Do I need more Memory?

because I don't know! If additional memory is needed, do I need to add the same (2 x 256 MB) in slots 3 and 4 or can I install for instance 2x1 GB in slots 3 and 4? Used the Everest software for details. (Thanks for recommending that software!)

Windows XP-Home

Memory installed on my Dell 4600i:
2x256 MB
DDR-SDRAM Pc2700 (166MHz)

Field Value
Physical Memory
Total 510 MB
Used 319 MB
Free 191 MB
Utilization 63 %

Swap Space
Total 1247 MB
Used 289 MB
Free 957 MB
Utilization 23 %

Virtual Memory
Total 1758 MB
Used 609 MB
Free 1149 MB
Utilization 35 %

Physical Address Extension (PAE)
Supported by Operating System Yes
Supported by CPU Yes
Active No

 

I don't think the 4600 is new enough to recognise 1GB modules, but check the Crucial calculator.

www.crucial.com

 

All Dimension 4-something can run up to 1GB per slot, if I remember right. I'd suggest putting the 1GB parts in the first two slots and move the smaller modules to slots 3 and 4 though. That way, you get the most out of your new upgrade.

And yes, if you are running Windows XP on 512MB, I would say you need more memory.

 

You're absolutely right Mimsy!! I checked at crucial.com and found that a 32 bit OS will recognize up to 3.5 GB, 4 GB if it's run on a 64 bit. I have the 32 bit version.

Thank you so much for the tip to install the new memory modules in slot 1 and 2 and the other "old" ones in 2 and 3.

Dell salespeople said (in 2004) that 510 MB would be plenty for XP, but obviously it's not enough since I've downloaded plenty of (free) software after.

 

512MB is the minimum for Windows XP if you have Service Pack 2 installed. If you have SP3... well... let's just say you'll want more than 512MB. Personally, I recommend my friends to have a minimum of 1GB for WinXP these days.

 

Thank you Mimsy - yes I installed SP3 a little while back. I just ordered 2 GB of memory so that's in total 2.5 GB - that's enough for me at the moment I think.

I have another question regarding the installation of the memory modules and it's this:

Do I have to unplug all the hardware from the USB's computer prior to installing these modules? I think so but am not sure. See, I'm a senior age wise and still learning....

Thank you.

 

You don't need to unplug everything. Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord, and after you've done that, press the power button once, to get rid of left-over current that's still in the system. Once that is done, make sure you touch something metal, like a door knob or part of the computer case, before touching either memory module or motherboard.

As long as no electricity is going into the computer while you move parts of it around, you'll be fine.

 

Thank you so much Mimsy!

 

Very welcome. Enjoy the speed boost from the new RAM!