XPS M1710 - 4GB memory BIOS option

Question

I bought from DEL a XPS M1710 laptop with 4 GB of memory. The chipset that comes with it does support up to 4 GB. But in the BIOS, in the memory section, it says that some of the memory (~800 MB) are reserved for the system:smileysad:. Therefore, the OS will use the remaining memory which now becomes ~3200 MB :smileysad:. The problem is these options are disabled in BIOS so they are read-only and I can't change them.

I would really like to have my full 4GB of RAM used by the OS.

I'm using dual boot: 1) Mandriva Linux Powerpack 2008 64Bit

2) Windows Vista Home Premium 32Bit

I know that Vista will not use anyway all 4GB due to 32Bit OS limitations. But Mandriva should be able, and most of my developer work (I'm a software developer) I'm doing it in Linux.

I updated the BIOS to the last version, I also updated all the drivers (including the chipset drivers). Still, those options in the BIOS remain read-only.

Is there any way to get my all 4GB RAM beeing used?

Dooghy · Answer

But in the Dell specifications that came with the laptop says the chipset supports up to 4 GB of RAM.

And here is the specs from Intel for the chipset http://download.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/30921905.pdf.

They also clearly states the chipset supports up to 4GB of RAM.

Anyway, if the chipset really doesn't support so much memroy (which I doubt) why would Dell sell laptops already equiped with 4GB of RAM if the chipset they put in these laptops doesn't support the total amount of the memory? This is quite anoying.

Message Edited by Dooghy on 04-02-2008 10:48 AM

ejn63 · Answer

Not with the M1710, which uses the Intel945 chipset that doesn't support memory remapping. You need the M1730 with the later Intel965 for that.

Even if the BIOS supported remapping, the chipset does not.

Dooghy · Answer

Yes, you might be right. But still I'm going to call Dell and ask them about this.

I'm not to bothered about it; still, 3.2GB of RAM is enough, but for me as developer sometimes is not enough and having all 4GB would help me a lot.

My XPS is the "red formula special edition" and during the configuration process I had the option of buying Vista 64Bit (don't remember exaclty what edition of Vista). But because at home I'm not using Windows to much I didn't bothered to spend some extra money for it.

I'll update the post after I talk to a Dell technician.

Thank you for your replies.

ejn63 · Answer

It does support 'up to' 4G of RAM - and there's a clear disclaimer on every purchase page that the available RAM will be less - Dell doesn't ship Vista 64 bit with the XPS, so it will necessarily be so.   The Intel945 chipset is a couple of years old and predates the widespread availability of inexpensive 2G memory modules - it probably wasn't even dreamed of when the chipset was designed, that you could buy 4G of DDR-DRAM for $100 or so.

kirkd · Answer

Windows limits the maximum amount of RAM any program can use to 2 GB. Windows also can use only 2 GB. Therefore, you really can not gain anything by going from 3.2 to 4 GB except some speed advantage when changing applications.

XPS M1530, Vista Home Premium SP1, T7250 Core 2 Duo (2.0 GHz 800 MHz FSB), 4 GB DDR2 667 MHz RAM, 200 GB SATA II 7200 RPM, Nvidia 8600M GT 256 MB, Wireless-N Mini-Card, BlueTooth, WSXGA+ High Def LCD (1680x1050) w/ 2 MP Camera

Dimension 9100, Dual-Boot Win XP SP2/ Vista Home Premium SP1, 3.0 GHz P4, 3 GB DDR2 533 MHz RAM, 160 GB SATA II Samsung (XP), 300 GB SATA II Seagate (Vista), 250 GB SimpleTech USB (WD Drive), Nvidia Go 6800 (425/825 MHz - XP, 400/800 MHz - Vista, Vista Driver - 169.25), Dell 1901 UltraSharp FP

Inspiron E1705, Win Vista Premium, T7200 Core 2 Duo (4MB, 2.0 GHz 667MHz), 2 GB DDR2 677 MHz RAM, 120 GB Samsung HD, Nvidia Go 7900 GS - 156.69 Driver, 17” Sharp UltraSharp TrueLife Wide-Screen WUXGA

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XPS M1710 - 4GB memory BIOS option

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