Configuring an M6400 online

If you order a M6400 Covet, either 32-bit OS or 64-bit OS, it comes with a minimum of 2GB of RAM in 2 DIMM slots (2x1024) so you could upgrade that to a max of 8GB (2x4096), you can't get only 1GB in the Covet. If you order a M6400 regular (silver), either 32-bit OS or 64-bit OS, you can get 1GB of RAM, but there will only be 1 DIMM slot, so the max RAM you would be able to install would be 4GB (1x4096). You can use Vista-64 on 4GB of RAM, but you'll be limited in the future. I don't know what you're price considerations are, but I'd go for at least 2 DIMM slots if you want to use 64-bit, but it's up to you. I don't know how difficult it is to replace the HD or the GPU (if you go for the Quadro 2700 for example), or how expensive.

If you want more than 8GB of RAM, you'll need to configure with the 64bit models with 4 DIMM slots (8GB, 12GB or 16GB). Other than that, as you say, the regular M6400 has lower spec'd options that the Covet does not have (2700 vs. 3700 GPU, different screen options, different CPU's etc...)

 

Thanks for the info I'm going for 8GB of RAM, so maybe I'll stick with the Covet then. I've done RAM and hard drives on Dell laptops before. Never done a GPU. I don't even see mobile GPU's for sale on newegg. I assume that you can't replace those?

Would be interesting to know if that's doable also.

 

Sounds good. If you're going for 8GB, it pays to get the 4 DIMM slots instead of the 2 for future upgrades. Not sure about upgrading the GPU. From what I've read it's very difficult and very expensive, even if you can do it on your own rather than having Dell do it for you. Good luck!

 

How do you save as an e-quote? I don't see that option listed on the Dell website. Thanks!

 

Well, here in Germany it's e-quote. If you order at Dell.com I guess it's "Email Cart".

btw, you don't save that much if you buy ram yourself. The prices you pay at Dell are the quite the same as aftermarket.

 

Thanks on the email quote.

About the RAM, initially I was mistakenly looking at the 8GB (4GB x2) modules, which is a $1700 upgrade . But I see now that if you go 2GBx4 modules it's $390. Not nearly as bad! Still newegg is showing that I can buy 2GBx4 modules for around $190-$230. Plus I could probably sell the 1GB x2 modules that come with the base system.

Unless I'm looking at the wrong RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...39102 1309239101 1309121118&name=4GB (2 x 2GB

 

Ok, I'm still a little confused about this email-cart thing. Who do I email it to? I have to enter an email address and I have no idea who our sales associate at Dell is. I don't even think we have one.

 

Changing the RAM is easy. If in doubt, visit the Dell support site and browse through the service manual.

It is usually less expensive to buy your RAM elsewhere and you then know which brand of modules you are getting (same for the hard disk). Changing these components does not affect your warranty for the other hardware, as supplied by Dell. However, if you do encounter a problem then it is useful to be able to revert to the factory configuration for trouble-shooting purposes.

John

 

Both models have the 4x DIMM slots - I have a non-covet with 16GB in.

 

Back days when I ordered mine the dell guy said that the M6400 has Kingston modules in it. After looking at the kingston homepage I found these:

http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/con...//www.valueram.com&ktcpartno=KHX8500S3ULK2/4G

Those have absolutely fantastic timings -> CL5-5-5-5

If you buy the kingston memory aftermarket, it'll cost you nearly the same as if you take them directly from dell.


Just take a look at the modules you mentioned and compare the timings and their prices


and btw, it's always better to buy a kit than separate modules