Dimension 4600 max memory is 4GBs but it only utilizes 3.25 so is it better to run just 3.25 GBs or the whole 4GBs of memory?

It's best to leave what you have alone.

The missing memory is likely due to reservations for video and other devices.

sorry but the only reason i typed that it utilizes only a certain amount is because i put the question why is it only saying 3.25 when it has 4GBs in it' and the answer i get back is what i typed here, that 'it only utilizes 3.25' BUT when i go to the memory store and put the name of the pc in it tells me it can take the max of 4GB, now again--my question is this 'it tells me it takes 4GB but it will only utilize 3.25 of it, soooooooo would it be better to leave the 4-1GB sticks in it cuz its not any faster then puttin the 3.25GBs in it, or just put 3.25GBs in it? My main reason for askin is, is it hurtin it any to have the 4GB sticks in it when its not even usin all of it comparied to puttin 3.25GB where it is using it all? do u see what i'm askin? i'm just wonderin if it wont get some kind of break down cuz it has more then its usin installed in it?

Dimension 4600 max memory is 4GBs but it only utilizes 3.25 so is it better to run just 3.25 GBs or the whole 4GBs of memory?

3.25 out of 4.00 gb is normal. There is nothing wrong with your Dell or its configuration.