Question 1

I need to upgrade a Dell Dimension 4600i. DDR2 memory would not install in the slot, the notch did not line up even though the DDR2 was PC3200 speed. So question is do I need DDR like this & does it work in a Dell 4600i? One reveiwer said it improved his Dell 4600 but Windows shuts down if he uses the shift key! ( see reveiw dated 9/19/13)

Accepted Answer

Hi Patch, according to the online manual for a Dell Dimension 4600i, your computer requires DDR ram, either PC2700 or PC3200. 
If your existing memory is PC3200, I would purchase two more matched modules of the same speed and add them to the two empty slots. The notches will align if you have the right style of memory modules. If you have purchased DDR2, they will not fit no matter which way you turn them. Perhaps you could exchange them for the correct ones.

Question 2

what is cas latency?

Accepted Answer

Column Address Strobe (CAS) latency, or CL, is the delay time between the moment a memory controller tells the memory module to access a particular memory column on a RAM module, and the moment the data from the given array location is available on the module's output pins. In general, the lower the CAS latency, the better.

Question 3

I have a Soyo SY-P4VDA mother board that requires184-pin, DDR SDRAM2.5V non-ECC DDR SDRAM. The only issue that concerns me is dual channel. Will the RAM fit my motherboard?

Accepted Answer

well,  according to the mobo spec sheet, Your board comes with three DIMM sockets, Directly supports one DDR
SDRAM channel, 64b wide, providing support max of 3 Double-Sided DIMMs with unbuffered DDR 266.
The largest memory capacity possible is 3GB. (3 x 1 GB)
Wont hurt to have dual channel capable ram, but you will not benefit from it.  No sense in buying at DDR400 speed either.  You may want to consider upgrading the mobo just to take advantage of more modern features.

Questions & Answers