Aurora ACT1250, AWCC Memory No XMP / Overclock

Aurora ACT1250 Owner's Manual page 19 =

I can confirm firsthand that the model supports 5600 MT/s. However I don't understand why the specs on the order page advertise 6400 MT/s for 125W processors.

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-ai/000294476/how-to-upgrade-memory-for-the-alienware-area-51-aat2250-and-alienware-aurora-act1250-gaming-desktops?lang=en

@joem25​ I chatted with a support agent and he informed me machines that ship with XMP memory have different motherboards from those without. I'd be curious to see if anyone who has bought the ACT1250 is able to achieve 6400MT/s.

Someone on Reddit also found the BIOS simulator video shows some XMP settings in the Performance section. Neither that person nor I have these options in my version 1.3 BIOS.

I have the same question. I use Gskill 32gb*2 6400mhz but only work at 4800mhz

Same issue here, I'm running set of 6400 MT/s DIMMS but I'm only reaching 5600 MT/s.

@objectivehold​ If that is true, that would be a nightmare for support because why would anybody who purchases this machine think there's actually 2 versions out there having the same general model number, but actually different motherboards...

I guess they could not resist and just put the best motherboard in, but instead had to split it up to generate more profit from the lower end line-ups by making design decisions and put a cheaper motherboard inside...

Any updates on this?  I just wasted money apparently installing some 6400 ram.  I knew Alienware had some proprietary parts, but limiting the ram speed...... I checked and the 265f processor can handle it.  I may just return the computer since this is pretty disappointing to not be able to upgrade even the ram.  

If the ACT1250 is anything like the Aurora R16 then in order for the XMP menu and speeds to be available you would need to purchase the Dell Certified XMP memory.

It is not cheep, but seems to be the only guaranteed way of unlocking the menu and full capabilities.

Dell do not publish a QVL of other (if any) supported RAM modules unfortunately.

@John1701​ How could Dell publish a list of non-OEM memory if Dell never test non-OEM memory?

I think QVL lists are over rated.

I find it hard to believe Asus has actually done full testing on each of these memory modules for just this 1 motherboard: https://rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x670e-hero-model/helpdesk_qvl_memory/

I do have to say I never ever had an issue with any of my Asus boards not accepting whatever memory I put in it...

@DELL-Chris M​ 

Good point. 

Let me get this straight.  The manual clearly says that xmp6400 memory is supported, but if you add xmp6400 memory it is not supported -- or the bios locks out xmp unless it's "Dell memory"?

Who's computer is this? Mine or Dell's? Probably going back to them so I guess it is theirs...

@wtydzd​ I just did the same thing. You get any luck with yours

@joem25​ I have the Cruicial 32GB x 2  6000MHz and it's showing using 46-45-45-90 also in 5600MHz mode.

It will only work if you purchased it with the XMP memory.

If you purchase it with the non-XMP version, XMP will not work.

I do not know if they are the same motherboards or not, but since the service manual shows them to be the same I am going to say the only difference is the BIOS.

And also:

NOTE: The memory performance at 6400 MT/s requires the installation of Dell qualified XMP memory.

Manual

Good news is it's their most upgradable computer.