Better RAM for Dell 15R SE 7520, i7-3612QM 2.10GHz, Ivy Bridge, 8GB, 1TB, AMD Radeon HD 7730M 2GB, Win8Prox64

Hi everyone,

has anyone replaced the FACTORY RAM on 15R SE 7520 with quicker modules?

I mean I have 2x4GB DDR3 1600MHz (PC3-12800) with 11-11-11-28 timings and I do a lot of 1080p video compression using intel's quicksync in cyberlink powerdirector11x64.

I wonder if I buy 2x4GB DDR3 1600MHz ram with 9-9-9-27 timings it would work at the reported timings or the chipset/bios doesn't allow the lower timings and it would work at 11-11-11-28 timings thus making my quick ram purchase useless

Hope my question is clear
Thank you

 

If I recall correctly, CAS latency timings are not enforced/restricted by system board or BIOS. As long as the module matches the slot standard (e.g. DDR3 memory and DDR3 slots), then you should get your timings. I'm just not certain if you'll notice a marginal difference.

 

Thanks for your quick answer but I did have an issue a few years ago when I owned an HP 8510P Core2Duo T9300 with 2x2GB DDR2 800MHz RAM with something like 6-6-6-18 timings and I bought 4-4-4-12 RAM but it didn't work at those timings (CPUID under Windows reported 5-5-5-15). The bios wasn't very smart, being a business class laptop and I couldn't manually change the timings as I could on a desktop.

Memory timings "should?" matter for me since I have large amounts of data running around ram while doing videocompression using quicksync.

 

I don't think you will see much if any difference by getting betting latency ram honestly. Updating drivers or even putting a SSD would be more worthwhile. The i7/i5/i3 processors should be able to use any ram given within reason. You will need 1600mhz ram, 204 pin and CL10 or below is most useful upgrade. Looks like quicksync uses integrated GPU, so faster memory should help a little bit.

I have an Alienware Laptop, but I am pretty sure Dell use the same modules across their products, I think mine came with Hynix modules.

Note though, that if you had a CL10 module with a CL11 module then both ram sticks will run at the slower CL11 speed.

 

Ah, well with that being the case, you can look into a BIOS update if you find there is a limitation set in place. This might be of some help too.

 

So far I didn't get a "tried it myself and works faster" answer so, I suppose I'll have to find a great deal to buy that quick ram and see for myself if it makes and difference.
I'll post my results after that.
Meanwhile, If anyone tries this please post your result too.
Thank you all for your posts.

 

Go for it but why do you think it was the BIOS that down clocked per se? I mean stability but just not sure why we blame the BIOS.

 

Hi all, I'm back with another question:
I found a deal on Kingston HyperX Low Voltage Kit 2x4GB RAM, 1600MHz, CL9 but 1.35V,
MPN: KHX16LS9P1K2/8
Couldn't find anywhere if it would work with my 7520
The ram I currently have is 1.5V
I did find some Crucial ram that is certified to work with 7520 but in Crucial specs I saw 1.35V / 1.5V compatibility (plus it's only 2x2GB Kit) so it's still unclear if the Kingston Kit would work since it's rated as 1.35V

Question: to avoid guesswork, has anyone TRIED 1.35V ram on Dell 15R SE 7520, i7-3612QM 2.10GHz ?

Thanks

 

It depends entirely on how the SPD profiles are stored on the ram. IIRC most bioses will allow the RAM to run immediately if the profile is on the 1st XMP profile, however if it is on the 2nd profile then without a bios option it will run only at JEDEC timings.