When I got a new computer and upgraded to Vista last year, I considered getting the 64-bit edition to be able to use 4 gb of RAM but then decided against it to avoid software problems. So what's the real benefit of an 64-bit OS, other than being able to utilize a lot of RAM (kinda pointless, actually)?

I've also been hearing about "64-bit CPUs", so what are those? Are they made to work better with an 64-bit OS?

Thanks

Im pretty sure when i do a new build im going to be going to vista 32bit and im just going to get 2x2gb to run in dual channel and get the max possible ram as possible. Its better than getting 3 1 gb sticks or any other odd combo and probably the cheapest way anyways to get 3gb of ram.Kurushio

That's what I am thinking. 3 1 GB sticks or one 2 GB stick and one 1 GB stick are weird combinations. Besides, with two 2 GB sticks and Vista 32-bit you're not getting 3 GB RAM but actually a bit more, around 3.2 GB. Not that it will make anything better anytime soon but it's good to satisfy one's ego :P

I actually made the mistake of getting 4gb of RAM for Vista 32-bit. My Rig is IntelCore2Duo @2.66GHz, 4gb RAM, 8800GTX.

What happened was all 768mb of VRAM in the Graphics Card got address spaces so there was no problem there. But I only got 3gb of RAM to use with the system while one gig sat useless. Luckily I go it from Dell. I complained enough so hey gave me $50 as reimbursment. (The only other option on the system configuration page for RAM was 2gb)

I would recommend gettin Vista 64-bit but right now as long as you have enough VRAM in your GPU I have never used more than 70% of my RAM playing a game and running several applications in the backround.

redsnake9111

I already ordered my rig with 32-bit Vista and 8800 GTX. So it seems that I'll only use 3 gb of RAM. But that's okay, since there is no real difference in games between 3 gb and 4 gb RAM. And the memory of my GPU will be fully utilized and I heard that 32-bit Vista is generally better for gaming.

Okay. Then with 32-bit if I get a 8800 GTX its memory will be fully utilized but my RAM will be around 3 gb. Is that right?

I know that Vista 32-bit supports memory up to 4 GB. So if I get 4 gb of RAM and install 32-bit Vista, will the RAM be the only one to take the hit or will the memory of the graphics card be downgraded / not fully utilized? I am thinking about a 8800 GTX. I can do with 3.2 gb of RAM left but I wouldn't want the GPU memory to be ineffective.

Oh, I see now. So there is no real difference between the cards, they are just the vendors. I'm not very much concerned about customer service. Leadtek seems to have good customer support where I live.

Anyway, then why do you think they have that "PX" before the model name?

Okay, you are saying it's "one of the worst" but what's exactly the problem? Reduced performance? Instability?

And it's a normal 768 mb 384-bit edition. And no, it's not overclocked as far as I know.