New XPS 8300 - memory speed question

Question

Bought an XPS 8300 a few weeks ago just to play some games on (SWTOR, Skyrim, etc.). Loving the XPS so far, but I am considering upgrading the 8gb stock RAM to 16gb (just because).

In the Tech Specs, it says my XPS uses DDR3 PC3 10600. Now, it's been a while since I've built a PC, but IIRC, not all mobos can support all RAM speeds. I have the option to buy a 16gb Crucial or G.Skill kit at a great discount, but they are both DDR3 PC3 14900.

So I guess my question is: what RAM speeds does the XPS 8300 mobo support? Shopping around, it seems PC3 10600 is not very common, but higher speeds are.

Also, I've seen some info on building your RAM sets in pairs (which is what I'm used to--4gb, 8gb, 16gb, etc.), but newer info on building it in 3's for certain performance gains (6gb, 9gb, 12gb, etc.), depending on the mobo capabilities. Not sure if this applies to the 8300 or not?

Thanks in advance! :)

theflash1932 · Accepted Answer

PC3-12800: 12800 / 8 = 1600MHz

PC2-6400: 6400 / 8 = 800MHz

etc.

You can "usually" go a step or two over a stated spec, as the memory will clock down to the supported speed. So, 1333 is the supported spec - 1600 will usually work fine, and 1800/1866 will probably work too. 2000 might work, but at some point, the memory controller just can not longer deal with the speeds. DIMM layout and size is another limiting factor when exceeding memory specs ... saw a system that was spec'd at 1066 and 1600 would work, but only on 1GB DIMM's (2GB and 4GB DIMM's would not work).

Personally, I wouldn't go above 1600, and if exceeding spec, make sure you can return it if it doesn't work (like Crucial). Some controllers are pickier than others.

fireberd · Answer

From the Dell XPS8300 Manual: Memory type 1333 MHz DDR3 non- ECC memory only The Crucial memory site agrees wih the Dell specs.

Sylin · Answer

From the Dell XPS8300 Manual: Memory type 1333 MHz DDR3 non- ECC memory only The Crucial memory site agrees wih the Dell specs.  Crucial site also says their PC3-12800 1600 MHz RAM is compatible. I understand the MHz is related to the speed of the RAM. Not quite sure what the 'PC3-xxxxx' refers to, tho, although as it increases, so does the MHz, so I figure they are somehow related. I guess my question could be better phrased as: what's the highest speed memory I can install in my XPS 8300, and what other RAM specifications should I be paying attention to?

Sylin · Answer

PC3-12800: 12800 / 8 = 1600MHz

PC2-6400: 6400 / 8 = 800MHz

etc.

You can "usually" go a step or two over a stated spec, as the memory will clock down to the supported speed. So, 1333 is the supported spec - 1600 will usually work fine, and 1800/1866 will probably work too. 2000 might work, but at some point, the memory controller just can not longer deal with the speeds. DIMM layout and size is another limiting factor when exceeding memory specs ... saw a system that was spec'd at 1066 and 1600 would work, but only on 1GB DIMM's (2GB and 4GB DIMM's would not work).

Personally, I wouldn't go above 1600, and if exceeding spec, make sure you can return it if it doesn't work (like Crucial). Some controllers are pickier than others.

Excellent, thanks. That's what I needed to know! :)

Found a great 16gb set at 1333 MHz from a vendor with a generous return policy. Hoping it will work, but if not, I'm covered.

Thanks again!

RoHe · Answer

Latest version of BIOS for the XPS 8300 is A06. Dell BIOS don't allow RAM (or CPU) over-clocking so you're probably out of luck.

billjacobi · Answer

Dell community:

Curious if there is a BIOS upgrade that will let folks take advantage of DDR3-1600 in the Dell XPS 8300. Sandy Bridge generally has no issue with this speed if the BIOS is set to the right multiplier.

Thx, billjacobi

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New XPS 8300 - memory speed question

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