I read somewhere that if you have a 32 bit OS that it won't even use that last gig of ram. Is this true? Is there any advantage to having 4 GB over 3 GB?
yes is true, if you have a 32-bit Windows it will only read 3GB of RAM and completely ignore the 4th, is not ur fault is just that the OS was programed to read 3GB of RAM. This is why im looking for a 64-bit OS, because if i pay for 4GB of RAM, i expect to USE 4GB of RAM.
yes is true, if you have a 32-bit Windows it will only read 3GB of RAM and completely ignore the 4th, is not ur fault is just that the OS was programed to read 3GB of RAM. This is why im looking for a 64-bit OS, because if i pay for 4GB of RAM, i expect to USE 4GB of RAM.darkgoth678
That is rather lame. I just bought a laptop, they upgraded it to 4GB Ram for free, but I just don't see why they didn't give me 3 GB and save themselves some money.
It can use 4 GB total (a 32 bit OS) but that includes virtual memory and other stuff. That means it will probably only use about 3.5 GB of your RAM because the other 500 mb is taken up by virtual/video. If you get a 64 bit OS, it can use much more TOTAL, so you will see all 4 GBs. I just upgraded from 2 to 4 (only cost 25 bucks, how could I resist) and just installed the 64 bit Vista Ultimate instead. Works like a charm
If there's any way for you to upgrade to 64-bit Vista I'd do it. Vista is a ram hog, so being able to properly use that last gig of ram really helps. I'm currently using 64-bit Ultimate with 4GB of ram, and it's noticably faster than the 32-bit install i had before.
This topic doesn't really concern me at all, but I am curious if you buy a 4 gig kit of duel channel ram even though 32 bit OS's will only recognize a certain portion of your ram do you still get the Duel Channel benefits?
[QUOTE="UnknownSniper65"]Look on the manual of your current version of Windows Vista...I believe microsoft has a way you can get a 64-bit version.Nazor1
But at this point in time isn't alot of software incompatible with 64 bit OS?
[QUOTE="UnknownSniper65"]Look on the manual of your current version of Windows Vista...I believe microsoft has a way you can get a 64-bit version.UnknownSniper65
All is compatible because it just installs it as a 32bit program if 64 bit isn't supported. You just get a better program if there is a 64 bit available. You can use ALL 32 bit without problems.
But at this point in time isn't alot of software incompatible with 64 bit OS?
The amount of ram usable over 3gb depends on your video card. Seeing as nobody would reasonably go out and buy a 256mb or 512mb stick of ram (you may see 3.2 or 3.5gb of ram when 4gb is installed), it may not be worth it unless you plan on going to 64bit. Atleast ram is getting cheaper, though.
[QUOTE="UnknownSniper65"]Look on the manual of your current version of Windows Vista...I believe microsoft has a way you can get a 64-bit version.Nazor1
But at this point in time isn't alot of software incompatible with 64 bit OS?
No, you'll get two Program Files folders, a regular 64-bit one and another with (x86) for 32-bit programs. If something doesn't work just go into properties and hit "run in compatibility mode for XP SP2". People often forget to addtheir Graphics Cards RAM to the total.
isnt there some advanded method where u can change some stuff and get your computer to recognize the 4th gig of ram on a 32 bit os fake factory cinematic mod v8 made a metion of this to lazy to go look up what it said exactly.
[QUOTE="UnknownSniper65"]Look on the manual of your current version of Windows Vista...I believe microsoft has a way you can get a 64-bit version.UnknownSniper65
But at this point in time isn't alot of software incompatible with 64 bit OS?
that seems to be the word (I use a 32bit version)
I haven't encountered any incompatibilites with Vista Ultimate 64-bit as it does a pretty good job of emulating 32-bit, and it's noticably faster than my prior 32-bit install as it can use all 4GBs.
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