4600 Memory Architecture

Although the Dimension 4600 series has faster memory than the 2400 series,
does the extra bandwidth, afforded by the 4600's dual channel architecture,
make a significant difference when running common applications? Everything
else being equal, does the system "feel" noticeably faster? Any opinions
welcome.

Tim

 

the most significant performance difference between these machines come from
the agp type video card that can be installed in the 4600. the basic 4600
model comes with the similar integrated video as the 2400*. the unlike the
2400, the 4600 has a video expansion slot for agp type video (the 2400 only
has pci type slots). dell offers a couple of agp video card alternatives
factory installed, or you can get it with the basic video and install your
own choice of agp card at a later date if the integrated video disappoints
you.

* the 2400 has intel 845 extreme graphics, and the 4600 has extreme
graphics 2. the difference being that the 2400 has a max resolution of
1600x1200 and the 4600 is capable of 1900x1200 (wide perspective). both use
regular system memory for video memory, which means they are significantly
slower than video cards with dedicated video memory (and that they reduce
the total amount of regular system memory to dedicate some of it to the
integrated video 32-64mb).

 

Thank for your reply. Aside from the higher resolution, do you know if
ExtremeGraphics2 yields better gaming performance, specifically due to the
4600's dual-channel system memory?

 

Read Intel 865 (Dim4600) advantages over the Intel 845 (Dim2400).

http://www.upgradingandrepairingpcs.com/articles/2003/upgrade08_03_03.asp

 

Thanks. Great site, too.