I am returning a recently purchased Dell computer due to confusing listing of the processor. From the recent outlet thread I decided I would go the outlet route as it was a significant savings and all seemed to be happy with their selections.

So here is my question:

It lists 2x8gb RAM and 2x4gb RAM. I have always thought you want to pair your RAM with exact same brand, type, power, and size. Is it normal to use two slots for 8gb and two for 4gb to get 24gb?

Google was of no help and Dell won't answer if this is a normal configuration, nor can I duplicate it in the new purchase side of Dell.


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First question answered, how about this Intel Optane stuff?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Skins2881,

I've done it. Two 8gb sticks in primary slots and two older 4gb sticks were moved to secondary slots.

PC came with the original 4gb sticks.

It's do-able and seems to work ok providing all of the RAM is compatible. However, the preferred method is all ram equal size.

Look at Office Depot's weekly ad online for your area. They have some TERRIFIC deals on computers this week. I'd go new, and would never go refurbished.....refurbished means to me that the machine had an issue before.....or someone bought it and returned it because it didn't live up to expectations.

No issues with that. Only certain types on RAM needed pairing, and they are obselete.

Specs:

Processor: Intel Core 7th Generation i7-7700K Processor (Quad Core, up to 4.50 GHz, 8MB Cache, 91W)
Windows 10 Home 64bit English
2 TB 3.5-Inch SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
16GB DDR4 UDIMM Non-ECC 2400MHz (2x8GB)
8 GB DDR4 UDIMM Non-ECC 2400MHz (2x4GB)
BD-RE Drive (Reads and Writes to Blu-Ray disks)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5
Dell Outlet XPS 8920
Special Edition Aluminum Chassis

To be perfectly honest, you won't notice the difference between 16, 24 or 32 GB of RAM in 99% of situations. You definitely won't notice the mixed 8/4GB modules.
You might notice if you run benchmarking software, but if you use the computer for office/surfing/anything else, it won't make one difference.

ETA-You have the best processor you can buy without going to an outrageously expensive 'enthusiast' model. You have a near top-tier gfx card. Your RAM could be faster, but it VERY likely won't matter. If you want a performance boost - get a 240GB+ SSD for the OS drive (keep the 2TB for storage).

where did you find this.. I am computer shopping!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Ronin101:
where did you find this.. I am computer shopping!!!

Dell outlet.

e17XPS8920

^^17% off code good til 9/6/17 on XPS models.

List of other discount codes for outlet.

Original SIGforum Outlet Thread

quote:

Originally posted by snidera:
To be perfectly honest, you won't notice the difference between 16, 24 or 32 GB of RAM in 99% of situations. You definitely won't notice the mixed 8/4GB modules.
You might notice if you run benchmarking software, but if you use the computer for office/surfing/anything else, it won't make one difference.

ETA-You have the best processor you can buy without going to an outrageously expensive 'enthusiast' model. You have a near top-tier gfx card. Your RAM could be faster, but it VERY likely won't matter. If you want a performance boost - get a 240GB+ SSD for the OS drive (keep the 2TB for storage).

Well I went ahead and purchased it. Deciding now between Samsung 960 EVO 250GB NVMe and Optane 32GB NVMe M2 stick. From the benchmark tests. They will preform pretty much the same, but Intel software figures out your use and caches what you use most on the Optane stick and does all the thinking for you.

Do you or anyone else have any knowledge on this new tech? $80 vs $130.

As snidera said, that RAM configuration will work fine. Not uncommon anymore to use pairs of RAM that are different size. Also, as stated, if you really want to see it move, get a SSD.

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
Specs:

Processor: Intel Core 7th Generation i7-7700K Processor (Quad Core, up to 4.50 GHz, 8MB Cache, 91W)
Windows 10 Home 64bit English
2 TB 3.5-Inch SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
16GB DDR4 UDIMM Non-ECC 2400MHz (2x8GB)
8 GB DDR4 UDIMM Non-ECC 2400MHz (2x4GB)
BD-RE Drive (Reads and Writes to Blu-Ray disks)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5
Dell Outlet XPS 8920
Special Edition Aluminum Chassis

Pretty good except for:
* slow as shit hard drive

If the board supports Intel Optane mem module (fits in the M2 slot) it could be a real screamer.
However, you would have to obtain and install the module (not hard or expensive) then reinstall the OS with the Optane configuration.

You could replace the hard drive with a SSD but an Optane enhanced machine with a standard hard drive is just as fast, cheaper and allow use of the existing drives and the larger drive space.

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:
Specs:

Processor: Intel Core 7th Generation i7-7700K Processor (Quad Core, up to 4.50 GHz, 8MB Cache, 91W)
Windows 10 Home 64bit English
2 TB 3.5-Inch SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
16GB DDR4 UDIMM Non-ECC 2400MHz (2x8GB)
8 GB DDR4 UDIMM Non-ECC 2400MHz (2x4GB)
BD-RE Drive (Reads and Writes to Blu-Ray disks)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5
Dell Outlet XPS 8920
Special Edition Aluminum Chassis

Pretty good except for:
* slow as shit hard drive

If the board supports Intel Optane mem module (fits in the M2 slot) it could be a real screamer.
However, you would have to obtain and install the module (not hard or expensive) then reinstall the OS with the Optane configuration.

