Memory for Precision 3680

Question

I had used the Crucial Pro Kit before with a 3660 without any problems. Is the memory configuration weird? I tried using all 4 crucial dimms and it won't boot giving led code of memory issues. I tried putting a single dimm in dimm1 and still no booting. I thought I read that you actually should put them in pairs next to each other. I was trying to do dimm1 and dimm2. But maybe I should dimm3 by itself or dimm3 and dimm1 together? Thoughts?

I tried resetting CMOS but same results too.

bradthetechnut · Answer

Precision 3680 Tech Guide

The Tech Guide has compatible RAM specs listed and the RAM matrix.

I heard from this forum Crucial RAM hasn't been working in some newer Dell's. You may want to try a different brand.

Brands that have been working:

Samsung
Hynix (Dell's typical OEM)
Micron (Though they make Crucial)
Dell

Col. Panic · Answer

I want to use error-correcting ECC memory in my Precision 3680 Tower, and I've consulted the 3680 Tech Guide, but one thing they don't specify is whether that machine can use "registered" (or "buffered") ECC -- or whether you must use "non-registered" (or "non-buffered") ECC memory.

I had thought "registered" was just another name for "error-correcting" or ECC memory, but according to Wikipedia, they're different. In a nutshell, all "registered" (buffered) memory is ECC memory, but not all ECC memory is "registered" (buffered) memory, and, more importantly "Registered memory does not work reliably in motherboards without buffering circuitry, and vice-versa."

So: Can anyone tell me which variety of ECC I need for my new Precision 3680?

Thanks in advance for any help.

bradthetechnut · Answer

That is a good @Chino de Oro question if Chino doesn't mind answering.

Chino de Oro · Answer

Re: Can anyone tell me which variety of ECC I need for my new Precision 3680?

You can use unregistered (unbuffered) ECC memory offered from Dell or third party vendor such as Crucial. Except for system with i3 processors, ECC UDIMM types memory should be supported.

Col. Panic · Answer

Thank for your replies.

Can I use registered (buffered) ECC such as "Samsung DDR5 4800MHz PC5-38400 ECC RDIMM 2Rx8 Dual Rank 1.1V Registered DIMM 288-Pin Server RAM Memory" such as that shown at amazon.com/dp/B0CFG7F72M ?

(When I called Dell yesterday, the tech I spoke to said that "since it isn't specified in the Tech Guide whether you need registered or unregistered, that means you can use either one.") The Wikipedia article on ECC led me to believe that the buffering software and hardware needed to be in the computer, but now I guess sometimes the buffer hardware and software is all contained within the memory module itself...?

I appreciate your help.

blobx · Answer

Have 3680 too and found 32GB ECC memory modules which working. Together 128GB RAM - 4x 32GB Kingston KTD-PE548E-32G enjoy :)

iridium21 · Answer

@Col. Panic  Hey, what module did you end up buying? RDIMM or UDIMM? I couldnt find anywhere if the Precision 3680 will work with RDIMMs.

bradthetechnut · Answer

Only place I could find an answer is Google's AI.  Screengrab below.  Online manual didn't have the answer either. Up to you if you want to take a chance on RDIMM RAM and report back.

nameisflexo · Answer

So I forgot to update my original post. I updated the BIOS and it resolved my issue. I ended up just using the Crucial Pro kit which has UDIMMS.

rich-botics.com · Answer

Hi.

When shopping for memory for the Dell 3680 - I come across a refurbished machine with:

Memory

128GB (4X32GB) Up to 5600MHz DDR5 UDIMM Non-ECC

Will 5600MHz work? Crucial brings up 5600MHz memory when shopping. I have read together max speed is 4400; I am somewhat confused.

Thanks to all!

bradthetechnut · Answer

The 3680 will downclock the 5600Mhz RAM down to 4400Mhz.

Laurenalexs · Answer

@bradthetechnut​ The 3680 will downclock the RAM down to 4000Mhz in single channel mode.

Precision Fixed Workstations

Memory for Precision 3680

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