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    Dell XPS 17 Quick Memory Question

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by abotiz, Jan 4, 2012.

  1. abotiz

    abotiz Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi!

    Iam a little confused regarding the different models with the XPS 17, I ordered one with the Intel® Core™ i5-2430M, 1GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 550M and 4 gb memory (1333 MHz I guess?).

    Intel says that the processor supports memory @1066 and @1333 MHz
    Intel

    Crucial.com says that XPS 17 supports DDR3 PC3-10600, DDR3 PC3-12800 (i.e 1333 MHz and 1600Mhz)
    crucial.com

    Wich one is it?

    Also, this is the first time Iam upgrading memory on a laptop so I would just like to ask a quick question, I should be getting a SO-DIMM type right?

    Thanks!
     
    abotiz, Jan 4, 2012
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  2. Airdog

    Airdog Notebook Enthusiast

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    Both PC3-10600 and PC3-12800 will work. The 12800 will just run slower to match the speed of the 10600 module. It's probably best to match what you currently have in your XPS now plus it will save you a few dollars as well by not spending more for the higher speed module that will run slower anyway. I'm guessing you have a PC3-10600 module currently so you can simply just add a Crucial 4GB module from Newegg for around $20 and your good to go. You will see that some PC3-10600 modules are rated at 1.35v This doesn't mean anything because they are 1.5v tollerant and work fine at that voltage.

    Good luck!
     
    Airdog, Jan 4, 2012
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  3. entrywounds

    entrywounds Notebook Enthusiast

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    Also not everyone is having success getting their 1600MHz ram to run at that speed. I purchased Kingston PnP 1600MHz ram and it is only running at 1333MHz because of the BIOS.
     
    entrywounds, Jan 4, 2012
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  4. abotiz

    abotiz Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for your replies!

    How about the memory type? Is it SO-DIMM memory for the XPS 17?
     
    abotiz, Jan 4, 2012
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  5. Airdog

    Airdog Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes, laptop memory is SO-DIMM. SODIMM stands for Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module. These small modules are used primarily in laptops and Apple iMac systems.
    The link below has what you need. I have 4 of the modules below in mine and they work perfect. 4GB for under $20, Corsair lifetime warranty, free shipping.

    CORSAIR 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 Laptop Memory Model CMSO4GX3M1A1333C9
     
    Airdog, Jan 4, 2012
    #5