You could replace the hard drive with a SSD but an Optane enhanced machine with a standard hard drive is just as fast, cheaper and allow use of the existing drives and the larger drive space.

I opted for one without SSD, with express purpose of getting Optane or 250GB SSD, see post above. $50 more expensive for small SSD, any reason to choose that over Optane?

All though Dell website lists H170, my research found it has compatible Z270.

The install instructions look above my pay grade.

Only Z270 chipsets support the Optane (also must be W10).
It effectively caches the boot drive.
Otherwise a SSD (in any form factor) would work better than the spinning drive on a standard SATA connection.

Is your Dell wireless? My laptop, only 3 years old, keeps losing wireless connection. The troubleshooting function always fixes it, saying it involves the wireless adapter. PIA. It's only a few feet from router.

quote:

Originally posted by RogB:
Is your Dell wireless? My laptop, only 3 years old, keeps losing wireless connection. The troubleshooting function always fixes it, saying it involves the wireless adapter. PIA. It's only a few feet from router.

Just buy a patch cable and plug it in. If you can wait a while I'll come over and fish on in for you. Is router in same room as your panel? And is that where you use the laptop? If so I can likely do it without cutting any holes in the drywall.

Amazon $12

I have hardwired connections in every room. I detest wireless.

quote:

Originally posted by RogB:
Is your Dell wireless? My laptop, only 3 years old, keeps losing wireless connection. The troubleshooting function always fixes it, saying it involves the wireless adapter. PIA. It's only a few feet from router.

We have a Dell laptop that would lose wifi. I finally realized that the F2 key on the laptop's keyboard toggles the wireless adapter on and off. (We usually use an external keyboard, so it didn't happen very often.)

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:

quote:

Originally posted by RogB:
Is your Dell wireless? My laptop, only 3 years old, keeps losing wireless connection. The troubleshooting function always fixes it, saying it involves the wireless adapter. PIA. It's only a few feet from router.

Just buy a patch cable and plug it in. If you can wait a while I'll come over and fish on in for you. Is router in same room as your panel? And is that where you use the laptop? If so I can likely do it without cutting any holes in the drywall.

Amazon $12

I have hardwired connections in every room. I detest wireless.

Hey Jesse. Appreciate your offer but the problem is at our cottage in Canada where we're at now. If you'd like to get away for a few days you're more than welcome!

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
Only Z270 chipsets support the Optane (also must be W10).
It effectively caches the boot drive.
Otherwise a SSD (in any form factor) would work better than the spinning drive on a standard SATA connection.

Quoting to make sure you see this. With dell, I would bet a 1$ that if it isn't advertised w/optane, it's probably a Z170 chipset (even if it has a M.2 slot, you won't be able to use Optane - it will just act as a SSD).
I also can't find the config you posted. all the 8920s I see have the i7-7700 (non-k) processor & no BD-RE drive (BD-R is almost worthless IMO)
There is one that has a GTX1060 & 16GB Optane+1TB HDD for $980 that I see.

Intel Optane Installation Guide

Intel Optane FAQ

{snip}

What are the base requirements to run Intel Optane memory?

•7th Generation (or newer) Intel® Core™ Processor.
•Intel® 200 Series (or newer) Chipset.
•Intel Optane memory ready UEFI BIOS. Legacy BIOS mode is not supported.
•Windows® 10 x64.
•Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 15.5 or newer driver1
•Drive to be accelerated2:


You will have to dig in to the specs to see what chipset the Dell has. Very possible it is compatible. Dell support or forums should get you the answer.

quote:

Originally posted by snidera:

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
Only Z270 chipsets support the Optane (also must be W10).
It effectively caches the boot drive.
Otherwise a SSD (in any form factor) would work better than the spinning drive on a standard SATA connection.

Quoting to make sure you see this. With dell, I would bet a 1$ that if it isn't advertised w/optane, it's probably a Z170 chipset (even if it has a M.2 slot, you won't be able to use Optane - it will just act as a SSD).
I also can't find the config you posted. all the 8920s I see have the i7-7700 (non-k) processor & no BD-RE drive (BD-R is almost worthless IMO)
There is one that has a GTX1060 & 16GB Optane+1TB HDD for $980 that I see.

This is what makes me think it has Z270 chipset. I got it from here.

This was the only configuration like this I saw at all. It's a mix up of XPS SE minus the SSD. I can only guess SSD crashed, and they are selling it as is? Also no way to add extra 8GB RAM I can figure out through website. The combo makes no sense compared to what they normally sell. At $1,000 I'll take it, I can add Optane or SSD for either $130, or $80 and it's a $1,800 or more computer.