The maximum amount of memory on a Dell Inspiron e1505 / 6400

Dell states that the maximum capacity for a Dell Inspiron e1505 (and its clone 6400) is 2 Gb (1 x 2Gb). Several people online have stated that they have managed to install 4Gb (2 x 2Gb). However, many complain that they only get about 3.3 Gb of memory even when they are using 64-bit OS like Vista, Window 7 or Linux.

Actually even a 32-bit machine can address a maxmium of 4 Gb (2 to the power of 32). However, you don’t get the full 4 Gb because part of it is mapped to the ROM,. I/O devices, and other hardware. If you use a 64-bit OS, it’s suppose to remap the memory address so you get the full memory space. The problem is that the e1505 BIOS does not support memory remapping, so even if you install a 64-bit OS, your Dell e1505 will not give you the maximum 4 Gb. I don’t know if this is because of the BIOS or if the Intel 945 chipset that e1505 is just too old to support memory remapping, but this Microsoft article seems to state that you need a later chipset.

So save your money, don’t get 4 Gb for your Dell. The 4 Gb will work with your Dell e1505. You just won’t the full capacity no matter what OS you use.