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    AW17 R1 Ram upgrade issues.

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by loafer987, Jan 21, 2016.

  1. loafer987

    loafer987 Notebook Consultant

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    Ok so I bought this ram http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produc...33889&cm_re=ddr3l_2133-_-20-233-889-_-Product expecting the 4930mx memory controller to not have an issue running it. Unfortunately the RAM is only running at 1866 cas 11. When I manually set the ram in the bios it takes a few seconds longer to post when I turn it on, then it boots like normal. When I check CPU-Z it still reports the ram running at 1866 cas 11. I tried manually setting the timings in the bios along with the speed to 2133 and this caused the laptop to not post at all.
    The other strange issue is when I empty the main ram slots, 1+2 under the keyboard and install the ram in slots 3 + 4 the laptop doesn't post at all. I put my stock 1600 cas 11 ram back in slots 1 and 2 and it booted back up and started running like normal.
    1.Am I doing something wrong in the bios?
    2.Do the easy access ram slots not function without the top slots populated?
    3.Does anyone here actually have 1866+ ram running on their AW17?
    4.Should I return the ram and buy this kit http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produc...31771&cm_re=ddr3l_1866-_-20-231-771-_-Product or will it not run full speed either?

    I came from a 4770k desktop at stock clocks with ddr3 2400 cas 11 and the difference going from 1600C9 to 2400C11 was huge. I just want to have some of the "snappy" feeling back from my desktop experience.
    http://www.3dmark.com/compare/fs/1486404/fs/6654933# Heres a good example of the physics performance difference the ram made in my desktop.
    Thanks
     
  2. thegh0sts

    thegh0sts Notebook Nobel Laureate

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  3. loafer987

    loafer987 Notebook Consultant

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    Ya i noticed the specs while researching the issue. still kinda hoping I can figure out some sort of solution. even the 3940xm an run ddr3 2133. This laptop has beat me into the ground every time I try to do something nice for it. :p I'm beginning to run out of patience.
    But can I have both sticks on the bottom side and none on the keyboard side?