Question Dell Inspiron - number of memory slots?

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I looked for manuals at Dell and struck out in a quick search

Inspirons range from under 500 dollars to over 1000, so the number of slots may differ between models.

I saw spec sheet on an 800 dollar model that said the installed RAM was a single stick of 16 gb DDR4.

That might imply it has only one RAM slot, otherwise it would have 2 x 8? Hard to believe.

If it had 4, I'd be reluctant to add 2 sticks to the existing.
 
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@GeorgiaOverdrive.

If you need at least 128GB RAM, I don't think Dell Inspiron desktops are available in that configuration.

Perhaps you should be looking at a Dell Precision Workstation?

As an example, the 5820 Workstation has an option to upgrade the basic model from 16GB of RAM to 128GB (4x32GB), 192GB (6x32GB) or even 256GB (8x32GB). Prices are a bit steep though if you buy the RAM direct from Dell.

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/wor...rationid=58d02bbb-f710-4070-a028-c82d9bca93cd

What programs are you running that need at least 128GB?

If you're prepared to build your own PC, it would probably be cheaper than a preconfigured system from Dell.
 
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@Lafong.

Dell fit a single 16GB DIMM in the base-spec version of general purpose computers such as the Inspiron, because it's marginally cheaper than a 2x8GB kit.

A single 16GB DIMM might be $5 cheaper than two 8GB DIMMs and one DIMM takes less time to install on the production line. Every little cost cutting measure helps when you're assembling thousands of computers each month.

If a large corporation wants to lease several hundred basic Inspirons for undemanding office use, a saving of $5 per computer is very attractive to the firm's accountants.

The average office worker running Microsoft Word is not going to notice the difference between 16GB of RAM running in single-channel mode versus 2x8GB RAM in dual-channel mode.

I've worked in big companies where purchasing the lowest spec computer is the norm. More powerful computers are given to managers and executives as a status symbol, or to people whose jobs actually warrant a "better" machine.

From previous experience, I'd hazard a guess than most Inspirons contain a microATX motherboard with only two DIMM sockets. The small form-factor of some computers in the Inspiron range is a dead giveaway, regarding the size of the motherboard inside.

There's no point fitting a full ATX motherboard with 4 DIMM slots in a computer if most of the DIMM sockets and PCIe slots remain unpopulated for the entire life of the machine, when it's used in a large commercial office.

Inspirons (and similar HP desktops) are ideal for use as a basic home office computer, but not for gaming or more advanced programs.

The base model Inspiron 3020 (see link below) comes with basic UHD graphics built into the CPU. Dell provide an option foran RTX 3050 GPU, but that's too weak for most modern games.

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/des...p/spd/inspiron-3020-desktop/useithbts3020fyzr

Power supplies for the 3020 are listed as 180W Bronze or 300W Bronze. Dell must have confidence in these very basic units, but you couldn't fit a more powerful GPU unless you upgraded the PSU. This might not be possible because Dell PSUs may be non-standard (smaller than ATX), especially in small form-factor cases. There isn't enough room inside some cases for an ATX PSU.

If your intended use for the Inspiron is light office use and occasional web browsing, then it's one possible option, especially if you want to buy a pre-built.

For more demanding work or gaming, the Inspiron 3020 is NOT a good choice.

if you're hoping to upgrade the 3020 yourself, you'll find your options very limited indeed. I doubt it has more than two DIMM slots and the power supplies are very weak.
 
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Misgar said:
@GeorgiaOverdrive.

If you need at least 128GB RAM, I don't think Dell Inspiron desktops are available in that configuration.

Perhaps you should be looking at a Dell Precision Workstation?

As an example, the 5820 Workstation has an option to upgrade the basic model from 16GB of RAM to 128GB (4x32GB), 192GB (6x32GB) or even 256GB (8x32GB). Prices are a bit steep though if you buy the RAM direct from Dell.

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/wor...rationid=58d02bbb-f710-4070-a028-c82d9bca93cd

What programs are you running that need at least 128GB?

If you're prepared to build your own PC, it would probably be cheaper than a preconfigured system from Dell.
Click to expand...

Thanks, but the Dell workstation is too expensive, and I don't feel confident about building one. I looked at one of those sites for choosing parts, and I think there were hundreds of choices for just the case. I run some pretty big stuff. There are eight workstations here that each have 128GB and one that has 512GB. 128GB is the minimum for me, and more would be good. I think I can put in 48GB modules for a total of 192GB.
 
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Depending on where you live, there may be other (smaller) companies who specialise in custom builds for workstation users. You might find them cheaper than Dell and a good company will ask questions and guide your choices, depending on build requirements, preferred OS/programs and budget.

You might have to update the BIOS before updating to "non-binary" DIMMs such as 48GB.

Some systems including my HP servers can be fussy regarding hardware upgrades when the parts are non-OEM. I've no idea who manufactured your existing workstations but make sure they will accept third party RAM upgrades.
 
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Yes, there is a company here that builds computers. I can check with them.

I was thinking about the 48GB modules, but I didn't know about potential BIOS changes.

Are 64GB DDR5 (other than servers) expected anytime soon?

The workstations are all HP - Z420s, Z620s, and one Z820. They have all been upgraded with all types of memory. They seem to take it OK, except sometimes one one boot, then after about a minute the fans start running at high speed. The solution is to take out all memory, put in one stick, then add the rest.
 
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Consumer platforms will likely never see 64GB+ DIMM support unless 32Gb DRAM chips happen, and even then I'm not really sure AMD/Intel are going to be interested in officially supporting higher capacities. Most OEM systems that are going to be on the affordable side are unlikely to have 4 DIMM slots. You might be able to find a HP ProLiant Microserver for a reasonable cost as I know their entry price was pretty good last time I looked. So long as you didn't need a video card for whatever you're doing they'd be a great option.
 
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I only need a minimum graphics card (or built-in). I'll look at the server you mentioned.

There were quite a few HP 8200s around here, with four memory slots. They said that 4GB DDR3 was the maximum, but when 8GB modules came out, they took them just fine.

Thanks for your help (and others too).

PS - I recently got a Dell XPS for my desktop, with 128GB of RAM, with a 12th generation i7. I compared it to the old HP Z-series workstations (with 8-core hyperthreaded Xeons). On a single task, my new Dell was about 2x as fast, but on multithreaded tests, the Dell was nearly 5x faster than the old HP workstations! That makes me think that it is time for a change.
 
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My ancient HP ML350p Gen8 servers take two Xeon CPUs and up to 16 ECC DIMMs if I remember correctly. They can also accept full height PCIe graphics cards. You might find an affordable Gen9 or Gen10 chassis that suits your needs.
 
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