Question RAM lesson please for Dell Optiplex 990 (can i use server memory?)

[BNDAZ]

I have a DELL optiplex 990 running an older i7 that i want to upgrade a bit with more ram and an SSD. the unit(from Dell spec sheet says: Non-ECC dual-channel 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM

i would like to pick up a 4x4gb kit as cheap as possible(used is fine) and i am finding some things on eBay with those specs but are listed as "Server Memory". Is that something i can use or no? Any other insight on what i should avoid or look for with those specs i listed? Thank you !

 

[richiestang_78]

If it is non-ECC then yes, if it is ECC memory which I believe most server memory is then no. If it doesn't specifically list what it is, I wouldn't buy it.

DDR3 is pretty cheap, you can usually find 8GB for roughly 10 or 20 bucks.

 

[BNDAZ]

If it is non-ECC then yes, if it is ECC memory which I believe most server memory is then no. If it doesn't specifically list what it is, I wouldn't buy it.

DDR3 is pretty cheap, you can usually find 8GB for roughly 10 or 20 bucks.

Thanks, im look for a 4x4GB kit Any suggestion on best place to shop?

 

[richiestang_78]

Why are you looking for a 4x4GB kit? Two 8GB sticks would be just fine.

Just check ebay, crasiglist, Facebook Market Place etc. If you have a computer recycling place sometimes they also sell the good parts out of PCs like RAM, CPUs etc.

 

[BNDAZ]

Why are you looking for a 4x4GB kit? Two 8GB sticks would be just fine.

Just check ebay, crasiglist, Facebook Market Place etc. If you have a computer recycling place sometimes they also sell the good parts out of PCs like RAM, CPUs etc.

the board has 4 slots and a 16 gb max i just presumed 4x4>
Will it take 2x8 and just leave two slots open?

 

[richiestang_78]

No you can just use two sticks. You will need to install them in slots A1 and B1 in order to get dual channel mode

https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_optiplex_desktop/optiplex-990_service manual2_en-us.pdf


The only issue I see is that Dells can have some memory compatibility issues for non Dell RAM. Crucial I believe has the best track record of working. Its been a long time since I owned a Dell so I don't remember exactly.

 

[BNDAZ]

No you can just use two sticks. You will need to install them in slots A1 and B1 in order to get dual channel mode

https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_optiplex_desktop/optiplex-990_service manual2_en-us.pdf


The only issue I see is that Dells can have some memory compatibility issues for non Dell RAM. Crucial I believe has the best track record of working. Its been a long time since I owned a Dell so I don't remember exactly.

excellent, thank you !

 

[william p]

Dells need low density RAM which is X64, not "AMD" x128 modules. An Optiplex will need UDIMM memory. Some server RAM is RDIMM and needs a server chipset to work. Some people report systems using ECC RAM and just ignoring the extra chip, but no guarantee it will work for you. Crucial.com will guarntee their kits.

 

[lynx1021]

Crucial says you can only use a maximum of 4GB in each slot, needs to be low density like the memory in my P45T &P43T boards. See my signature. Used sticks of KTD-XPS730BS/4G are supposed to work .
Crucial https://www.newegg.com/crucial-8gb-...&cm_re=CT2K51264BD160B-_-20-156-050-_-Product

 

[william p]

Nemix sells Dell Optiplex specific kits also.
https://www.nemixram.com/