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RAM Upgrade for Inspiron 3501
Is there any significant differences performance wise between a dual channel 4GB & 4GB configuration and a flex mode 4GB & 8GB configuration? (On an Intel mainboard) (All the RAMs are DDR4 with 3200MHz clock rates) Does it really make a difference to choose the 4,8 flex mode configuration over the 4,4 dual channel? I'm not a gamer so this question isn't gaming oriented. I just want to work with multiple applications opened without every application freezing displaying the "Not responding" . I'm basically looking for faster performance, shorter latency and the ability to work with multiple applications simultaneously.
Device details;
Dell Inspiron 3501
i5 11th gen processor & 4GB DDR4 RAM
I would appreciate any insights on this issue. Thanks in advance
1135
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Posted August 5th, 2021 20:00
Since everyone advocates for a matching pair of RAMs let's assume I go with the 4,4 dual channel option. That means removing the factory installed 4GB in order to load a new matching pairs right? My laptop is just 4 months old and I'm quite uncomfortable with removing the factory installed RAM. Do you think that the compatibility issues of loading a new 4GB alongsilde the factory installed RAM with identical clock rates will be somewhat detrimental?
I would opt for the same brand and same clock rate if I knew what brand of RAM Dell installed in my device but I have no idea how to figure it out and I cannot afford to open the device since it's still under warranty period.
1124
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Posted August 5th, 2021 22:00
Yes that's a valid plan
Start with just adding 4 GB Stick
in most cases this works
JOcean
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1136
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Posted August 5th, 2021 19:00
The 4 + 8 configuration will work in this manner. The 4 GB and 4 of the 8 GB will run in dual channel. The other 4 GB of the 8 will run in single channel. So you will have some dual channel operation. The only problem may be if you have incompatible RAM. That is RAM not compatible with each other since 12 GB is a supported configuration in the 3501 specs.
It is far better to run a RAM kit of 2 identical RAM modules to make sure of RAM compatibility and smooth operation.
I am not a Dell employee...I am forum volunteer
Serious work on an E5430 and constantly building and working on an i5-6500 Desktop