if i add a 2gb strip will the total be seen as 5gb

fireberd said:

According to Dell published specs (see below), 4GB is Maximum memory.

I'm surprised it even works with mixed memory in a Dell. Mixed memory and non-Dell branded memory both are hit or miss. I do a lot of support on the Dell forums and we see many memory issues with non-Dell branded memory and mixed memory. You are very lucky that it works with what you have.

thats very interesting thanx , i just saw this:
<h5>Re: iNSPION 531s memory question</h5>


rm31859
Dell's specifications say, 4gb, but it has been well documented that the 0RY206 motherboard can support 8gb using 4x2 DDR2 modules, with an Windows 7x64 OS..
But if you have a 32-bit operating system, this does not recognize 4gb of memory, 3±gb is all a 32-bit system can address.

Basically what it means is, while you can install 4gb of memory in the system, the reason it will not recognized is mainly due to 32-bit processors and/or 32-bit applications on memory address limitations.
64-bit processors & operating systems will recognize beyond the 32-bit limitation.

With 4G or less memory you should have installed Win 7 32, not 64bits.

As Fireberd mentioned, it's a miracle your computer is working without issues. Don't mix memories..
Answering your question, buy and install (2+2)G DDR2 800 (PC2-6400) and remove the other (1+1+1)G DDR2

[QUOTE=Barman58;3398958]

Megahertz07 said:

With 4G or less memory you should have installed Win 7 32, not 64bits./QUOTE]

The general rule is that if you have more than 4Gb of RAM you Must run a 64Bit Windows as 32Bit windows will only see the first 4GB, and in fact the system will show only around 3.1-3.3Gb due to Hardware addressing requirements The memory requirement is a minimum of 2GB to run 64Bit Windows and a compatible processor of course

yes, as i said above its 64 bit, but i installed it cause i was going to get more memory, anyway it does seem from what i pasted above that it can be done


also, what is the advantage if i do the following: buy and install (2+2)G DDR2 800 (PC2-6400) and remove the other (1+1+1)G DDR2


thanx

superqaz said:

also, what is the advantage if i do the following: buy and install (2+2)G DDR2 800 (PC2-6400) and remove the other (1+1+1)G DDR2
thanx

When you mix memory it will work with the timings of the worst memory stick. So even you have a DDR 800 it will work as DDR 666

Also if you have equal type and size in channel A and B, it will work as dual channel, increasing overall memory speed.

A computer with 4G (or less) will run with more free RAM (and faster) with Win 7 32, even it can't use more than 3.2G, than on a Win 7 64 bits. If the computer share some memory to the graphics card, than a 32bits with 4G (or less) is much faster than a 64bits.

Megahertz07 said:

When you mix memory it will work with the timings of the worst memory stick. So even you have a DDR 800 it will work as DDR 666

Also if you have equal type and size in channel A and B, it will work as dual channel, increasing overall memory speed.

A computer with 4G (or less) will run with more free RAM (and faster) with Win 7 32, even it can't use more than 3.2G, than on a Win 7 64 bits. If the computer share some memory to the graphics card, than a 32bits with 4G (or less) is much faster than a 64bits.

i dont see 2 channels , all 4 slots look the same.


can you re phrase the last paragraph , it sounds interesting but i cant fully understands it

thanx