XPS 8910, confused about expanding memory

Question

I have a Dell XPS 8910 I purchased in 10/2016. The processor is an Intel i7-6700 with 16GB of memory. The system came from Dell with a single 16GB DIMM in the second physical memory slot. The system has been great. I want to upgrade the memory to 32GB and went to the latest Dell documentation. According the table in the “XPS 8910 Setup and Specifications, 2020-03 Rev. A01” on pages 13-14, I can’t get to 32GB unless I go with four 8GB memory DIMMs. I don’t want to toss the original DIMM. Can’t I just add a second 16GB DIMM in the same colored memory slot as the factory memory? Any advice?

Thanks, RJK

PS: I see similar community topics, but not exactly this one.

Vic384 · Accepted Answer

The memory configuration matrix does not list all configurations that will work. Dell has updated the memory configuration matrix, back when you brought your system the matrix did not list the single 16GB module configuration. I also have an XPS 8910 that came like yours and I added a second 16GB memory module in memory slot DIMM2 (white color securing clip). I brought a Crucial memory module (DDR4-2133 CT16G4DFD8213) and it works fine. It appears that crucial.com no longer sells 2133 MHz modules but the new modules should work but Dell limits the speed to 2133 MHz.

fireberd · Answer

First, mixing memory often results in compatibility issues and does not work. Best option is to only have all memory the same brand/type (this applies to all PC's, not just a Dell).

Here is the Crucial Memory listing for this model. Crucial is what most of the techies on here suggest since its guaranteed to work in a Dell. If you want to use another brand or try one module with the existing but it somewhere that has a liberal return policy in case it doesn't work.

https://www.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/dell/xps-8910

What do you need 32GB of RAM for? I have a recording studio and 16GB in my recording studio PC and have never used over 8GB on big (many track) recordings.

RoHe · Answer

It's possible Dell just never validated 2x 16 GB in this PC model.

That doesn't necessarily mean it won't work, but Dell won't be responsible for any issues that config might cause.

Keep in mind you'll likely be mixing RAM from different manufacturers, probably with somewhat different specs (speed, etc), when you install a second 16 GB module in the bank (slots with matching color retention clips). And that might cause compatibility issues. So if you try adding 1x 16 GB, make sure to get it from somewhere that will take it back at no cost to you, if 2x 16 GB doesn't work or causes problems...

EDIT: @Vic384 typed faster than I did...again!

Vic384 · Answer

@fireberd Your crucial.com link is to the incorrect model XPS. The OP has an XPS 8910.

XPS Desktops

XPS 8910, confused about expanding memory

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