I Need to upgrade the RAM in an old dell optiplex 9020 and have no idea what to look for. I think I need DDR3 at a max 1600MHz? Can someone inform me on what a should be looking for when purchasing extra ram?
Examples of good deals would also be appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks that website was very helpful the "PC XXXXX" was the main thing that was confusing me.
It is a SFF.
Honestly just go on eBay and get what's cheap second hand. You'd be hard pressed to notice difference in performance outside benchmarking tests.
DIMM DDR3 CL11 PC3-12800 (1600MHz) works fine
DIMM - size - you want this instead of SO-DIMM
DDR3 - think of this as memory specifications. DDR3 ram won't work in machines that require DDR2 or DDR4. Similarly, DDR4 won't work in machines that require DDR2 or DDR3.
CL11 - this is the latency of memory, the lower the latency the better, but for your Dell usage just try and get the same as the memory you have in your machine if you intend on reusing it. If you do mix it, usually your machine will automatically find a latency that all your memory is compatible with.
PC3-12800 / 1600 MHZ - these both refer to the speed of the memory. This is the most important. You'll notice that 1600 x 8 = 12800 :)
If you see REG (registered) or ECC (error correcting) specifications on the memory then this won't be compatible with the 9020. This type of memory is usually used for servers rather than home desktops.
Not sure how much memory you want, but if you want 4gb (and new instead of second hand) this works fine: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B004SO3XLM
If you're running Windows, then you can see the specs of your existing memory here: https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
source: I have a few 9020s because I'm an OzBargainer
Thanks, very helpful response. Is it fine too mix 4gb and 8gb ram sticks of the same type?
yes
We run Dells at work, and I've found they are touchy as hell with what they will accept.
I bought a Dell 9020 SFF 4GB for a friend and upgraded it with another 4GB GeIL DDR3. The bloody thing won't POST with the new RAM installed. Gave me bad RAM beep code.
After some diagnoses with known good DDR3 modules, it turns out that Dell 9020 chokes on XMP profile.
Yeah same, got a 990MT and having heaps of trouble upgrading RAM. Sometimes it this error message then sometimes it's some other message 😂
when we first got these machines, I priced dell "genuine" ram and it was $231.44 for 8gig…
When I questioned it and told them its $75 at MSY they came back with
'The part quoted would be a DELL tested part and it comes with best of quality and would give you a longer life for both the module and the system'
LOL!
Same manure reply when I asked the rep to price match the US Dell site while back which had 8gig on special for $52
Could also use the Crucial website as a reference - https://www.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/dell/optiplex-9020-(small-form-factor)
E.g. search on eBay for "CT102464BD160B" for an 8GB stick of RAM. Just check the listing before buying of course.
Did you notice massive difference in performance after upgrading the RAM? Or is it more stable with multiple apps running at the same time.
Yes I seen a big difference but that is because I was constantly maxing out the RAM before the upgrade so it really depends on your usage
This website will help
https://www.dell.com/support/article/en-au/sln152123/dell-op…
You need to tell us if it's USFF, SFF or MT.