exist2inspire :
...is it worth having a (2+1) 3gb ram config over a (2+2) 4gb ram config, bearing in mind vista will prolly recognize 3 gb in either case?
also, will 4gb of ram work in dual channel in 32-bit systems? it may only show 3gb, but will dual channel mode be activated?...
No, go with the 2x4Gb option.
If you have two mismatched sticks, your RAM will not run in dual channel mode.
With two matched sticks, it will run in dual channel mode regardless of the operating system (it is hardware level not driver level).
exist2inspire :
...ive heard sometimes the os subtracts the amount of ram ur gcard has from the total amount of ram..like if ur pc has a 512mb gcard, then ur os would show 3gb, not 3.5gb like u just said. is that tru, coz my notebook will be shipped with a 1gb radeon 4650.
also, should i upgrade my ram from 3gb to 4gb in my notebook? is the performance worth the lil extra cost?
Kinda yes...
A 32 bit Os it capable of addressing a total of 4Gb of memory.
This includes system RAM, video RAM, the BIOS and all other memory/caches connected to the motherboard.
When you have more than 4Gb of memory running in your system you will allocate to all devices before you allocate the system RAM.
So, the total available to use in Windows will = 4Gb - (GPU RAM) - (possible sound card RAM) - BIOS - a small amount for system caches.
In practice, if you have 4Gb of RAM installed and a 512Mb GPU, you will have a little under 3.5Gb available to the operating system.
You should defiantly go for the 4Gb option (assuming it does not cost to much more) as it will allow you to run the RAM in dual channel mode for a doubling of your memory bandwidth.
Also, see if you have the option to get a 512Mb 4650 or Vista x64.
Either way, you will be able to access more of your RAM with no detrimental effects to your performance.