How to work 2x8ddr3

[ezekiel214]

I have a dell optiplex 980, and I have bought 2x8 DDR3 ram. It’s the right one, only it won’t work. I’ve read other threads but all I think so far is that I need a new motherboard?!?! Can someone plz correct me.

 

[Vic 40]

Tested each stick on it's own?

If having four slots use the second slot from the cpu first,but do try all if necessary.

 

[william p]

The first thing is the manual lists support for 4GB modules, not 8GB. Page 4
http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_optiplex_desktop/optiplex-980_service%20manual_en-us.pdf
I've run bigger modules but it's not a sure thing. Dells almost always require low density RAM which is x64 in the description, not x128. This is what Crucial.com sells and guarantees to work.
http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for//optiplex-980-mini-tower
You say you "have the right ones" but since that size isn't supported and you gave no part# I'm not so sure.
There's a very good chance that x64 8GB modules will work but it's not a sure thing.

 

[ezekiel214]

Tested each stick on it's own?

If having four slots use the second slot from the cpu first,but do try all if necessary.

I tried this but what happens is that the screen filled with read dots or green lines. With booth sticks the system will boot to the loading windows logo but than it will give me a blue screen, than restarts.

 

[ezekiel214]

The first thing is the manual lists support for 4GB modules, not 8GB. Page 4
http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_optiplex_desktop/optiplex-980_service%20manual_en-us.pdf
I've run bigger modules but it's not a sure thing. Dells almost always require low density RAM which is x64 in the description, not x128. This is what Crucial.com sells and guarantees to work.
http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for//optiplex-980-mini-tower
You say you "have the right ones" but since that size isn't supported and you gave no part# I'm not so sure.
There's a very good chance that x64 8GB modules will work but it's not a sure thing.

So can I swap out the mother board, because it’s pretty old so I don’t care to swap it... unless thats how it works

 

[william p]

16 GB on that system would be 4x4GB 512x64 modules. if you have 2- 1028x64 8GB modules they might work, might not. if you have 2- 512x128 8GB modules they're unlikely to work. Does your MB work with the recommended 512x64 4GB modules? If it does then the MB is working properly.
https://www.dell.com/community/Desktops-General/OptiPlex-980-16GB-RAM-Issue/td-p/4447788
The memory controller is on the CPU. Some CPUs don't support 16GB.
Dell flat out says 8GB modules won't work.

 

[ezekiel214]

16 GB on that system would be 4x4GB 512x64 modules. if you have 2- 1028x64 8GB modules they might work, might not. if you have 2- 512x128 8GB modules they're unlikely to work. Does your MB work with the recommended 512x64 4GB modules? If it does then the MB is working properly.
https://www.dell.com/community/Desktops-General/OptiPlex-980-16GB-RAM-Issue/td-p/4447788
The memory controller is on the CPU. Some CPUs don't support 16GB.
Dell flat out says 8GB modules won't work.

Ohhhhh, I think I get it. So to use my 2x8 sticks I would have to get a new motherboard/cpu witch will support that... right? I’m sorry, I’m new to this

 

[william p]

It's not common knowledge. Newer computers don't have this issue. You could just get 4x4GB of the correct x64 RAM. Motherboard swaps in Dells almost never go well. 8GB modules probably didn't exist when that was built. You shouldn't have any trouble selling those.

 

[william p]

The thing about Dells is they're different than other computers. Most aftermarket computers follow the ATX standard so part interchange almost universally.
Dell makes enough of each model that they can justify making them "unique". Also this discourages modification, which is actually a plus in business computers for service and warranty reasons. Playing with Dells is to some extent a separate hobby from general computing.