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Inspiron 1501 Memory Configuration question
My 1501 comes with 1GB (2x512). I bought a 1GB module with Hynix chipset PC5300, and replaced one of the 512MB module to see if it works. XP recognizes the total amount of memory installed as 1.5GB, and it seems to work without a problem. Running Photoshop, 3DMark, Sisoft Memory Benchmark without a problem. Only Performance Test 6.0 seems to have problem with Memory Allocation Error. Now, I know the manual says it supports 512MB, 1GB & 2GB, but it doesn't say whether the memory should be installed in pair. I tried to use only the new module in 1 slot, and the problem persists.
My question is, should the memory come in pair of the same size in 1501 ?
Can it use 1 memory module only ?
I want to know where the problem comes from, whether it is caused by unsupported configuration, broken new memory, incompatible memory, or what.
I can buy another 1GB module if what it takes to run reliably, but I need to be sure that the problem is not caused by incompatible memory. I really need advice.
dgkpcon
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October 29th, 2007 17:00
notladstyle
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October 30th, 2007 02:00
pcgeek11
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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
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October 30th, 2007 14:00
I'm very happy. Thank you.
Message Edited by Patroclus on 10-30-2007 10:51 AM
ablackguy
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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
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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
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April 2nd, 2008 09:00
Anonymous
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April 2nd, 2008 21:00