020, OptiPlex 7020 Small Form Factor (End of Life), OptiPlex Small Form Factor 7020, OptiPlex 7040 Tower, OptiPlex 7040 Micro, OptiPlex 7040 Small Form Factor, OptiPlex 7440 All-In-One, OptiPlex 790, OptiPlex 9010, OptiPlex 9010 All-In-One, OptiPlex 9020 All-In-One, Optiplex 9020, OptiPlex 9020M, OptiPlex 9030 All-In-One, OPTIPLEX XE2
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Article Properties
Article Number: 000132428
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 04 Dec 2025
Version: 8
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