This Dell DM4700 came with 2-256 mb strips, some time ago I added 2-1 gb strips for a total of 2.5 gb.
This morning I replaced the 256 mb strips with 2-2 gb for a total of 6. The bios setup screen shows 6 gb but apparently Linux is only using half that amount, not much of an improvement!:
[bobg@box6 ~]$ free -m total used free shared buffers cached Mem: 3022 719 2303 0 31 265 -/+ buffers/cache: 422 2600 Swap: 4575 0 4575
This is an up to date F-15 32 bit configured as I want it.
[bobg@box6 ~]$ uname -a Linux box6 2.6.38.8-35.fc15.i686 #1 SMP Wed Jul 6 14:46:26 UTC 2011 i686 i686 i386 GNU/Linux
Must I install the 64 bit version to take advantage of the memory? If so perhaps I could upgrade the present install to 64 and keep my configuration or do I have to bite the bullet and do a new install.
Bob
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On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:38:15 -0400, BG (Bob) wrote:
This Dell DM4700 came with 2-256 mb strips, some time ago I added 2-1 gb strips for a total of 2.5 gb. This morning I replaced the 256 mb strips with 2-2 gb for a total of 6. The bios setup screen shows 6 gb but apparently Linux is only using half that amount, not much of an improvement!:
Install the kernel-PAE package, then reboot to the PAE kernel and remove the normal kernel package.
On 07/29/2011 06:06 PM, Michael Schwendt wrote:
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:38:15 -0400, BG (Bob) wrote:
This Dell DM4700 came with 2-256 mb strips, some time ago I added 2-1 gb strips for a total of 2.5 gb. This morning I replaced the 256 mb strips with 2-2 gb for a total of 6. The bios setup screen shows 6 gb but apparently Linux is only using half that amount, not much of an improvement!:Install the kernel-PAE package, then reboot to the PAE kernel and remove the normal kernel package.
Wasn't PAE default on i686?
I recommend to you that you install the 64 bits version to can able to use all available RAM memory in your system. Regards
2011/7/29 Bob Goodwin bobgoodwin@wildblue.net
This Dell DM4700 came with 2-256 mb strips, some time ago I added 2-1 gb strips for a total of 2.5 gb.
This morning I replaced the 256 mb strips with 2-2 gb for a total of 6. The bios setup screen shows 6 gb but apparently Linux is only using half that amount, not much of an improvement!:
[bobg@box6 ~]$ free -m total used free shared buffers cached Mem: 3022 719 2303 0 31 265 -/+ buffers/cache: 422 2600 Swap: 4575 0 4575This is an up to date F-15 32 bit configured as I want it.
[bobg@box6 ~]$ uname -a Linux box6 2.6.38.8-35.fc15.i686 #1 SMP Wed Jul 6 14:46:26 UTC 2011 i686 i686 i386 GNU/Linux
Must I install the 64 bit version to take advantage of the memory? If so perhaps I could upgrade the present install to 64 and keep my configuration or do I have to bite the bullet and do a new install.
Bob
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On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:06:58 +0200 Michael Schwendt mschwendt@gmail.com wrote:
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:38:15 -0400, BG (Bob) wrote:
This Dell DM4700 came with 2-256 mb strips, some time ago I added 2-1 gb strips for a total of 2.5 gb. This morning I replaced the 256 mb strips with 2-2 gb for a total of 6. The bios setup screen shows 6 gb but apparently Linux is only using half that amount, not much of an improvement!:Install the kernel-PAE package, then reboot to the PAE kernel and remove the normal kernel package.
I suspect a more fundamental problem. At least according to the Dell material the Dimension 4700 can only actually make fully use of 4GB (and in fact I imagine 3GB or 3.5GB in reality). It also needs a specific BIOS version to use 2Gb sticks, which presumably as it's detecting them and booting OK the BIOS is new enough.
Alan
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:59:06 -0430 Marcos Luis Ortiz Valmaseda marcosluis2186@googlemail.com wrote:
I recommend to you that you install the 64 bits version to can able to use all available RAM memory in your system.
A Dell DM 4700 isn't going to have a 64bit capable CPU in most configurations....
On Fri, Jul 29, 2011 at 8:39 AM, Alan Cox alan@lxorguk.ukuu.org.uk wrote:
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:06:58 +0200 Michael Schwendt mschwendt@gmail.com wrote:
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:38:15 -0400, BG (Bob) wrote:
This Dell DM4700 came with 2-256 mb strips, some time ago I added   2-1 gb strips for a total of 2.5 gb.
