Dell Inspiron 8200 RAM

v-5620 · February 3rd, 2003, 10:20 AM

Ok, I have ordered a dell inspiration 8200 with 512 Mb of RAM and want to upgrade to 1024 Mb of RAM from crucial as it's much cheaper. Will upgrading void my Warranty. i susspect that it will.

Thanks

tmx468 · February 3rd, 2003, 10:24 AM

Welcome to TechIMO! Yup, opening up your machine will void the warranty. Of course, if the machine needed to be returned to them, any 'upgrades' could be removed, assuming no notices have been broken to get into the inner parts!

KenKun · February 3rd, 2003, 10:25 AM

The moment you open your case by yourself the warranty is voided, as far as i know.

Welcome to TechIMO

iNeb · February 3rd, 2003, 10:29 AM

Do they ever need to know as long as you dind't damage anything on your way in?

rpertusio · February 3rd, 2003, 10:36 AM

The memory can be replaced with the panel on the bottom, no need to open the Inspiron directly.

The only reason this would void your warranty, is if you put 'incompatible' RAM in there. Dell has the say on what is 'incompatible'. Buying Dell modules from Dell (on their website) are compatible, and will not void warranty if you upgrade.

I would call dell first, to see if Crucial memory is 'compatible'. Secondly, if they claim Crucial it is NOT compatible, then you can keep your original memory around. When/if you require service, put the original Dell memory back into the machine.

Also to note... if you install the memory wrong, and it damages your computer, Dell has no obligation to cover that under warranty.

(Side note: I upgraded my Inspiron memory with Crucial, and Dell has always repaired it with no problem. The Dell technician(s) did not seem to care if it was Crucial memory or not. However, you should always double check with Dell first!)

- rp

tmx468 · February 3rd, 2003, 10:40 AM

There are no compatability issues with Crucial ram in Dell PC's and Laptops. Just remove any extra RAM if you ever have the things sent back to them, and they will be none the wiser. A nice little extra for the performance, and no warranty issues.!

rpertusio · February 3rd, 2003, 10:51 AM

Just to clarify.. by "incompatible", I meant it in regards to Dell's warranty. The memory itself works great (I use it myself), but Dell may be quick to point the blame at the Crucial RAM. (So yea, just remove it before you get it serviced, as tmx468 mentioned)

v-5620 · February 3rd, 2003, 10:53 AM

thanks for all your replies they are very helpfull suggestions.

scotlandtb · February 3rd, 2003, 11:08 AM

Opening your case does not void warranty and any company that puts those stupid labels on it are crooks. When they say that it must only opened by qualified service personel then why put the label on...Im qualified service personel. Hell im one of team of 3 who care for 1500 - 2000 computers probably more qualified than these mickey mouse operations!!! As for Dell, dell are good that way, they have designed their cases so that you the customer can get into your system easier!!! (saves them money if you can fix the problem over the phone)

sorry got side tracked with my rant. Basically what I was saying is you should have no problems with Dell as they are of opinion that you can go inside (just not with a maniacle laugh and a BIG screwdriver *LOL*)

v-5620 · February 3rd, 2003, 11:13 AM

I was worried about those stickers, I hate them because you could break them just by taking the panel off and them only find out when it's open and thank you.
oh, and nice forum you've got here.