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Thread ID: 92274 2008-08-04 04:31:00 RAM for 32-bit windows Sam Bos (12456) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
694806 2008-08-04 04:31:00 Hi Guys.

Im in the market for a new pc. I’d like to know how much RAM 32-bit windows vista can support (or any 32-bit version of windows for that matter). I was told by one of my mates that you could put 4GB in the motherboard but windows would only show and use 3GB. Another mate said you could put 4GB in and it would use 4GB but it would only show up as roughly 3.5GB because he said windows OS would be using the other approx 0.5GB.

Can anyone help me with this please? thanks
Sam Bos (12456)
694807 2008-08-04 04:38:00 32 bit wont use all of the 4GB. It'll only see 3.25 - 3.5 GB.

If you want 4 + GB you'll have to install 64 bit. The mobo and CPU have to be 64 bit as well
Speedy Gonzales (78)
694808 2008-08-04 06:02:00 Check this out.
www.corsair.com
:)
Trev (427)
694809 2008-08-05 06:23:00 ok so from what you say i understand that if i used a 4GB kit (either 2x 2GB stick or 4x 1GB) that 32-bit windows will use all of one 2GB stick (or 3 of the 1GB sticks) and not all of the other 2GB (or 1GB) stick? or would it just completely ignore the last stick?

cheers
Sam Bos (12456)
694810 2008-08-05 06:31:00 No, like I said it'll recognise 3.25 - 3.75 GB of the 4 GB

So, it'll recognise the 2nd stick, but only 1/2 or just over 1/2 of it

If it ignored the 2nd stick (If you use 2x2 GB sticks), then it would only recognise 2 GB, wouldnt it?

You also have to make sure the mobo supports 4 GB + as well. As some mobo's only support 2 GB (1x2 1GB sticks)
Speedy Gonzales (78)
694811 2008-08-05 06:32:00 It would use all of one stick and part of the other (1.25 GB to 1.5GB in the other one) total of 3.25 - 3.5GB

EDIT: Speedy, how did you get 3.75GB? Is there a way to make it recognise that much, and if there is can you tell me? Thnaks ;)
SPARTAN 860 (2618)
694812 2008-08-05 06:32:00 Kinda irrelevant :)

IMO It'd be best to get 2x1GB and 2x512MB and get a fully usable 3GB, like I did.

Or get 3 x 1GB if you don't want to use dual channel.
jwil1 (65)
694813 2008-08-05 06:34:00 Well that depends if you want to use dual channel. If the mobo supports it

In which case, they'll have to be the same.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
694814 2008-08-05 06:58:00 I don't understand why people are so obsessed by having as much RAM as possible. Speaking as a 64bit OS user with 4GB, I almost never use more than 2GB on the most demanding application.

Basically, it all boils down to bragging rights, and e-penii. If I were you I'd get 3GB and be content that you're probably still not going to use most of it.
Thebananamonkey (7741)
694815 2008-08-05 07:01:00 It would use all of one stick and part of the other (1.25 GB to 1.5GB in the other one) total of 3.25 - 3.5GB

EDIT: Speedy, how did you get 3.75GB? Is there a way to make it recognise that much, and if there is can you tell me? Thnaks ;)

Well I could be wrong ;) about the 3.75.

I would tell you if I had 4GB. BUT, I dont
Speedy Gonzales (78)
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