Help please, never realized server memory upgrades were so difficult

[timeshifter]

Need to upgrade the RAM on a Dell T320 server. It has 16GB now and need to go to 32GB. According to the Service Tag lookup it has (2):

317-9644 : 8GB RDIMM, 1333 MT/s, Low Volt , Dual Rank, x4 Data Width
RVY55 DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE, 8GB, 1600, 2RX4, 2G, DDR3L, R

The closest match I can find on Crucial's site is part number CT2K8G3ERSLD8160B. The main thing I notice that seems to make it a non-exact match is the "Component Configuration" which is x8 based. The x4 based part is Single Ranked but otherwise the same. It's part number CT2K8G3ERSLS4160B.

My head is spinning.

Link to Crucial scan page for the system:
http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/scanview/661C1DD331D926C3

Dell manual for system:
http://topics-cdn.dell.com/pdf/poweredge-t320_Owner's Manual_en-us.pdf

Can someone help me identify which part to order? I'd really appreciate it!

 

[Sky-Knight]

What OS is on the server?

 

[timeshifter]

It's being repurposed as a Datto device. Currently it has Windows Server 2012 Essentials. But I'm about to wipe it and install Datto's software on it, which I believe is based on a flavor of Linux.

 

[Sky-Knight]

Yeah, that's Debian. I was asking because I was remembering a RAM limit for server 2012 and 2008, but that limit is 32gb... unless you're on a version of 2008 I've never seen in the wild.

As for RAM for servers, I always recommend sticking with the part numbers listed on the support document. For out of date equipment, I use these guys: https://www.serversupply.com/

I got 64gb of RAM for two HP Proliant DL380P Gen 8s not too long ago for $300. Not only did the RAM work, but it matches the BIOS's little vendor check so the mainboard actually works properly.

Server Supply has the 317-9644 module in stock, used, for $47.00 a unit.

 

[timeshifter]

So I guess these guys are legit and reliable since you say you use them? I have mixed feeling about using used memory for this. On the one hand it seems kind of petty to buy used RAM for an important server. On the other hand, it's a 4 year old machine and I'd be getting the exact same memory that's already in there, so that's a plus.

 

[Sky-Knight]

That's the thing... You need THE EXACT SAME MEMORY.

Server boards are only tested and supported with specific part numbers, you need to stick to those numbers or you risk all sorts of ugly things happening. This isn't a desktop, it's a server, stick to supported parts.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Either that or replace ALL of the memory so that everything is the same spec.

 

[nlinecomputers]

+ 1 on serversupply. Used them for years. Never had a problem.

 

[Mercenary Roadie]

I would never try to match factory installed ram. Always replace all of it in my opinion.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

So I guess these guys are legit and reliable since you say you use them?

We've used ServerSupply for nearly 15 years if not more.....they may appear fly by night..but they're not.
Often even if it says used..it's still brand new still in the shrink wrap. We use them for server hard drives all the time. Often power supplies too.

And...like they say above, especially with servers, don't try to mix-match RAM. I love Crucial RAM, we use it a LOT. Either replace all the ram with Crucial sticks, or get all the same factory RAM.

 

[Diggs]

Used memory? More like proven memory.........

 

[Sky-Knight]

Used memory? More like proven memory.........

This, 1000 times this. RAM is the only used component I have zero issues with. As long as the vendor has a decent return policy, if the stuff powers up once it'll power up every time. It simply doesn't go bad unless it's been hit with some sort of electrical issue. This added to the additional checks and technologies present in server grade modules basically means if your server POSTs, you're good.

Now, if you replace all that RAM with new ram that isn't on the supported list... you run the gambit of does it even work, to will the mainboard's bios do something stupid because proprietary reasons, to it works fine.

Buy the parts you have, install them, enjoy no real thinking.

 

[timeshifter]

Ok, thanks for all the help. I've placed the order. Decided to double-down and order 4 sticks, so I will have a total of 48GB. May just keep 32 GB installed and keep the others as spares, or install it all. Not sure if Datto will run even better with 48 instead of 32.