37 Posts

3411

June 29th, 2022 02:00

MEMORY UPGRADE - INSPIRON 24 5400 AIO

Good Day Everyone!

I apologise if this has been asked before but I can't seem to find a definitive answer on the boards, so here goes!

I wish to upgrade my memory on my current system which is:

   - Dell Inspiron 24 5400 AIO - 8gb Hynix (OEM) DDR4 3200Mhz RAM, Intel i5 - 1135G7 (11h Gen)@2.40Ghz.

I am not able to buy Crucial RAM at 3200Mhz as they are out of stock.  I can buy the RAM at 2666Mhz.  I won't buy the Dell RAM as it is way overpriced.

My configured clock speed (using WMIC) is 2666Mhz but the speed of the RAM shows 3200Mhz.  The Dell user manual states 266Mhz RAM for my system.

Will it be ok to use the Crucial 266Mhz RAM in my system (2 x 8GB) or must I use 3200Mhz RAM (which is what Dell initially installed).

Thanks for your help.

 

9 Legend

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13.9K Posts

June 30th, 2022 00:00

no need to be puzzled by why Dell spec says 2666 while using 3200 ram.  what can be relied on is user validated data.  You do not have to buy Dell ram.  Just look for ram that exactly matches user validated ram for 5400 on eBay UK.  e.g.,

(1)  HMA81GS6DJR8N-XN 1x8GB18CF0688-BBD9-4658-A397-72E9FC0603C9.jpeg

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394048687588

(2) HMA82GS6DJR8N-XN 1x16GB

FD077C19-9C48-49A9-98C0-5B3617498885.jpeg

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134142032577

1 Rookie

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78 Posts

June 30th, 2022 10:00

@Davie F,

The 3200 MHz vs. 2666 MHz confusion is because of how the RAM is used by the processor and Dell wanting to simplify the parts inventory.

Dell can just stock up on all 3200 MHz memory and put in any machine they make.  Depending on the chipset and processor on the system, the RAM will automatically step down to 2666 MHz as needed.  3200 MHz Ram modules are designed to do that.

So, while the configuration page may say 2666 MHz, that's just the speed of the Ram running in that particular configuration.  The lower end i3 usually only tops out at 2666 MHz even while using 3200 MHz ram, while the i5 (from 11th gen and up) thru i9 go to 3200 MHz.  So, same bin of ram parts to grab from for any configuration being built.  Sometimes even if the processor can run faster, the chipset on the motherboard may not, so that can keep the speed down to 2666 MHz as well.

My suggestion, if you are mixing with already installed ram, stick with the same 3200 MHz speed and CL rating (which is harder to find out but is typically CL22) as what is already installed.  But, if swapping them out completely, then you could step down to actual 2666 MHz ram if you needed to.

1 Rookie

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78 Posts

July 1st, 2022 09:00

@Davie F 

Ah, yes, that is a different animal.

I don't know much about that, honestly.  My own build (a non-Dell machine) does not have that option even though I'm running Win 11 Pro.  However, my son has a Dell 3891 (the desktop Inspiron) with Win 11 Home, so I can check his out.  But I did add ram to his machine when we got it last December.  I stuck a second 8 GB ram stick by Crucial that matched the stock Samsung made 8 GB stick that came with it.  Nothing was triggered, and I had no problems with it.

But, someone else with a bit more knowledge of that will have to chime in. 

From what I briefly looked up, it sometimes automatically triggers if using a Microsoft account, and the machine is set, or not set, with certain sleep mode options.  My son's PC is set only with a local account.  My wife also has a Dell - in fact, the same AIO that you listed as having.  But it's still on Win 10.  Hers was purchased just over a year ago, and she didn't want Win 11 when it was offered as an update.  Hers is also only used with a local account.

9 Legend

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12.5K Posts

June 29th, 2022 05:00

The support page here states 3200 but 2666 will work. If you go with 2666 then yes purchase 2 x 2666 RAM modules. However that 3200 RAM module is available here and it is Crucial RAM.

37 Posts

June 29th, 2022 09:00

HI JOcean,

Many thanks for your reply however, it has confused me slightly!

I followed the link you gave me and it takes me to a document called:

-  Inspiron 5400 2 n 1 Set Up and Specifications (Revision A01 dated 2020).  It sure enough states 3200Mhz RAM but it shows Intel 10th Gen CPU.

The document I have from Dell is titled:  - Dell 24 5400 Setup and Specifications. This document is Revision A02 dated August 2021.  This states 2666Mhz memory on page 19 and Intel 11th Gen CPU.  I don't think I can copy it into this message.

As the document I have states 2666Mhz memory, I wondered why Dell have inserted a 3200Mhz SODIMM when they built the AIO?

WMIC shows my RAM speed as 3200 and my configured clock speed at 2666.  My question was really should I go with what the manual states or what Dell have put in the AIO?

Thanks for your time and reply.

9 Legend

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13.9K Posts

June 29th, 2022 16:00

The Dell validated memory for 24 5000 are

Memory RAM module (DIMM), 8GB, 3200, 1RX16, 16, DDR4, NS

8GB, 1x8GB, DDR4 Non-ECC
Dell KRVFX
Memory RAM module (DIMM), 16GB, 3200, 1RX8, 16, DDR4, NS

16 GB, 1 x 16 GB, DDR4, 3200Mhz Non-ECC, SODIMM
Dell 1CXP8

 

to buy memory directly from Dell is indeed expensive as they include QA premium, but you can buy genuine Dell ram from third party at lower price.

