How to arrange memory

Well, here is what the manual says about it. Not sure you should use different speeds at all. But read this.

 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

DDR2 Memory Overview

DDR2 memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology. If the DDR2 memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. See the label on the module to determine the module's capacity.

NOTE: Always install DDR2 memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.

The recommended memory configurations are:

• • A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2
    
    

or

• • A pair of matched memory modules installed in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 and another matched pair installed in DIMM connectors 3 and 4
    
    

NOTICE: Do not install ECC or buffered memory modules. Only unbuffered, non-ECC memory is supported. NOTE: If you install DDR2 667-MHz memory, the speed is reduced to 533 MHz.

• If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200) and DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4300) memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.
  
  
• Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the connector closest to the processor, before you install modules in the other connectors.
• NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty. NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in DIMM connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and 4.Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations

  Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, can use a maximum of 4 GB of address space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is less than 4 GB. Certain components within the computer require address space in the 4-GB range. Any address space reserved for these components cannot be used by computer memory.

thanks dbramlet and sorry for the delay.

 

From the following sentence " If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200) and DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4300) memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed." I get that I can install two separate pairs of memory and they don't necessarily have to be all pairs.

 

I was hoping my installation of 2 extra GB of memory would make my machine considerably faster when working with 24-bit audio. It seems it is not the case.

 

thanks again.

sp.