How much memory can you install in Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop?

You can install up to 2 Gigabyte (GB) of DDR2 memory in a Dell Inspiron 6000 notebook.  The Inspiron 6000 laptop uses a Mobile Intel 915GM Express Chipset.  It has 2 memory slots with maximum support of 2 GB of memory.  It comes pre-installed with 512 Megabytes (MB) of memory — 256 MB is installed in each slot.  These pre-installed memory modules are removable to allow upgrade.

The Inspiron 6000 uses DDR2 memory technology which supports DDR2 PC2-5300, DDR2 PC2-4200 and DDR2 PC2-3200 speeds.  Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-5300, DDR2 PC2-4200 and DDR2 PC2-3200 with a maximum of 1 GB per slot.  So, to upgrade the Inspiron 6000 memory up to 2 GB, you need to buy 2 non-ECC modules of 1 GB or 2 non-ECC modules of 2 GB.  You don’t have to install the memory in pairs.

Here is how to install the memory in each slot:

Slot 1	Slot 2	Total
1 GB	1 GB	2 GB
2 GB	2 GB	2 GB
1 GB	2 GB	2 GB
2 GB	1 GB	2 GB

Note:  During boot up, the system warns about a new amount of the total system memory.  Press F1 to continue or F2 to go into the setup.  So, press F2 to go into the setup.

What if you try to install 2 GB in each slot or 2 GB in one slot and 1 GB in another slot?  The system only recognizes a maximum of 2 GB, so whatever over the limit is ignored.  This is the limitation of the chipset in the computer.  You can not change this limitation unless you replace the chipset.  Does it sound like changing a motherboard?

In conclusion, Dell Inspiron 6000 only supports a total of 2 GB memory, using DDR2 memory technology with DDR2 PC2-5300, DDR2 PC2-4200 and DDR2 PC2-3200 speeds.  It does not matter how much you try to exceed the limit, the chipset only reads 2 GB of memory present.

References

1. Dell Inspiron 6000 Documentation on Dell’s Support Site
2. Dell Inspiron 6000 specs and Laptop specifications – CNET Reviews
3. Computer memory upgrades for Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop/Notebook from Crucial.com
4. The overview of the Mobile Intel® 915GMS Express chipset

Memory for Dell Inspiron 6000

1. Crucial Technology 512MB 200-Pin PC2-4200 533MHZ SODIMM DDR2 RAM
2. Crucial 1 GB DDR2-667 Sodimm
3. Crucial 2GB Set (2x1GB) 200-Pin PC2 5300 667Mhz SODIMM DDR2 RAM