Two choices for Ram exist. Can you check if they work together? Which seems more suitable?
Two choices for Ram exist. Can you check if they work together? Which seems more suitable?
Hello. The Dell XPS 8500 supports DDR3 RAM up to 1600MHz, but compatibility depends more than just speed and type. Voltage and CL latency also play a role. Your current setup uses 2x 4GB DDR3 at 2Rx8 PC3-12800U with 11-11 B1, but the voltage isn’t specified. You’re considering two options: black rams at 1600MT/s (CL11) or red rams at 1600MT/s (CL10). The lower CL might be preferable even if it differs from your current settings, especially if you keep the 2x4GB RAM and remove the older 2x2GB units.
All factors are important. You cannot install a different DDR version than your machine supports. For MHz and CL, the CPU's memory controller operates at one speed at a time. Mixing speeds usually results in the lowest common speed and highest common latency supported by the sticks, or it may prevent booting entirely. For voltage, the same principle applies. Your system will apply the same voltage to all slots. A lower CL at the same speed is preferable. At varying speeds, use the formula CL x 2000 / DR to estimate latency in nanoseconds—lower values are ideal.
I think it makes sense to go for the plain-looking RAM, as its timing matches the one I plan to pair with (hope that's right). Reduces the risk of compatibility problems. The store’s return policy is also solid, offering free shipping labels and everything else.
It shouldn't significantly impact performance beyond benchmark results. If the displayed price matches what you see in the EU, it's also half the cost. The PC3-12800U corresponds to 1600 MT/s. The latency for 11-11-B1 should be around that value. You can verify using CPU-Z. Since your setup includes slower RAM, the actual speed you're seeing is likely reduced. It might be worth testing it separately. Keep in mind that CPU-Z reports physical clock speed, so 800 MHz for 1600 MT/s (advertised as 1600 MHz) is accurate.
Use CPU-Z to examine the specifics of your RAM. I’m unsure about the model or processor type—it’s important. Certain generations only allow specific memory types, like DDR3L or DDR4. DDR3L operates at low voltage (1.35V by default), but with XMP settings you can push it up to 1.5V. If your chip is designed for DDR3L exclusively, it may not handle higher voltages and could get damaged. Currently, you have the clock speed (1333MHz, 1600MHz, 1866MHz), timing values (which change with speed, lower ones are preferable) and the operating voltage. Any compatible device will work at the listed speed but can also function at slower rates. For instance, a 1866MHz module will operate at 1600, 1333, or even 1066MHz—its price reflects its top speed. A module rated for 1866MHz might need 1.65V to run smoothly, while one designed for 1066MHz could work at 1.35V or even 1.2V depending on the design. The SPD tab from HWInfo64 provides deeper insights into your installed RAM, including supported frequencies and profiles. It’s free to download and use. Focus on matching the voltage of your existing sticks when choosing new ones. Speed has less impact than voltage; if you find a very affordable option at 1333MHz, it’s fine—just ensure it matches your current setup. If you have higher-end sticks now, they might be reduced to lower speeds, causing minor performance drops but usually imperceptible. Increasing memory capacity will yield greater gains.
I needed to check my RAM's model number since I'm using Ubuntu. I opened CPU-Z but got incomplete details. An alternative tool, CPU-X, didn't display voltage either. A terminal command also failed to show it. Turns out it's 1.5V, matching the RAM I just ordered. Cool!