Upgrading RAM on Dell Optiplex 3020 MT.

[Debra321]

Hello, I am looking to upgrade my ram from 4gb to 12gb for video editing and some hard-core gaming. My current ram installed, according to CPU-Z, is http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/product/computing-dram/detail?productId=7782&iaId=693
I was wondering if this ram here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crucial-CT102464BA160B-PC3-1600-Unbuffered-Memory/dp/B00AZGZFGS/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1421252569&sr=1-1&keywords=8GB+DDR3+PC3-12800+Unbuffered+NON-ECC+1.5V+1024Meg+x+64
would be compatible with the CPU, Mobo and other ram stick.
Thanks for any help in advance,
If any more details are needed I can post on the thread.
-Debra

 

[dwatterworth]

That should work. There may be stability issues with the two memory sticks running in dual channel mode, but most likely not. You'll have 8gb in dual channel mode and the second 4gb of the new stick will be mapped as a third section running in single channel mode.

I don't see that exact stick under compatible/certified memory but it should be fine.

 

[Debra321]

Hi dwatterworth, Thanks for your reply so soon! I dont believe my computer is running dual channel mode, And what do you mean with the stability issues? Does this mean like lag spikes or...

 

[dwatterworth]

Oh, not lag spikes. Sometimes memory modules, even from the same manufacturer, type/speed, can have issues when it comes to different sticks being matched up. That's why there are certain kits (typically dual, triple and quad channel kits) which have 2 or more memory sticks that are certified to work 100% with eachother.

Dual channel for memory in a simple way to think about it is two highways for information. Theoretically dual channel can transmit twice the amount of data at a given speed that single channel can. Dual channel mode on your computer will automatically configure when you plug that second memory stick in, that's all. In reality, it affects gaming and mainstream application performance very little.

For the stability issues I spoke of, it can show up as blue screens, hanging and other similar behaviors.

There is a very high chance that you will not experience any of these issues, especially given the standard speeds and other specifications of the existing memory and the new memory that you linked, just something to keep in mind and know that there is a very small chance that it won't work correctly.

 

[Debra321]

Ahh, right okay I see. If I did have any problems, like the Blue screen, would removing the newly installed Ram stick correct this? Thanks

 

[dwatterworth]

Correct, removing the ram would put the system back to exactly as it was. In this case, if there is an issue, remove the old memory and keep the larger capacity stick in place.

I'm not sure if Dell has options for memory timing, but if there is (unlikely) an issue, there are finer adjustments with plenty of easy to follow guides on how to potentially correct the problem yourself.

 

[Debra321]

Thank you very much for all your help! Only thing I would say with removing the smaller Ram stick, what if the 8gb stick was not compatible with the mobo rather than the other Ram stick, would this damage my computer in any way?

 

[dwatterworth]

You're welcome! Nope, no damage will occur. You would just swap the working stick back in and away you go.

When installing the stick, just remember to discharge any potential static electricity you might have built up. Something like a metal door frame, metal table, anything that can give you a good 'zap' of static discharge when you touch it should accomplish that. It's not a serious problem, more like a safety precaution. I haven't had anything damaged from static after building upwards of 40 computers, but you never know!

 

[Debra321]

Thank you so much for your help! I have already heard of the problems with static energy as well, I will be sure to "discharge" my self just in case any damage occurs. I'm going to buy the Ram stick now and I just hope it causes no problems! As you said the Ram sticks have pretty similar specifications so should run together. Once again thank you so much!