This morning I replaced the 256 mb strips with 2-2 gb for a total of   6. The bios setup screen shows 6 gb but apparently Linux is only   using half that amount, not much of an improvement!:
Install the  kernel-PAE  package, then reboot to the PAE kernel and remove the normal  kernel  package.
I suspect a more fundamental problem. At least according to the Dell material the Dimension 4700 can only actually make fully use of 4GB (and in fact I imagine 3GB or 3.5GB in reality). It also needs a specific BIOS version to use 2Gb sticks, which presumably as it's detecting them and booting OK the BIOS is new enough.
If the CPU is not fully 64 bit, then it will only use (not see) 4GB of memory. After completing overhead actions this leaves something in the range of 3.5 GB for the Operating System and other applications....
Adding more memory than this limit will not result in better performance and may actually make matters worse.
James
On 29/07/11 11:06, Michael Schwendt wrote:
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:38:15 -0400, BG (Bob) wrote:
This Dell DM4700 came with 2-256 mb strips, some time ago I added 2-1 gb strips for a total of 2.5 gb. This morning I replaced the 256 mb strips with 2-2 gb for a total of 6. The bios setup screen shows 6 gb but apparently Linux is only using half that amount, not much of an improvement!:Install the kernel-PAE package, then reboot to the PAE kernel and remove the normal kernel package.
That's done but "free" shows essentially the same amount of memory?
$ free total used free shared buffers cached Mem: 3095008
I have not yet removed the original non-PAE kernels but I am booting to the new PAE kernel. It looks like something else is going on. Might be something in the bios configuration that needs changing or maybe this computer can't handle more than 4 gb?
I did have, F-13 64 bit installed on it once but decided to stick with 32 after that for simplicity, I wanted two set up the same and the other box was 32 bit. That has been replaced so 64 is possible if I must.
Thanks,
Bob
On 07/29/2011 04:54 PM, Bob Goodwin wrote:
On 29/07/11 11:06, Michael Schwendt wrote:
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:38:15 -0400, BG (Bob) wrote:
This Dell DM4700 came with 2-256 mb strips, some time ago I added 2-1 gb strips for a total of 2.5 gb. This morning I replaced the 256 mb strips with 2-2 gb for a total of 6. The bios setup screen shows 6 gb but apparently Linux is only using half that amount, not much of an improvement!:Install the kernel-PAE package, then reboot to the PAE kernel and remove the normal kernel package.
That's done but "free" shows essentially the same amount of memory? $ free total used free shared buffers cached Mem: 3095008 I have not yet removed the original non-PAE kernels but I am booting to the new PAE kernel. It looks like something else is going on. Might be something in the bios configuration that needs changing or maybe this computer can't handle more than 4 gb?
How much RAM does the BIOS say you have?
I did have, F-13 64 bit installed on it once but decided to stick with 32 after that for simplicity, I wanted two set up the same and the other box was 32 bit. That has been replaced so 64 is possible if I must.
64-bit is better in almost every way. I'd go for it, myself.
Andrew.
On 29/07/11 11:39, Alan Cox wrote:
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:06:58 +0200 Michael Schwendtmschwendt@gmail.com wrote:
Install the kernel-PAE package, then reboot to the PAE kernel and remove the normal kernel package.
I suspect a more fundamental problem. At least according to the Dell material the Dimension 4700 can only actually make fully use of 4GB (and in fact I imagine 3GB or 3.5GB in reality). It also needs a specific BIOS version to use 2Gb sticks, which presumably as it's detecting them and booting OK the BIOS is new enough.
Alan
Yes, I read that in the instructions before making the change but I thought perhaps it was due to a limitation of the original Windows XP provided with it which is long gone.
The other computer now F-14 32 bit, shows cp0/cp1 as 64 bit under lshw but the basic computer as 32 bit. Is that because it's running 32 or is that a limitation?
[root@box9 bobg]# lshw -X box9 description: Mini Tower Computer product: HP Compaq dc5700 Microtower (EW287AV) vendor: Hewlett-Packard serial: MXL732039C width: 32 bits capabilities: smbios-2.4 dmi-2.4 smp-1.4 smp configuration: boot=normal chassis=mini-tower cpus=2 family=103C_53307F sku=EW287AV uuid=A4676739-EC44-DC11-BBDA-783D981B001B
I know, I should try it, but someone more knowledgeable may know the answer?
