[flavallee]

According to the Crucial System Scanner report, your Dell Dimension 4600 desktop currently has a 256 MB DDR PC2700 module in 2 slots and has 2 empty slots.

You have these options:

Buy 2 - 256 MB DDR PC2700 modules.

http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartsp...92ECA9A5CA7304

This would increase the amount of RAM to 1024 MB(1 GB)
(256 MB X 4)

Buy 2 - 512 MB DDR PC2700 modules.

http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartsp...DCCDE3A5CA7304

This would increase the amount of RAM to 1536 MB(1.5 GB)
(256 MB X 2, 512 MB X 2)

Buy 2 - 1 GB DDR PC2700 modules.

http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartsp...BF832DA5CA7304

This would increase the amount of RAM to 2560 MB(2.5 GB)
(256 MB X 2, 1 GB X 2)

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[crsaj]

I don't need the fastest machine in the world but don't want the pain of what I have now. Looks like either 2 512 MB or 2 1 GIG. What would you recommend? Looks like I would leave the present memory in place, correct?

[flavallee]

Buying 2 - 512 MB modules or 2 - 1 GB modules is your choice.

Follow the install instructions here carefully.

You want to install the larger capacity modules in slots 1 and 2 and the smaller capacity modules in slots 3 and 4.

Make sure all 4 modules are fully inserted in their slots and that the locking levers are fully up and in the side notches.

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[crsaj]

Not to confuse things but If I understand correctly the install diagram shows the first pair of slots to be 1 & 3 and the second pair to be 2 & 4. If I purchase 2 - 1 GB and if I'm interpreting what your saying correctly I should take out the current memory and install in slots 2 & 4 and install the new 2- 1 GB memory in slots 1 and 3.

[captainron276]

Never mind.....

[crsaj]

Was that an edit?

[captainron276]

Take a look at this which is from the link Flavallee gave you to look at

[flavallee]

As you can see in the diagram that captainron276 submitted, the 4 slots are color-coded, so slots #1 and #2 are actually the 1st and 3rd slots.

Those are the slots that you want to install the larger capacity modules.

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[DaveBurnett]

Pairs in the same coloured slots, slowest (ie higher cas) in 1&3 fastest in 2&4.
This is because the mobo determines memory speed from the first stick it detects and you need to run it at the speed of the slowest.

[crsaj]

So would I be correct by installing the new larger capacity memory in Dim m 1 & Dim m 2? And move the old 2 - 256 memory sticks to Dim m 3 & Dim m 4. ?

[DaveBurnett]

Correct

[crsaj]

Thanks to all. I'll follow up on how I make out .

[crsaj]

Just received the memory upgrade and getting ready to install. What is the most simple and easiest method to ground oneself without using a bracelet or whatever they're called? I don't have a lot of tools for this.

[captainron276]

Be sure not to be wearing any jewelry. Unplug the computer and disconnect from power source. Touch a metal side of your case to ground you and then proceed with your memory install.

[crsaj]

After the install will I need to run any software?