RAM Upgrade Question

You don't change the speed. The computer will recognize the speed automatically. However, if you leave the slower speed memory in place, the new memory will run at the slower speed.

Hi Mary

Thank you for the fast reply.

I won't be keeping any of the old memory. I currently have a total of 4 slots with 4 512MB chips. I will be replacing these with 4 1GB chips. My BIOS version is the latest available, A07.

So I am good to go?

Thanks

RonMarti

Yes--Just make sure it is the correct memory for your model. Check it out at Crucial.com. Crucial has good information and guarantees the memory will work and they have good prices if you want to buy from them.

Hi Mary

I checked my system at Crucial and it does support DDR2-800, so I guess I am OK with the memory upgrade.

Thank you very much, you have set my mind at ease.  :emotion-2:

Regards,

RonMarti

Mary,

I have a similar problem. 

I have a 4600, today replaced 2 (2700) 256 RAM 333Mhz modules with 2  (3200) 1G RAM 400Mhz modules per the recommendation page by Dell.

When I rebooted, the system is still showing it running at 333.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Bob722222

What is the processor installed in your system?   PC3200 is useful only for 800 MHz FSB processors.

See HERE

Bev.

Bev,

I have Pentium 4 at 2.8 GHz, with 512 MB DDR SDRAM at 333 MHz; PC 2700

From the link you gave, either 2700 or 3200 should work (see below); when I entered my service tag, the 3200 came up as the recommended RAM upgrade.

Thanks.

PC2700 (333-MHz) or PC3200 (400-MHz) DDR SDRAM
(non-ECC)

Bob722222

When a P-4 2.8GHz processor has a 533MHz FSB, the memory will run at 333MHz, whether it's PC2700, or PC3200.  To have PC3200 memory run at 400MHz, you need a processor with a 800MHZ FSB.

The Dimension 4600 were shipped with P-4 processors with either a 533MHz FSB, or 800MHz FSB.

You could use CPU-Z to find the details of the installed processor, also it should be displayed in the System Setup.

 Bev .

Bob722222

You are welcome.

Actually Dell's website is correct, PC3200 will work with a 533MHz FSB, but at the slower speed.

Personally, I prefer Crucial's site, both for the information and to buy memory.   :emotion-5:

Bev.

Bev,

Thanks for your reply. That was my understanding too, but Dells website specifically recommends only 3200 RAM to upgrade my computer  (per scan)

and I do have the 533Mhz FSB per system set-up.  Disappointed that this is not more clear in the online advice (the website, not yours).

I will chalk it up to a flaw in Dells advice.  Hopefully they make this more clear in the future, but I am not optimistic.

Hi Mary

Just a quick update.

I received my new RAM today, popped it into the computer, booted up and everything updated automatically.  :emotion-2:

Thanks again for the help.

RonMarti