Maybe I know the answer already, this Dell shows the same 32 bit width and I know I had 64 bit Linux installed on it. Perhaps that has some other meaning and my ignorance is showing!
Bob
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:13:23 +0100, AH (Andrew) wrote:
Mem: 3095008 I have not yet removed the original non-PAE kernels but I am booting to the new PAE kernel. It looks like something else is going on. Might be something in the bios configuration that needs changing or maybe this computer can't handle more than 4 gb?How much RAM does the BIOS say you have?
Wouldn't be the first BIOS that gets confused. What does the "dmidecode" (from the package with the same name) say about the memory controller capabilities and the used banks?
The other computer now F-14 32 bit, shows cp0/cp1 as 64 bit under lshw but the basic computer as 32 bit. Is that because it's running 32 or is that a limitation?
I've no idea what lshw does or where it gets it information from.
Maybe I know the answer already, this Dell shows the same 32 bit width and I know I had 64 bit Linux installed on it. Perhaps that has some other meaning and my ignorance is showing!
The 64bit support is determined by the processor. Check for the "lm" flag in /proc/cpuinfo
On 29/07/11 12:17, Michael Schwendt wrote:
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:13:23 +0100, AH (Andrew) wrote:
Mem: 3095008 I have not yet removed the original non-PAE kernels but I am booting to the new PAE kernel. It looks like something else is going on. Might be something in the bios configuration that needs changing or maybe this computer can't handle more than 4 gb?How much RAM does the BIOS say you have?
Wouldn't be the first BIOS that gets confused. What does the "dmidecode" (from the package with the same name) say about the memory controller capabilities and the used banks?
That produces a huge amount of information but part is:
Handle 0x1100, DMI type 17, 27 bytes Memory Device Array Handle: 0x1000 Error Information Handle: Not Provided Total Width: 64 bits Data Width: 64 bits Size: 2048 MB Form Factor: DIMM Set: None Locator: CHANNEL A DIMM 0 Bank Locator: Not Specified Type: DDR Type Detail: Synchronous Speed: 533 MHz Manufacturer: 2CFFFFFFFFFFFFFF Serial Number: 0D16C589 Asset Tag: Not Specified Part Number:
Handle 0x1101, DMI type 17, 27 bytes Memory Device Array Handle: 0x1000 Error Information Handle: Not Provided Total Width: 64 bits Data Width: 64 bits Size: No Module Installed Form Factor: DIMM Set: None Locator: CHANNEL B DIMM 0 Bank Locator: Not Specified Type: DDR :
And it also appears to say the bios is 64 bit. I'm not sure how to interpret all this.
Handle 0x0000, DMI type 0, 20 bytes BIOS Information Vendor: Dell Inc. Version: A09 Release Date: 06/22/2005 Address: 0xF0000 Runtime Size: 64 kB ROM Size: 512 kB Characteristics: PCI is supported PNP is supported APM is supported BIOS is upgradeable BIOS shadowing is allowed Boot from CD is supported Selectable boot is supported EDD is supported Japanese floppy for Toshiba 1.2 MB is supported (int 13h) Print screen service is supported (int 5h) 8042 keyboard services are supported (int 9h) Serial services are supported (int 14h) Printer services are supported (int 17h) ACPI is supported USB legacy is supported LS-120 boot is supported BIOS boot specification is supported Function key-initiated network boot is supported
Bob
If the CPU is not fully 64 bit, then it will only use (not see) 4GB of memory. After completing overhead actions this leaves something in
Nope. An x86 processor with PAE can be 32bit but can address 36bits of address space (just not directly all at once). This needs a lot of management and if you add a lot of memory to a 32bit box it spends more and more of its time changing which memory it is looking at.
the range of 3.5 GB for the Operating System and other applications....
Adding more memory than this limit will not result in better performance and may actually make matters worse.
If the board supports it. It can indeed often reduce 32bit performance that kicks in well below 4GB however because of the need for mappings of hardware space, user space and kernel. More than 900MB or so starts to hit it and by 2GB its having measurable impact. Above 4 you really want 64bit.
On 29/07/11 12:33, Alan Cox wrote:
The other computer now F-14 32 bit, shows cp0/cp1 as 64 bit under lshw but the basic computer as 32 bit. Is that because it's running 32 or is that a limitation?I've no idea what lshw does or where it gets it information from.
