Adding Memory to a 4600c

Question

I have a Dell Dimension 4600c that I only want to use as an internet box. Problem is that it only has 256mb of ram, and that's really not even enough to operate a browser sufficiently. I'm wanting to go the del-cheapo route, and just install a 1gb stick on one side, and that will be sufficient for my use.

I've read that the performance is not as good if you don't use matched pairs, and also that the 4600c is picky with certain brands of memory.

So my questions are:

How bad is the performance with just 1 stick(or an unmatched pair)?

What brands work best with the 4600c? (I've found a good deal on some Patriot memory)

Would it be better to have a 1gb stick, and a 128mb stick together, or a 1gb stick with the other slot empty?

Is either pc3200, or pc2700 better than the other for unmatched/1-sided? (mine now is pc2700, but I think I can use either)

Thanks in advance guys.

osprey4 · Answer

Hi Cedre,

We always recommend Crucial for RAM. Guaranteed to work with Dell systems, which can be picky about RAM.

Your system takes DDR PC2700, DDR PC3200 with a maximum of 1GB per slot, for a total of 2GB. However, for internet only, 1GB is plenty. You can get a 1GB kit (2x512MB) for $38. That would significantly improve your performance over 256MB.

cedre · Answer

Thanks for replying osprey4.

You really didn't answer much of what I asked/wanted to know. I know I can get a matched set of ram for $35-40. It's not worth it to me to spend that much money on a system that old(I can buy a 2 year old refurbished comp. w 1gb memory for under $75). But if I can add 1 stick for $20 it's worth it to me, because this is just a secondary system used for the internet only.

What I want to know is how my system will work with a 1gb stick in 1 slot, and the other slot empty (or w different size stick).

And also what brands beside Crucial will play nice with the 4600c. Patriot memory for instance.

Could you (or someone else) answer those questions please?

Thanks.

osprey4 · Answer

Yes, you can leave one slot empty. Putting 128MB in the other slot probably won't help but there's no harm trying both ways. I can't vouch for brands other than Crucial (Micron).

cedre · Answer

Thanks osprey.

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Adding Memory to a 4600c

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