Desktops General - Read Only

[Nerf-Herder]

I ordered About 10 sticks of Dell SNPP9RN2C/8G For my T3500s , These are 8gb PC3-10600 sticks.

Here is a link. ( it is the 1st Type of Ram offered) 
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/PfydFeaturedCategoryResults.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&mfgpid=201...

After putting these sticks in a t3500 I was receiving "non optimal ram config" error (the bios see's the 8gb stick). I could not get rid of this so I tried to only put the 8gb stick in. This caused the pc to not boot at all.

After looking up some stuff I found the tech manual for the t3500. Reading this I found out the t3500 only supports up to a 4gb stick per slot. Then I thought why would dell make this the 1st option when you go to purchase upgrades for a t3500. Also, On the web page for the the RAM, The 1st table does not show the t3500 listed for compatibility. However, The list lower on the page does.

Now after all this I Find BIOS update A11 says this under "fixed & enhancements" "Enhanced the memory map algorithm for 128GB configuration" . After installing the latest BIOS update (A17) and trying the ram again, Only putting the 8gb stick in , I still dont boot.(http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/04/DriverDetails?driverId=J7N1X&fileId=2964784371 )

Does A17 not contain this memory change? Why would dell offer this ram for the t3500? Or am I just missing something?

[RoHe]

Have you tried installing a pair of those 8-GB sticks together in slots 1 and 2?

Are you sure you know which one is slot 1, etc? Slot 1 may or may not be the first physical slot and it may or may not be the slot closest to the CPU. Unfortunately, the manual doesn't show which one is slot 1.

I'll see if I can get a Dell tech to review your post and respond here...

[Nerf-Herder]

I do know the dimm slots. They are labeled on the board  starting with closet to CPU,  dimm1, dimm 4, dimm 2, dimm 5, dimm 3, dimm 6 , I have tried a pair in 1 and 2, also 3sticks in 1 2 and 3.

[speedstep]

YOU CANNOT USE 8 GIG Dimms.

Recommended Upgrade

12GB kit (4GBx3)  
DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.5V • 512Meg x 64 •  ...

Memory Type: DDR3 PC3-12800
Maximum Memory: 24GB
Slots: 6

T3500 memory configurator SR=Single Rank  DR = Dual Rank

You cannot mix and match

It is important to ensure that DIMMs with appropriate number of ranks are populated in each channel for optimal performance. Whenever possible, it is recommended to use dual-rank DIMMs in the system. Dual-rank DIMMs offer better interleaving and hence better performance than single-rank DIMMs.

For instance, a system populated with six 2GB dual-rank DIMMs outperforms a system populated with six 2GB single-rank DIMMs by 7% for SPECjbb2005. Dual-rank DIMMs are also better than quad-rank DIMMs because quad-rank DIMMs will cause the memory speed to be down-clocked.

Another important guideline is to populate equivalent ranks per channel. For instance, mixing one single-rank DIMM and one dual-rank DIMM in a channel is not recommended.

Size (GB)	DIMM Ranks	DIMM1	DIMM2	DIMM3	DIMM4	DIMM5	DIMM6	Channel Mode
1	SR	1 GB						Single
2	SR	1 GB	1 GB					Dual
3	SR	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB				Tri
4	SR	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB			Tri
4	DR	2 GB	2 GB					Dual
6	SR	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	Tri
6	DR	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB				Tri
12	DR	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB	Tri
12	DR	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB				Tri
24	DR	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB	Tri

[Nerf-Herder]

I am aware of this table, but thank you.

After testing everything possible I would agree. 8gig dimms do not work. I'm just a little salty that Dell offers it on the upgrade page, and also list it as compatible. This has been a major waste of time.

[speedstep]

Crucial Will stand behind memory that is Listed as  "Compatible" for your system.

They also will NOT rma memory that is picked at random that is not specifically "compatible"

:emotion-9:

[speedstep]

I am aware of this table, but thank you.

After testing everything possible I would agree. 8gig dimms do not work. I'm just a little salty that Dell offers it on the upgrade page, and also list it as compatible. This has been a major waste of time.

The Six Slots and 24 Gigs max should have been a red flag  aka 6 x 4 = 24 Gigs.

The max ram is not 6 x 8 = 48 Gigs.

[Nerf-Herder]

They also will NOT rma memory that is picked at random that is not specifically "compatible"

Who do you mean? elaborate please.

[speedstep]

If you do not use Crucial's memory configuration tool or choose ram that says compatible with your specific system they will not RMA ram that doesn't work because it is not compatible.

This is why I posted the "Recommended" upgrade.

Recommended Upgrade

12GB kit (4GBx3)  
DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.5V • 512Meg x 64 •  ...

Memory Type: DDR3 PC3-12800  (ECC)
Maximum Memory: 24GB
Slots: 6

[RoHe]

I was under the impression you bought tthe 8-GB RAM from Dell. Is that  an incorrect assumption from me?