Dell Precision T5500 - ECC RAM only?

[Koldov]

I recently had the chance to double the amount of RAM in this old beast, but when swapping it all out it wouldn't boot...

 

The message stated "Non-ECC dims are not supported on this system. System halted"

 

Now I guess that's pretty definitive, but I searched Google and found conflicting answers (as always).

 

https://www.dell.com/support/article/uk/en/ukbsdt1/sln290521/precision-t5500-precision-desktop-workstation-specifications?lang=en#Memory

 

Memory type DDR3 1066 MHz and 1333 MHz SDRAM ECC and Non-ECC

Memory connectors 6 DIMM slots on motherboard; an additional 3 DIMM slots available on optional riser

Supported memory module capacities 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB SDRAM ECC or Non-ECC

 

https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/common/precision-t5500_setup%20guide_en-us.pdf

 

Your computer uses 1066 MHz and 1333Mhz DDR3 unbuffered or registered ECC SDRAM memory.

 

https://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/precn/en/dell_precision_t5500_specsheet.pdf

 

Three-channel memory architecture per processor with up to 1333MHz DDR3 ECC Registered DIMM memory.

 

There are also plenty of discussions and variable answers on forums, but from the above 'DELL' documentation it looks as if it can take Registered or Unbuffered/ECC or Non-ECC.... Only it doesn't....

 

Would it have anything to do with the Intel Xeon W5590 @ 3.33GHz or the chipset?

[ICTDirect_Dave]

I'm afraid you're going to need ECC ram for that beast, either 10600R - which is what it shipped with originally - or 10600E (if you go for E you'll need to replace all the RDIMMs in there).

 

These T5500's and the hefty Xeon chips are build exclusively for ECC RAM.

[Oaktech]

I think I've got 2x4Gb of 10600R if you want to pay postage?

[Koldov]

I'm afraid you're going to need ECC ram for that beast, either 10600R - which is what it shipped with originally - or 10600E (if you go for E you'll need to replace all the RDIMMs in there).

 

These T5500's and the hefty Xeon chips are build exclusively for ECC RAM.

 

Thanks Dave,

 

So either Registered ® or Unbuffered (E)?

 

As long as it's ECC...?

 

I think I've got 2x4Gb of 10600R if you want to pay postage?

 

Thanks for the offer! But it's sitting with 12GB (6x2GB) with both of Registered and ECC RAM in it at the moment, so I'll leave it.

 

Just the option of 24GB was tempting, just a shame it was non ECC...

[ICTDirect_Dave]

Thanks Dave,

 

So either Registered ® or Unbuffered (E)?

 

As long as it's ECC...?

 

Yes, but you must use all the same type. No mixing E and R!

For the record, if you want 10600R I've got 8GB Sticks going currently for £10 each