KRVFX - DIMM, 8GB, 3200, 1RX16, 16, DDR4, NS Memory | eBay

1CXP8 - Dimm, 16GB, 3200, 1RX8, 16, DDR4, NS | eBay

37 Posts

June 29th, 2022 22:00

Hi Again redxps30,

Many thanks for sending over these links - it is very much appreciated.  Unfortunately these are in the US and as I am in the UK, it would cost lots to buy them and send them over.

I am still not sure though why Dell are using 3200Mhz RAM in my system, which clearly states the system memory speed is 2666Mhz?

Do you know why this is and can I use 2666Mhz RAM?

Thanks for your time 

Davie

9 Legend

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13.9K Posts

June 29th, 2022 23:00

not sure why Dell 24-5400 spec says 2666 when the low power 11th gen cpu memory spec is 3200.

here are user benchmark validated ram for Inspiron 5400.  by the way Dell Inspiron naming is confusing.  the Inspiron 24 5000 original is for Intel 7th gen cpu.  If we add 100 to model # for each newer gen, 5000->7th gen, 5400->11th gen.

       
Unknown HMA81GS6DJR8N-XN 1x8GB 123x 44% - -
Samsung M471A1K43DB1-CWE 1x8GB 85x 45% - -
Unknown HMAA1GS6CJR6N-XN 1x8GB 77x 39% - -
Unknown KKRVFX-MIE 2x8GB 34x 71% - -
Unknown 4ATF1G64HZ-3G2E2 1x8GB 30x 38% - -
Unknown HMAA2GS6AJR8N-XN 1x16GB 27x 48% - -
Unknown HMA82GS6DJR8N-XN 1x16GB 26x 46% - -
HMA81GS6DJR8N-XN 80AD HMA851S6DJR6N-XN 12GB 22x 66% - -
Unknown 8ATF1G64HZ-3G2J1 1x8GB 20x 44% - -
Unknown KKRVFX-MIE 1x8GB 20x 38% - -
Unknown HMAA1GS6CJR6N-XN 2x8GB

37 Posts

June 29th, 2022 23:00

HI Again redxps630,

Thank you for your quick reply.  Yes, I am very confused over this issue.

I had a look at the Dell manual again and also on the internet for the 24-5400 AIO mobo specs and they both state 2666Mhz for RAM.  I note from Intel specs that the Intel i5 11th Gen can support 3200Mhz RAM so I don't know why Dell have stated 2666Mhz?

Using WMIC I can see that my current RAM speed is 2666Mhz even thought the module can run at 3200Mhz, so it would appear that the mobo is configured at 2666Mhz irrespective of the CPU RAM speed.

I have used the Crucial memory scanner to find a suitable (and affordable) upgrade and understand that I can use either speed, as the CPU will automatically reduce / select the correct speed.

As Crucial have run out of 3200Mhz RAM, I have opted for 2 x matched 8GB modules at 2666Mhz which I hope will be ok.

Thanks for all your time and assistance with this matter.

Best regards,

Davie

37 Posts

June 30th, 2022 00:00

Thank you redxps630 !

37 Posts

July 1st, 2022 00:00

@Spikesdad 

Thank you so much for this detailed and very clear explanation for a computer simpleton like me!  The way you have explained it makes perfect sense and is easy to understand.

I have taken your suggestion and opted for 2 new 8GB RAM modules at 2666Mhz.

Would you happen to know if Bitlocker will be triggered if I swap out the RAM?

Thanks once again for your help and clear explanation.

Regards,

Davie

1 Rookie

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78 Posts

July 1st, 2022 07:00

@Davie F

BitLocker is a disc encryption program that is only initiated by the user to encrypt a drive for security purposes. So that only you can access the drive with a password you set. It's also only available on the Pro editions of Windows 8.1, 10 and 11. And on the Ultimate editions of Vista and 7 before that.  It's also on Windows Server, but that won't be on a consumer PC.

The point is, it's not something that is "triggered".  It's something you have to go out of your way to activate. When used, you wouldn't normally see a difference since you put in a password upon boot-up, then you use your PC as usual.  But, if someone were to steal your PC, pull the hard drive out and put in another PC, the other PC wouldn't be able to read it as a secondary drive because it's totally encrypted.

Under normal unencrypted conditions, a drive could be pulled and stuck in another machine as a secondary drive, and that machine can read the contents of that drive.  Permissions can get in the way of accessing some folders, but that can be defeated much easier on an unencrypted drive.

37 Posts

July 1st, 2022 07:00

@Spikesdad 

Many thanks for that info.  

I have asked that question incorrectly.  As I have Windows 11 Home Edition, I understand that I do not have Bitlocker, rather the OS comes with "Device Encryption". (Like Bitlocker Lite)

As I understand it, sometime a hardware change can activate the protection (lock the drive).  I have however found out how to get a copy of the recovery key so if it does happen when I swap out the RAM, I'll have the key to unlock it.

Device Encryption would seem to only encrypt the OS drive, so I'm hoping the RAM update won't lock the drive.

Many thanks once again for your help and advice.  Much appreciated.

Regards,

Davie

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