Question about buying new Dell Precision

[ddeder]

I am pricing out a new Dell Precision T3500 workstation for my business. It comes standard with 2GB of DDR3 RAM. To bump it to 4GB is another $70, to 6GB another $190, to 12GB (ECC) another $610, to 24GB (ECC) another $1510.

I just checked crucial.com and found that I can order a 12GB (ECC) kit for $130. So 24GB (ECC) from crucial would be $260.

Crucial guarantees compatibility.

Am I missing something here?? Wouldn't it make sense to order this computer with the bare minimum amount of RAM and then order the maximum amount from crucial and install it myself? I know the RAM wouldn't be covered by Dell's warranty, but it wouldn't void the warranty on the rest of the computer either?

Advice? Is there any reason this is not a good idea?

Thank you in advance.

 

[greenhawk]

besides the open of the case issue of voiding warrenty, I have seen some brand named computers not working with RAM that runs at a different speed (FSB speed).

You can try, but be aware that you might have to ask dell for the 24GB later if you find the crucial ram does not work.

 

[ddeder]

The RAM from crucial runs at the same speed and again, it is guaranteed to work by crucial.

I am pretty sure that opening the case and installing more RAM will not void the warranty. Can anyone else confirm this?

 

[pete1229]

I have never had a compatibility problem with crucial, the scanner they have on thier website scans your system and matches it and suggest the proper upgrade for you. As far as opening the case and voiding the warranty, I have never seen any warnings on a Dell, so that's not a problem.

 

[jaydeee]

I support your idea.
Just make sure the compatibility of your hardware including your computer.

 

[mfenn]

Opening a Precision case or installing non-Dell RAM most certainly does not void the warranty. However, if you install non-Dell RAM and have to contact support for a hardware issue, they will make you reproduce the issue with only Dell RAM in the machine.

Obviously, if it turns out to be a memory problem, you will have to go to Crucial for a replacement. They also only guarantee compatibility when you buy directly from crucial.com.

Long story short, yes you can save some money by getting non-Dell RAM, but you will potentially be setting yourself up for support headaches in the future. Are you only buying one system? Dell can be very reasonable for orders of even 5-10 machines.