HP Compaq 6300 Pro SFF - Ram upgrade

[warmbeers]

Trying to max out the RAM on my mostly unused HP Compaq Pro 6300 SFF.  It currently shows having 12 GB with 2 - 2GB dimms and 2 supposed 8 GB dimms.  Trying to discover which dimms were actually being used I pulled them and installed 1 at a time to find the 2 GBers are fine but both 8 GB sticks only present 4 GB of memory, thus the 4+4+2+2 = 12 prior config.

The 2 -8GB sticks have labels ""F3-128009D-8GBXL (line 1), DDR3 1600 CL9-9-9-24 1.50v (line 2), 4Gx2 Intel XMP Ready (Line 3), 0313x462C, UPC code followed by 18383112916 .  Any ideas why they only show up with 4 GB?  This is a Win 10 64 bit OS (Settings:About:System Type: 64 bit operating system, x64-based processor) so that is not the problem.  I did buy 2 more 8 GB sticks from the local microcenter based on the guy at the build your own counter recommendation.  He sold me a Viper kit 16 GB 2X8 GB Kit DDR3 UDIMM, pc3-12800 1600 Mhz.  The stick that is visible in the box without breaking the seal  is "PV316G160C0K, 9DEOOO22, DDR3 (8GBx2) 1600MT/s CL10 1.5V, RoHS Compliant".  Is it likely that these will present as 8 GB?  TIA for any added info.

Ed

[Paul_Tikkanen]

The problem is most likely that you are using memory that is incompatible with a HP business desktop PC.

The standard memory used in that model is DDR3-1600 CL11.

I'd get two of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Timetec-1600MHz-PC3L-12800-Unbuffered-Desktop/dp/B00IV19HZE/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3...

[warmbeers]

Thanks for the quick reply.  Are you referencing the existing Ram or the not yet installed or both?  Can you suggest what might be the incompatibility?  I hesitate to buy still another set of RAM without understanding thoroughly what is wrong with the other sets or what is it about your suggestion that is different?

Maybe I need a tutorial on what factors need to be considered in selecting the proper ram.  Is there such a thing?

Thanks

ed

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Ed.

I'm surprised the CL 9 memory is working.

The PC should be using CL11

Do you get 12 GB total with the 2 x 2 + the 2 x 4?

If so, there isn't anything wrong.

F3-128009D-8GBXL and according to the second line of that specification those are 2 x 4 GB memory chips, not 2 x 8 GB.

https://www.gskill.com/product/165/176/1532077159/F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL 

BTW, your PC supports 4 x 8 GB of memory for a total of 32 GB.

See page 7 of the HP Quickspecs at the link below:

https://www.bargainhardware.co.uk/media/quick-specs/desktops/HP-Compaq-6300-Pro-Quick-Specs.pdf

[warmbeers]

OK, so the 8GBXL on the first line of the existing sticks is meaningless, or at least doesn't mean 8 GB for the CPU to use and the actual expected memory is the 4GbB I'm getting?  Now the memory uCtr sold me is CL 10.  Sounds like i should return it and get CL11 just to be safe?  That would give me 24GB Ram.  I'll probably see how that goes and replace the 4 GB sticks later if need be.

What does the CL # actually mean anyway?

Thanks for all the rapid response help. 

Much appreciated.

ed

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome.

The 8GBXLis the part number of the kit -- 8 GB (2 x 4 GB of memory).

Yes, CL 11 is the standard for your PC, so I recommend you return it and get the memory I posted or buy memory with those specs.

CL = CAS Latency (timing).

Google it.

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cas-latency-ram-cl-timings-glossary-definition,6011.html#:~:tex....

[warmbeers]

I REALLY appreciate all the help you have provided.  I just looked at the Tom's hardware link you provided.  Very informative (I've always thought they provide very informed info)

.  I am just left with one more question, if it's not too much to impose on your already generous willingness to assist.  On that page it says "The lower the CAS latency, the better."  So why is a stick with CL 10 or 09 (the ones I already have) likely to be less compatible with my computer?  That page also says " DDR3 RAM usually has a CAS latency of 9 or 10, while DDR4 will have a CAS latency of at least 15. However, because of its faster clock speeds, the newer standard has better performance overall. "  I guess I'm just trying to avoid a trip back to uCtr if I can just install what I've got.  I'm not trying to optimize this box for any high speed gaming or anything like that.  My goal is mostly to be able to leave the many windows I usually leave open, mostly chrome and/or firefox windows/tabs, without significantly impacting performance by forcing the OS to swap memory  with storage. At least that is what I understand is happening if I leave too much open. (messy mind, messy desk (you wouldn't believe mine), and computer wise messy desktop)

Thanks as always

ed

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Ed.

That is all well and good if the PC can adjust to those faster timing speeds.

There are PCs with BIOS that have settings to set the timing, and no HP business class PC has those.

If the 2 GB chips you have installed were original to the PC, you will find that they are CL11.

All I can tell you is that your PC uses DDR3-1600 CL 11 memory.

Cheers,

Paul