Optiplex 780 RAM compatibility question

Erindal Cuthalion

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Sep 20, 2014
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I am considering purchasing two of the following RAM modules.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820576001

I have checked the Optiplex manual, and as far I can determine, this addition to my current configuration (4 GB, 2 2GB sticks) will be compatible. However, before making the purchase I would like to ask for a professional opinion. I'm pretty new at this, and I don't want to waste money on shipping and return fees.

My (hopefully) final configuration will hopefully be 8 GB (4 2GB sticks, the two new ones paired and the two old ones paired).

Also, please don't just answer "yes" or "no", as I can't trust these answers. I need at least a short explanation. Thanks.
 
Solution
Keep in mind that some versions of windows are only capable of using 4GB (3.5GB usable) and 8GB (7.5GB usable). It depends on your version of windows and whether or not it's 32 or 64 bit.

Aside from the OS version, as far as hardware for that unit, which is not the SFF unit and has the additional slots, only being able to use 2 modules is not an issue. Actually, the item you linked to is out of stock now and the system will actually work better with two 4gb modules than with four 2gb modules, as it's not as much of a strain on the memory controller, but either of the following options will work though:

2-2gb modules to add to current system...
Is your 780 a standard unit or a small form factor unit. The standard unit has four dimm slots. The small form factor unit has only 2. You can also just look on the motherboard and see if there are four or two slots. Two would of course already have RAM installed and there should be two empty slots if it's not the SFF unit.
 

Erindal Cuthalion

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Sep 20, 2014
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It is the standard unit. There is room (4 DIMM slots), but the only reason I asked is because I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.
 
Keep in mind that some versions of windows are only capable of using 4GB (3.5GB usable) and 8GB (7.5GB usable). It depends on your version of windows and whether or not it's 32 or 64 bit.

Aside from the OS version, as far as hardware for that unit, which is not the SFF unit and has the additional slots, only being able to use 2 modules is not an issue. Actually, the item you linked to is out of stock now and the system will actually work better with two 4gb modules than with four 2gb modules, as it's not as much of a strain on the memory controller, but either of the following options will work though:

2-2gb modules to add to current system:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231394&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Two 4GB modules to replace the existing modules altogether for a total of 8GB ( You would also, then, be able to add another pair of 4GB modules later to achieve the max system memory of 16GB, if you should ever want to.):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231643&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
 
Solution

Erindal Cuthalion

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Sep 20, 2014
3
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4,510


I did order the originally linked item and it seems to work fine, but thanks anyway.