ram memory questions

ndrew2505 · May 20, 2009

how much ram can windows xp(32-bit) recognize? ive read on microsofts website that 4gb is the max but a few other people have told me it can handle way more than that. i already have a copy of xp 32 bit that i want to use but its only recognizing 2.9gb atm. im working on trying to get a 64 bit copy since im using amd processors but id rather use the 32 bit i have if possible. any one have any ideas?

jwc · May 20, 2009

3GiB is the max that a 32bit OS can recognize.

PAE (Physical Address Extension) is present in some operating systems (like Linux), allowing you to address far more RAM, but I don't think it's available in Vista for some reason. Don't quote me on it though... I haven't really used Windows in a while.

lamborgini8 · May 20, 2009

Correct, 3GB is the most 32bit will recognise, or just under 3GB so as you said its only seeing 2.9GB is correct.

How are you running the RAM though, most people miss the duel channel feature which, pulling stats from google, will give you a 30% performance increse. However where people are going wrong with this is you will need to use two identical sticks of RAM. For example if your motherboard supports duel channel 1x 1GB and 2x 512MB which adds up to just over 2GB will not be duel channel. You need to use 2x 1GB sticks of the same make which is the reason my gaming machine is staying in the 2GB range and not going 64 bit.

If you just want more RAM for more speed and dont really want 64bit then I would recommend you look into duel chanel.

Asherz · May 20, 2009

I believe the default for X32 is 2.8GB but it is possible to get it up to 3GB.

dr-ebert · May 20, 2009

Any 32bit OS can handle 4GB memory (actually address space) max *). However, not all of that is directly usable for programs. First of all, those 4GB typically split 2GB:2GB between user and system memory. In Windows, there is a switch somewhere to get a 3GB (user):1GB (system) split, but the usage is not recommended by Microsoft AFAIK.

Finally, some I/O regions and most notably the graphics card also use the address space. So if you've got a 512MB graphics card, only somewhat less than 3.5GB RAM remain usable, even if you've got 4GB installed. So in this configuration, you'd get 1.5GB for user programs.

If I were to buy a new computer today, I'd definitely get a 64-bit OS.

*) There are ways to use more RAM, but this does not allow direct addressing; essentially the extra RAM is just used as a fast paging area, like a RAM disk.

iskor12 · May 20, 2009

Make the switch to 64bit...just don't get XP64, because it blows. Lots of companies don't make drivers for XP64 anymore. If you are going to get a 64bit OS, make sure that you get Vista64, if your system can handle it.

lamborgini8 · May 20, 2009

iskor12 said:
Make the switch to 64bit...just don't get XP64, because it blows. Lots of companies don't make drivers for XP64 anymore. If you are going to get a 64bit OS, make sure that you get Vista64, if your system can handle it.

Not to start an argument but I seriously dont recommend going to Vista wether its 32 or 64 bit. If you are even thinking of going to Vista you would be better off waiting for Windows7.

dr-ebert · May 20, 2009

I second that.

iskor12 · May 20, 2009

lamborgini8 said:
Not to start an argument but I seriously dont recommend going to Vista wether its 32 or 64 bit. If you are even thinking of going to Vista you would be better off waiting for Windows7.

dr-ebert said:
I second that.

NOt to continue the argument,

but think what you may, Vista 64 is 10x better than XP64, but xp32 is 10x better than Vista32.

XP64 just blows. If you have a computer that can easilly handle Vista, then I would go with that. If not, then stay with XP.

I have had Vista 64 and XP 64 for over a year and I prefer Vista. Everyone has there own preference though.

One thing that I can agree with you guys on is to hold out as long as you can and then buy Vista 7.

dr-ebert · May 20, 2009

You mean XP 7

ndrew2505 · May 20, 2009

iskor12 said:
NOt to continue the argument, but think what you may, Vista 64 is 10x better than XP64, but xp32 is 10x better than Vista32.

XP64 just blows. If you have a computer that can easilly handle Vista, then I would go with that. If not, then stay with XP.

I have had Vista 64 and XP 64 for over a year and I prefer Vista. Everyone has there own preference though.

One thing that I can agree with you guys on is to hold out as long as you can and then buy Vista 7.

im going to be using it for emulating a server with xampp and the upgraded security of vista blows...

nikokapo · May 20, 2009

Members have answered correctly. Also, you need to take into account the amount of memory indexed for the video card.

ndrew2505 · May 27, 2009

im going to have plenty of memory for the graphics card(even though it wont be used much). it has 8gb in it so far and can hold up to 16gb(depending on the OS).

pseudolobster · May 27, 2009

Here's what each 32bit MS operating system can address:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_Address_Extension#Microsoft_Windows

64 bits of address space can technically handle 16.7 million terabytes of RAM, though most OS's impose a limit below that. I think most 64bit MS operating systems are limited to 32 or 64gb or thereabouts.

Most 32bit windows xp systems will show between 2.8gb and 3.75gb when you have more installed... Mine currently shows 3.25gb (out of 4gb installed).

ndrew2505 · May 27, 2009

the motherboard is one of the main limiting factors. its an asus k8n-dre so it only recognizes 16gb.

Cyparagon · May 27, 2009

I counter your RAM memory with LED diode, central CPU, and LAN network! :na:

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