Memory in current Windows PCs

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Memory in windows

32 bit

Simply means 32 series of one's and zero's. 2\32 = 4.294.967.269 = 4 gigabyte of ram.

What is the catch? Why does windows 32 bit only use around 3.07 gig?

Memory mapped i/o is that answer. Plainly windows reserves around 976 mb for things that use memory like the Graphics Processor Unit (videocard). If you have a GPU whit even more memory like 1 or 2 gig on the GPU windows reserves even more, making less available for programs.

Why does my computer say 4 gig on board?

People called helpdesks silly so they added it to the service pack. It says 4 gig, but windows 32 bit can only use 3.07 like mentioned above.

What is the best for 32 bit windows?

The fastest memory configuration is still 2x2 gig, meaning two sticks of 2 gig. Yes you use not all of it, but this is the fastest combo, followed by 4x1.

What about 64 bit?

2\64 is way over 17 million. However the limit for many pc's is 8 GB, for servers 64/128 GB

What does this mean for me as a standard consumer? The 32 bit is fine, use it whit 4 gig and a 512 mb GPU and you get the most out of windows. Consider 64 bit for the next windows version due in 2010.

 

Maybe I should read the other threads before replying into another one... oh well.

But anyway, the actual RAM memory that you have usable varies somewhat depending on the Windows configuration and used hardware. I have about 3.3 GB usable in my 32-bit Windows XP setup with a 512 MB video card. It could be almost 4 GB on some configurations, or as low as 2 GB if you have a gigantic video card setup for example.

I would go for 64-bit if you are upgrading. I have XP installed only for some legacy software that might not work with (64-bit) Vista, HoMM4 being the only one so far that I have encountered.

 

Speed-wise I've heard good things about using 2x512mb sticks and 2x1gb sticks, which would give you 3gb. Reasoning behind this is that lower capacity sticks of RAM can often be faster and the added benefit of whatever you can get from 4gb is fairly minimal.

 

I keep on hearing how the Basic Windows 7 will support 32 bit but anything higher is going to be 64 bit. That means if you are into multi meadi look forward to a 64 bit computer.

As for RAM the best combo is dependent on the mobo, GPU and CPU. Since most mobo's have 4 slots I would go with 4 1G sticks or if you plan to upgrade to a 64 bit OS in the near future I would go with 2 2G sticks. If your mobo supports up to 16G of RAM with 4 slots you could just purchase a 4G stick. I wonder how a 4G stick would compare to 2x2 or 4x1 and I wonder how 2x4G sticks would operate in a 32 bit OS.

 

Most support 8 gig. I have not found a single 4 gig stick.

 

I've heard that filling every slot with RAM can cause other problems. I think I'll continue using 2 sticks of the fastest RAM my mobo supports.

 

It depends. When I filled all of the RAM slots on my PC, I noticed that I had to increase the RAM voltage to allow it to boot. As it turns out, I had to increase the RAM voltage from that which was automatically specified by the motherboard to what was recommended by the manufacturer. IE, they were initially being undervolted.

Other than that, it works fine.

As for modern memory, I think in practice most 64 bit CPUs can use 40 or 48 address bits. Thats still a lot of memory, in fact more than most servers would probably need.

As for 64 bits... I heard a story once.

The guy who invented Chess, in China, was asked by the Emperor what he desired as a reward.

He said that he wanted one grain of rice, but that it should be double for each square on the chessboard (there are 64 squares). The story goes, there wasnt enough rice in the whole of China to meet his request.

(As an added note, he was probably executed for being a smartass)

 

Newegg.com offers single 4G sticks.

 

The kits will be next.

 

They already offer a 4x4GB dual channel kit.

 

Forgive me for the bump of this topic. The question comes back. Also the ddr3 era has started. The new intel I7 works whit sets of 3 sticks. The amd phenom2 whit sets of two.

 

A little clarification. Intel I7 works *best* with 3 sticks of RAM since it is Tri-channel...However, it still works with single and dual-channel setups.

 

But do you want to upgrade your memory later when it is hard to get the same batch. You get all kinds of problems with different brands and models mixed. Still you are right, but not practical.

 

Wait... WTF are you talking about? Upgrading RAM with the same batch? Easy...you buy a 3x 2GB tri-channel kit. If 6GB isn't enough to hold you over for 2-3 years, then I pity us all.

Anyhoo...I fail to see how a 3x 2GB setup is not practical. If you're referring to that the fact that you *may* have limited (if any) slots to add more RAM...consider this, by the time 6GB of DDR3 RAM is no longer enough, 2 things will most likely happen: 1.) RAM prices for DDR3 will drop as the standard is adopted widespread 2.) DDR4 will come out, making DDR3 obsolete...which causes DDR3 prices to drop even more! That being said, to really "upgrade" you've have to buy a new mobo......

On a side note, it'll probably cost an arm and a leg, but single sticks of DDR3 4GB sticks are coming soon, which means that 3x 4GB won't be far behind. But also consider the major advances in memory technology, including the move to 32nm and improved immersion lithography, which are huge steps that are going to fore prices down and capacities up.

 

What I mean is that when you buy I7 you most likely get a board with 6 memory slots.

No way you are going to put one or two sticks in it. You get a kit of 3 since it works best. I indeed forgot the word best thinking ahead that it is silly to put one or two sticks in such an expensive setup. That is inpractical.

In his case 3x2 is best. 6 gig or ram will be enough for the next few years. Later he can add an other set of 3x2 making it 12 if he wants to.

When you put in one or two and times goes by, say 3 years, it is though to find the exact same memory again. No need for that with kits.

 

Newegg has some 4G sticks. Most 4G sticks cost $50-100 for a stick. I have seen a 16G pack before. However, the 4G sticks I have seen are for DDR2 RAM and if your mobo does not support 16G with four slots you are out of luck.

For a true waste of money you can buy a system with 16GB of RAM and 4GB of video memory. The reality that the average day consumer as of today's standards does not need a system with a total of 20GB of memory.

The system I built using the above info cost over $2500 and it would not be any faster than a system using 8GB of memory in most cases.