Is Dell screwing with me on it's system data?

Question

OK I have a couple questions that may be dumb, but I can't find answers anywhere else, so... here we are. I am looking at buying an Inspiron E1705 with their sale. But here's the stuff I can't find. I know for a fact that the stock processor that laptop comes with (the Intel Core Duo T2350) is a 64 bit processor. The specs are there for anyone to see on the Intel site. Therefore, I know that the processor, at least, can support up to 4 Gigs of RAM. However, Dell tells me that this computer can only support a max of 2 Gigs. Why is that? Is there some other limiting hardware issue I'm unaware of or is it that Dell is only shipping the 32 bit version of Vista? The 64 bit Vista can support 4 gigs of RAM. The 32 bit version can only support 2 gigs. I Dell not shipping the 64 bit version with their 64 bit capable computers? If they are not then why not? When you buy Vista in a store it comes with both the 32 and 64 bit versions. Shouldn't Dell provide me with both? Also, if they are only shipping with 32 bit, then if I upgrade to 64 bit Vista, will this computer then be able to run 4 gigs of RAM? Maybe, the admins will want to weigh in on this, because if the compy is really maxed out at 2 gig, then I won't be buying it, I want this laptop to last me awhile. If I can put 4 gigs in with Vista 64 bit, then can Dell help me with that, or do I need to buy another whole copy of Vista? That would also mean I would not buy this computer. Sorry, that was half rant and a lot of questions. But I'd really appreciate any help anyone can offer. Thanks.

SR45 · Answer

When you purchase Vista retail from a store, you are paying the full amount, and a way to step up to Vista 64 bit for a nominal price depending on which version you get. Not so with OEM Vista from the OEM computer manufactures. You are getting the 32 bit version only, at a lower cost than what you would have paid retail, and that is all we are entitled to, which is not the full price as retail. If you want the 64 bit version, you either have to find a computer manufacture that offers this, or buy retail. If not, then you can purchase a OEM 64 bit version of Vista for about $ 119.00 Premium, not the Ultimate, which cost about $199.00.

Why is Dell not offering the 64 bit Version. Same as many other computer manufactures not doing so, is because of some 64 bit driver issues, problems and the OEM manufactures do not want a whole lot of complaints coming in.

Gateway, Dell, HP, VelocityMicro ( I have this ) and a number of other manufactures are only offering the 32 bit OS. Unless you build your own, you may have to hold off until some computer company decides to offer it. Not at this time

64 bit Vista addressing 4 gig links you can catch up on below.....

http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=xps_desk_genhdw&thread.id=44611 Link to a thread on how to see all 4 gigs of memory on a 64 bit Vista OS

http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000811.html

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1035670 Links takes you to a site that has a good run down on addressing memory

http://www.interact-sw.co.uk/iangblog/2005/08/05/is3gbenough

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&cs=19&docid=BF4C8393BFC74A83B9EC318630B9CE7D

VelocityMicro Gamer’s Edge PCX

eVGA nForce 680i SLI Socket 775 A1 version
Bios P-25
E6600 core 2 duo 2.4 Ghz @ 3.5 Ghz 1.425v
850 watt p/s
Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro Heatsink
4 Gb Corsair Dominator DDR-2 1066 Mhz Heat Xchange @ 800 mhz 4-4-4-12 2T
4 gb addressed for 64 bit - 2.8 gb addressed for 32 bit
eVGA 8800 GTX 768 mb @ 660/2000 O/C
SATA 250 Gb WD 16 mb cache
20x Lite On DVD-R
Dell 2407 ( 24 ) LCD
Vista Premium 64 bit
3DMks06 12,091

Dell Dim 4400

2.6 Ghz 400 FSB
1 Gb 2100 DDR memory
XFX 7800 GS O/C AGP

Message Edited by SR45 on 05-22-2007 05:08 PM

SR45 · Answer

Limitations are simple.  That notbook only has two memory slots, preventing you from installing more than two gigs of ram.  Not 4 gigs.  The manual also reads that you can only have two gigs of ram installed total.  So another system should be considered

SR45 · Answer

Well, that settles that one  :smileyvery-happy:   Should have known about that limitation.   Thanks muhboy :smileywink:

muhboy · Answer

The maximum amount of Ram in the E1705 is 2x1 GB, so you have to choose another computer.

dienekes00 · Answer

Hmmm... Hadn't seen Muhboy's response... I don;t want to sound pushy but how do you know? What is the limiting factor? If it's not Vista, then what? Thanks, again, gang.

dienekes00 · Answer

Oh, duh. Thanks for all the help.

dienekes00 · Answer

You, Sir, are a hero.

That is really great data. Thanks so much.

So I guess my only real question is whether the system I was referencing is hardware or software limited to 2 gigs of memory. From skimming the links you sent me it seems that I can get more than 2 gigs out of Vista 32 bit and darn close to 4 out of 64 bit. However, Dell still lists this system as only capable of 2 gigs, but it doesn't seem like it's the motherboard. Is there anything else or are they just covering their rears?

muhboy · Answer

There are laptops where 2 gb dimms fit, e.g. the XPS laptops (so 2x 2 GB dimms)! But they are also pretty expensive. You can e.g. check the M1710!

Windows General

Is Dell screwing with me on it's system data?

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