Notebook Memory Speeds

[nosremark]

I've recently upgraded my Dell Inspiron 4150 to 512MB(PC2700) RAM, it had 256MB(PC2100). I thought the fsb would be picked up automatically but it is still running at 266MHz. There is no config options in the BIOS for memory timing or fsb, Dell recomends using PC2100 but it has an Intel 1.8 P4M running on 400MHz bus. Shouldn't I be able to run this memory using this system? Does anyone know of any software I could use to change the memory config?

Thanks,

Chad

 

[cdogg]

Well, it's a bit more complicated than you probably think. Upgrading the memory to a faster spec (i.e. PC2100 to PC2700) isn't going to necessarily mean that the memory will operate any faster. The reason is the memory bus setting. The ratio of this setting is pre-defined by the motherboard's BIOS. Some BIOS's give you the option to customize it, while others lock it in to reflect a multiplier of the FSB.

Just so we're straight so far, the FSB and memory bus are separate entities that don't always have to be running at the same speed. HOWEVER, they typically are running together so that you don't create another latency bottleneck in your system.

In short, your BIOS must support the custom memory settings that you want to give it. If not, you're out of luck. Contact Dell or visit their website about adjusting these settings or upgrading the BIOS.


~cdogg
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