OK, shifty...I'll start a new post & quote the old one:

"Not to hijack this thread, but a related question...

Before I knew of shifty (or crucial.com) I bought 2G of ram (2 x 1G strips) for my Dell 4500. They went in OK and the system "found" 2G of memory (or so it says under "my computer" & the "general" tab)

Later, I learn of crucial.com and run their memory finder survey. It tells me I have 2G of RAM installed, but my computer will only support 1G. I recall reading somewhere that the BIOS in my machine will not support 2G of RAM.

So...I should just be happy with an extra 1G of RAM that my computer can't use or is there a BIOS fix for this or ???"

"Oh - and Mr. Honey - if you don't tell me what kinda computer you got (model number or motherboard product number) I can't help ya man

Typically speaking, RAM limitations are actually related to the main set of chips on the board (aka "chipset"). The chipset is usually the limitation, not the BIOS. However, BIOS updates have been known to let you use faster CPU's and more/faster RAM in a stable fashion."

The Dell in question is a Dimension 4500 with a 2GHz P4, xp pro 2002 SP2. Where would I find the motherboard product number?:)

Mike

You gave me all the info I need :)

I believe you are at the max amount you can take.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4500/specs.htm#1101572

If you scroll down to the Memory section, it quite clearly states 1GB is the max. :(

I went to Intel's site and downloaded the latest revision of the white papers and tech docs on the Intel 845E chipset, but nowhere could I find more info on the max cap of that chipset.

I could keep looking, but it might be hopeless.

Here's what's wierd....I'm looking at other motherbarods using that chipset and they're maxing out at 2GB. Examples:
http://www.pcprogress.com/product.asp?PID=IND845EBG2&m1=pg
http://www.spartantech.com/product.asp?PID=ABBD7II&m1=pg
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=240971&affiliate=pricegrabber

It looks like your Dell should technically support two 1GB sticks of RAM. But, I don't know why it doesn't :confused:

You might give it a shot anyway. Is 2GB really necessary for what you're doing though? With that board, I would assume 1GB would really be sufficient. At a certain point, it's overkill.

One last note: The most recent revision of the BIOS for that board is A04. If you could go into your BIOS and see what revision yours is, you might try to upgrade the BIOS and run that test again, but they could be getting the specs from the smae place I just linked you up to.

Thanks, shifty!

I'll look into the A04 BIOS upgrade.

Mike