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April 10th, 2019 22:00
Vostro 230, 4GB max incorrect, explanation
This is a follow-up to the following thread, which lacked complete information too. https://www.dell.com/community/Desktops-General-Read-Only/Vostro-230-Memory-RAM-upgrade-4GB-max-FALSE-Here-s-Why/td-p/4740873 To use two 4gb memories and thus achieve the 8gb it is necessary to use a 2rx4 memory, called low density memory. What is 2rx4? 2R == 2 RANKS. This is the number of chips selected by each DIMM module. x4 == data bus width of each DRAM (chip). The width of the DDR * memory bus is 64 bits of the width. In the notation 2Rx4 & 2Rx8, 2R represents a Dual Rank. A Rank is a data block which is 64 bits wide without Error Correction Code (ECC). So a single 2Rx8 DIMM (no ecc, no buffer) will have 8 DRAMS (chips) ... 2Rx4 will have 16... 2Rx16 will have 4. The x4 & x8 refers to the number of banks on the memory component or chip. The higher the number of banks, the fewer the chips in the memory module, the better the reliability and power consumption. So if you want to have 8gb in your vostro 230 you have to buy two 4gb 2rx4 memories with 16 chips in each.
speedstep
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April 23rd, 2019 08:00
Vostro 230 1.4.0 System BIOSMore details
Vostro 230 1.3.0 System BIOSMore details
Vostro 230 1.2.0 System BIOSMore details
Vostro 230 1.0.0 System BIOSMore details
After Updating BIOS 4 gig parts MAY work YMMV
GSKILL F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT
Higher Rank is HIGH Density and not compatible.
LOW DENSITY is required. Memory rank. A memory rank is a set of DRAM chips connected to the same chip select, which are therefore accessed simultaneously.
Slots: 2 (2 banks of 1)
Maximum Memory: 4GB (Max Dimm size is 2 gigs)
https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Certified-Desktops-SNPP223CC-A3544261/dp/B005CPUDP0
Size of the chip is measured in megabits. Most motherboards recognize only 1 GB modules if they contain 64M×8 chips (low density). If 128M×4 (high density) 1 GB modules are used, they most likely will not work. The JEDEC standard allows 128M×4 only for slower buffered/registered modules designed specifically for some servers, but some generic manufacturers do not comply. LOW DENSITY RAM Has 16 not 8 or 4 or 2 chips on each module. ECC and Registered Ram has 9 or 18 or 36 chips.
High Density and Quad Rank Ram are the issue. High Density uses less chips per dimm so it costs less aka (cheaper). That has nothing to do with build quality but everything to do with working or not.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422
https://www.memory4less.com/g-skill-8gb-ddr3-pc10600-f3-10600cl9d-8gbnt?rid=13
https://www.amazon.com/G-SKILL-240-Pin-Desktop-Memory-F3-10666CL9D-8GBNT/dp/B006NXT1QW
thesnow
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January 7th, 2022 13:00
I know this is super old but some of the links in the original reply don't work any longer. I just ordered 8GB of this RAM and it works just fine in a 230 with BIOS 1.4.0
Timetec 8GB KIT(2x4GB) DDR3 1333MHz PC3-10600 Non-ECC Unbuffered 1.5V CL9 2Rx8 Dual Rank 240 Pin UDIMM Desktop PC Computer Memory RAM Module Upgrade (8GB KIT(2x4GB))
https://www.amazon.com/Timetec-1333MHz-PC3-10600-Unbuffered-Computer/dp/B06XKGGPQN
speedstep
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January 7th, 2022 14:00
Timetec 8GB KIT(2x4GB) DDR3 1333MHz PC3-10600 Non-ECC Unbuffered 1.5V CL9 2Rx8 Dual Rank 240 Pin UDIMM
Does work after bios update. It does not work with early bios versions so bios should be updated BEFORE changing ram. Crucial has stopped carrying DDR2 and DDR3 ram in many cases.
Timetec 1333MHz PC3 10600 Unbuffered B06XKGGPQN
ljb95616
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March 23rd, 2022 18:00
Could you please provide a link to the correct way or place to buy two 4gb 2rx4 memories with 16 chips in each?
speedstep
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March 24th, 2022 01:00
@ljb95616
@Wallace527
Low density modules are required as is 1.35v
Timetec 1600MHz PC3L 12800 Unbuffered B00IV19IJ4
Mintocha
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October 14th, 2022 23:00
i previously tried using a low density module and my PC kept beeping. trial and errors I guess
Mintocha
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October 14th, 2022 23:00
so 2Rx8 ram modules would just fine instead of 2x4?