Dell Vostro A860 --RAM upgrade and Vista-32

Hi there, (here is the link to the pC: http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/pr...dt1&l=en&s=bsd )

I am planing on getting this machine for my home office use. Couple of questions about RAM upgrade.
1. It comes with 2G RAM 1x2048MB stick; I wan to get this up to 4G; Has Vista-32 preinstalled. Will I be able to USE all 4G or less than that (I know Vista reports all 4G as installed), but does it it really use all 4G. Specs say max RAM is 4G. Is it worth getting this upgrade now, or
2. Should I just get the upgrade and when Windows 7 comes out, will it be able to USE the full 4G, even if 32-bit
3. Is the Intel Dual Core 1.86GHz compatible with 64-bit OS? In case I decide to go 64-bit after I upgrade the RAM to 4G?
4. Note: RAM is cheap these days and I do lots of multi-tasking---so RAM is important.

Many thanks
PS: Google produced a number of hits with various conflicting solutions. I thought I would ask our resident techies here for assistance; otherwse point me in the right direction that has a simple explanation on how I should proceed.

Thanks
S

 

Is that a Pentium Dual-Core? Your link doesn't work.

That being said, you should upgrade the memory now, especially if you eventually plan to move a 64bit OS; I believe the A860 uses DDR2 memory, and DDR2 prices are beginning to rise. If said processor is a Pentium Dual-Core, it will be 64bit capable.

 

1) No 32bit OS can USE all 4GB of RAM. You need a 64bit OS for that. This includes W7.
2) I'd upgrade if/when you need to. Prices might go down, and 2GB is enough for most stuff even when multitasking.
3) If you have the T2130 (1.86GHz Pentium Dual Core that I can find), it does not support 64bit OS's.

 

I think he's got the T2390. I'm pretty sure the A860 isn't a Socket M machine.

 

You could be right, but without a working link it is kind of difficult to check the processor number. The US version of the A860 doesn't seem to have many configuration options right now.

But from what I can see, it has the 965 chipset.

 

Bummer...yes, it is a T2390 1.86Ghz with 2G RAM.

1. If Vista-32 can never USE 4G, then is it better to go for an additional 1G (to make 3G of DDR2), but will dual channel work if there is a 2G+1G discrepancy? That is until get the 64-bit?
2. Sorry about the link, let's try this one: http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop-vostro-a860?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04

or this direct link to the exact specification of machine I am looking at: http://www.gadgetman.co.za/productinfo.aspx?productID=NBDEVA8601861201VBAB (I am in South Africa)

 

2 x 1GB or 2 x 2GB gives full dual channel performance. 2GB + 1GB gives a very small performance loss as explained in the Dual Channel RAM Guide. Full dual channel will give a small improvement to the integrated GPU performance since it uses system RAM.

The the notebook you linked to, I would add a 2GB module to get 3GB, knowing that it is possible to step up to 4GB.

John

 

Hi there

Not to prolong this discussion, but I came across this article about how to "How to Enable, Use and Support 4GB or More Physical RAM Memory in 32-bit Windows Vista" that makes for some interesting reading.