Issue with RAM

highdef

Hi

I got a new PC from Komplett with 32 bit Vista installed in it. It has Corsair TWIN2X 6400 DDR2, 4096MB CL5,
Kit w/two matched CM2X2048-6400 Dimm's. The problem is that although Windows sees that there is 4 GB of memory physically installed, it's only using 2.5 GB, or 2557 MB to be precise. I know there are limitations in 32 bit Windows but I thought that it could use something more like 3.5 GB of the RAM. Is the 2.5 GB figure correct? If so, is the other 1.5 GB not being utilized at all? Thanks.

Stephen

You've probably got a graphics card or something with lots of memory too. 32-bit windows can only address a total of 4GB, and even without a graphics card or other devices eating up address space, you would still hit a ceiling of about 3.25GB. SP1 for Vista will show the total memory installed but it still won't be usable.

I would switch to 64-bit Vista if possible. Your Vista licence covers you for both 32 and 64.

highdef

OK, I may upgrade to 64 bit. If I'd known that 64 bit cost no more, I would've ordered that at the start......Stupid me!!!!
Going by the system I have, would there be any issue if I upgrade to 64 bit? I'll order the disc from Microsoft if it looks like it'll work ok. Thanks in advance Stephen.


EVGA nForce 780i SLI, nForce-780i SLI,
Socket-775,DDR2,2xGbLAN, 3xPCI-Ex(2.0)16
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz
Socket LGA775, 8MB, BOXED w/fan
Corsair TWIN2X 6400 DDR2, 4096MB CL5,
Kit w/two matched CM2X2048-6400 Dimm's
Point of View GeForce 8800GTS 512MB,
GDDR3, PCI-Express,DVI/Tv-Out X2
Western Digital Caviar SE16 500GB SATA2
16MB 7200RPM
LG Blu-Ray DVD-burner, GGW-H20L, 6x,
HD-DVD Reader
Card reader 51-in-1 black, 3½ internal
USB 2.0
Linksys Wireless-G PCI 54 Mbps 802.11g
, WPA/AES

Overheal

Stephen wrote: »

I would switch to 64-bit Vista if possible. Your Vista licence covers you for both 32 and 64.

Only if he didnt buy an OEM license. Retail licenses are the ones you can upgrade.

highdef

Well I have the Microsoft Windows disc and the sticker on it says it's OEM. Does this mean that I can't upgrade?

Stephen

Looks fine to me - but to be sure it would probably be worth going to the website of the manufacturers of each of your components to see if they offer 64-bit vista drivers. I find the most problematic devices are older printers and webcams and stuff - the likes of Lexmark are not willing to spend money on writing new drivers when they'd much rather force you to buy a new printer off them!

edit: I think the OEM ones are eligible for upgrade too. There's no upgrade path as in you can't just install 64 over 32, you need to do a clean installation.

rasmasyean

32-bit means it can only “see” 2^32 (2 to the 32nd power) = 4GB memory spaces.
The computer has to be able to see the RAM + VRAM + other devices on Motherboard, etc.
e.g. If you have 1GB VRAM and “other devices” takes up 0.3GB, you will only be able to use a max of 2.7GB (4 - 1 - 0.3 = 2.7) .
In this case, if you install 3GB, you waste 0.3GB…if you install 4GB you waste 1.3GB!

This one's a bit technical, but it describes some of the nitty-gritty of 64-bit technology.
http://www.bit-tech.net/bits/2007/10/16/64-bit_more_than_just_the_ram/1

32-bit vs. 64-bit Vista comparison table…
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/06/04/differences-and-advantages-between-32-bit-x86-vs-64-bit-x64-windows-vista/

Overheal

highdef wrote: »

Well I have the Microsoft Windows disc and the sticker on it says it's OEM. Does this mean that I can't upgrade?

Unfortunately, Yes.