Maybe I know the answer already, this Dell shows the same 32 bit width and I know I had 64 bit Linux installed on it. Perhaps that has some other meaning and my ignorance is showing!The 64bit support is determined by the processor. Check for the "lm" flag in /proc/cpuinfo
flags : fpu vme de pse tsc msr pae mce cx8 apic sep mtrr pge mca cmov pat pse36 clflush dts acpi mmx fxsr sse sse2 ss ht tm pbe nx lm constant_tsc pebs bts pni dtes64 monitor ds_cpl cid cx
That appears to be there ...
Bob
Total Width: 64 bits Data Width: 64 bits
Nothing to do with the addressing capabilities. Its 64bit wide data (ie DDR)
And it also appears to say the bios is 64 bit. I'm not sure how to interpret all this.
Nothing about 64bit in the BIOS info (nor would there be, the BIOS has enough trouble thinking in 32bit .. thats why EFI is replacing it over time)
Alan
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:36:42 -0400, BG (Bob) wrote:
What does the "dmidecode" (from the package with the same name) say about the memory controller capabilities and the used banks?
That produces a huge amount of information but part is: Handle 0x1100, DMI type 17, 27 bytes Memory Device
Do you get a section on "Memory Controller Information" and "Memory Module Information"?
On 29/07/11 12:46, Alan Cox wrote:
nx lm constant_tsc pebs bts pni dtes64 monitor ds_cpl cid cx That appears to be there ...Thats a 64bit capable processor yes, so you'll be able to run a 64bit kernel on it.
Alan
Ok, I will stop wasting everyone's time, bite the bullet and install F-15 64 bit, but I'll do it on the HP which is still running F-14.
One of the problems with 64 bit is it won't run "gnofin" which I use to balance my check book ...
aargh!
Thanks to all.
Bob
On 07/29/2011 05:51 PM, Bob Goodwin wrote:
On 29/07/11 12:46, Alan Cox wrote:
nx lm constant_tsc pebs bts pni dtes64 monitor ds_cpl cid cx That appears to be there ...Thats a 64bit capable processor yes, so you'll be able to run a 64bit kernel on it.
Alan
Ok, I will stop wasting everyone's time, bite the bullet and install F-15 64 bit, but I'll do it on the HP which is still running F-14. One of the problems with 64 bit is it won't run "gnofin" which I use to balance my check book ...
Eh? 64-bt runs 32-bit programs quite happily IME.
Andrew.
On 29/07/11 12:49, Michael Schwendt wrote:
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:36:42 -0400, BG (Bob) wrote:
What does the "dmidecode" (from the package with the same name) say about the memory controller capabilities and the used banks?
That produces a huge amount of information but part is: Handle 0x1100, DMI type 17, 27 bytes Memory DeviceDo you get a section on "Memory Controller Information" and "Memory Module Information"?
No, I don't see either of those and nothing I recognize as meaning that, but I am already overwhelmed ...
Bob
On 29/07/11 12:53, Andrew Haley wrote:
On 07/29/2011 05:51 PM, Bob Goodwin wrote:
On 29/07/11 12:46, Alan Cox wrote:
nx lm constant_tsc pebs bts pni dtes64 monitor ds_cpl cid cx That appears to be there ...Thats a 64bit capable processor yes, so you'll be able to run a 64bit kernel on it.
Alan
Ok, I will stop wasting everyone's time, bite the bullet and install F-15 64 bit, but I'll do it on the HP which is still running F-14. One of the problems with 64 bit is it won't run "gnofin" which I use to balance my check book ...Eh? 64-bt runs 32-bit programs quite happily IME.
Andrew.
I hope that is true here. I recall problems with gnofin and "ftree," a genealogy program, I've since been using "gramps" which I believe did work for me.
I appreciate the encouragement ...
Bob
On 29/07/11 11:40, Alan Cox wrote:
On Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:59:06 -0430 Marcos Luis Ortiz Valmasedamarcosluis2186@googlemail.com wrote:
I recommend to you that you install the 64 bits version to can able to use all available RAM memory in your system.
A Dell DM 4700 isn't going to have a 64bit capable CPU in most configurations....
I swapped the memory strips around, 3 gigs in the F-15 32 bit computer and 6 gigs in the HP that had F14/32, then installed F-15 64 bit in it.
The 6 gigs is recognized by F-15, 64 bit as expected. Now I have to configure everything so it looks like my computer again.
Thanks to all for the help.
Bob
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