you do not HAVE to install it in pairs, but you will see a performance drop by having mismatched SODIMMs. Your benchmark program is probably attempting to perform something related to dual channel and cannot because its not running in dual channel.
How much memory your Windows OS will recognize depends on which version of Windows you are running. 32-bit versions of Windows will see (and utilize) only 3GB or 3.5GB. To utilize more memory, install a 64-bit version of your OS. More information about OS memory maximums can be found at http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.aspx?qid=4251.
Adding the maximum amount of memory will improve performance and help extend the useful life of your system as you run increasingly demanding software applications in the future.
No, you can install modules one at a time, and you can mix different densities of modules in your computer. But if your computer supports dual-channel memory configurations, you should install in identical pairs (preferably in kits) for optimal performance.
Your system does not support ECC. Because ECC and non-ECC modules should not be mixed within a system, install the same type of modules that are already in your system.
I tried the latest bios 2.6.1, and it solves everything. Previously I used 2.3.0.
With 2.3.0, Performance Test 6.0 failed in CPU test, and Dell DIagnostic Test froze in extended memory test. Still confused why many programs worked without problem, I flashed the latest bios 2.6.1. This time, everything works fine. Performance Test pass all the tests successfully, and Dell Diagnostic also pass every test.
You're right. I notice a little drop in performance, esp. in 3DMark2001. With 1 GB, I got 4.591, and now only 4.275. Performance Test 6.0 shows a little drop around 3% performance overall.
I guess I will stick with 1.5GB, because I mostly use 1501 for internet/Office apps anyway. I play serious games in my desktop. The only games I run with my 1501 are mostly arcades and C&C Generals, which still runs very nicely. That's more than enough for me.
I'm very happy. Thank you.
Message Edited by Patroclus on 10-30-2007 10:51 AM
I have a Dell Inspiron 1501 running Vista with 4GB of Ram I installed the Ram 2 weeks ago. My mom wanted to upgrade her 512MB DDR2 Ram for her computer, so gave her my 2 x 1GB 533Mhz ram and bought 2 x 2GB 667Mhz Ram for myself and installed Vista switching from XP Home. My system is now stupid fast. And yes I know about Vista but in two years it will be the norm anyway. I play C & C and run Adobe CS3 suite (which crashes a lot of computers) and they run fine check out my screen shot. For some reason my XP Home would only read 2.6GB of ram; however, my BIOS would always say 400000000kb of Ram. After upgrading to Vista my system is now able to read the entire 4GB. Ok sorry no screen shots cause you can only load them from url and I don't feel like setting that up right now. If you want proof I can post it.
Woww that's a very good news. Never thought it was possible since the specs only says upto 2GB max.
I have read somewhere in Dell's forum in www.notebookreview.com about 1501 can actually use upto 3GB because of some limitation in bios or something, but I read it about 8-10 months ago with older firmware. If I'm not mistaken ATI claims 4GB max for this chipset anyway. May I know what bios version are you using ?
I am running the BIOS 2.6.1, jut an update it only said 4GB after updating to Vista service pack 1, before that my system only stated 2.6 could be read with XP home and Vista. So it seems Vista service pack 1 was the cure. Don't know if XP service pack 3 wil have the same support. Another note my BIOS read the 4GB of Ram before the update to 2.6.1 even though XP didn't, that' why I tried Vista so the max Ram has to be a software issue and not a hardware issue. Three weeks later my computer is still fast no crashes or problems thus far. One more thing I have a 32 bit version of Vista not 64!
Message Edited by ablackguy on 04-02-2008 05:52 AM
Message Edited by ablackguy on 04-02-2008 05:54 AM
dgkpcon
3.6K Posts
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October 29th, 2007 17:00
notladstyle
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October 30th, 2007 02:00
pcgeek11
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1.9K Posts
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October 30th, 2007 06:00
USB Support: 2.x Compliant
Standard Memory: 512 or 1024MB removable
Slots: 2 (2 banks of 1)
Chipset: ATI Radeon EXPRESS 1150
Q: Will my system recognize the maximum upgrade?
A: Possibly
How much memory your Windows OS will recognize depends on which version of Windows you are running. 32-bit versions of Windows will see (and utilize) only 3GB or 3.5GB. To utilize more memory, install a 64-bit version of your OS. More information about OS memory maximums can be found at http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.aspx?qid=4251.
Q: What memory goes into my computer, and will a faster speed be backward-compatible?
A: DDRII memory with support for DDR2 PC2-5300,DDR2 PC2-4200 speeds.
Because DDR2 memory is backward-compatible, you can safely upgrade your system with any of the guaranteed-compatible DDR2 speeds listed below.
Q: How much memory can my computer handle?
A: 2048MB.
Adding the maximum amount of memory will improve performance and help extend the useful life of your system as you run increasingly demanding software applications in the future.
Q: Do I have to install matching pairs?
A: No.
No, you can install modules one at a time, and you can mix different densities of modules in your computer. But if your computer supports dual-channel memory configurations, you should install in identical pairs (preferably in kits) for optimal performance.
Q: Does my computer support dual-channel memory?
A: No.
Your system does not support dual channel.
Q: Does my computer support ECC memory?
A: No.
Your system does not support ECC. Because ECC and non-ECC modules should not be mixed within a system, install the same type of modules that are already in your system.
pcgeek11
Patroclus
22 Posts
0
October 30th, 2007 14:00
I'm very happy. Thank you.
Message Edited by Patroclus on 10-30-2007 10:51 AM
ablackguy
4 Posts
0
March 22nd, 2008 20:00
I have a Dell Inspiron 1501 running Vista with 4GB of Ram I installed the Ram 2 weeks ago. My mom wanted to upgrade her 512MB DDR2 Ram for her computer, so gave her my 2 x 1GB 533Mhz ram and bought 2 x 2GB 667Mhz Ram for myself and installed Vista switching from XP Home. My system is now stupid fast. And yes I know about Vista but in two years it will be the norm anyway. I play C & C and run Adobe CS3 suite (which crashes a lot of computers) and they run fine check out my screen shot. For some reason my XP Home would only read 2.6GB of ram; however, my BIOS would always say 400000000kb of Ram. After upgrading to Vista my system is now able to read the entire 4GB. Ok sorry no screen shots cause you can only load them from url and I don't feel like setting that up right now. If you want proof I can post it.
Patroclus
22 Posts
0
March 23rd, 2008 10:00
Woww that's a very good news. Never thought it was possible since the specs only says upto 2GB max.
I have read somewhere in Dell's forum in www.notebookreview.com about 1501 can actually use upto 3GB because of some limitation in bios or something, but I read it about 8-10 months ago with older firmware. If I'm not mistaken ATI claims 4GB max for this chipset anyway. May I know what bios version are you using ?
Thanks.
ablackguy
4 Posts
0
April 2nd, 2008 09:00