4 gigs on 32 bit windows -- pointless or not?

[cdawg]

So i've read 4 gigs is pointless on windows 32 bit.

A) Reason most people say is each application can only use 2 gigs total.

B) Then i see some posts saying it's OK because you can turn off Paging/virtual memory and make your OS use the left over memory instead of going to the slower Hard drive.

So, what is the verdict?

Is B true? Why is A true, since 32 bits is 4 gigs? why the 2 gig limit per app.

I have a copy of Win 64 bit, always had hassle with it though, not a ton of hassle just lots of minor things with drivers, but they add up after a while ;0). I am going to buy Vista Ultimate eventually also, but waiting a bit longer for better drivers and support on that end also. So in the meantime I'm stuck between 64 bit windows and 32 bit windows. Is there any performance gains for letting a application have more than 2 gigs of memory anyway?

Thanks for any information,
cdawg

 

[dengamle]

a) running more than one application can make use of it all (all the visible RAM, which is usually 3.x)

b) the pagefile has nothing do to do with the amount of physical RAM that can be used. More RAM is better = less stress on the pagefile

 

[leo2kp]

The reason you don't see all of the memory is because 32bit anything can only address a total of 4GB. This is the limit of 32bit programming. That means, any other types of memory including ROM, video card, any caches, etc, will be subtracted from any RAM you add, thus giving you only 3.xGB of RAM.

 

[homerdog]

So i've read 4 gigs is pointless on windows 32 bit.

A) Reason most people say is each application can only use 2 gigs total.

B) Then i see some posts saying it's OK because you can turn off Paging/virtual memory and make your OS use the left over memory instead of going to the slower Hard drive.

So, what is the verdict?

Is B true? Why is A true, since 32 bits is 4 gigs? why the 2 gig limit per app.

I have a copy of Win 64 bit, always had hassle with it though, not a ton of hassle just lots of minor things with drivers, but they add up after a while ;0). I am going to buy Vista Ultimate eventually also, but waiting a bit longer for better drivers and support on that end also. So in the meantime I'm stuck between 64 bit windows and 32 bit windows. Is there any performance gains for letting a application have more than 2 gigs of memory anyway?

Thanks for any information,
cdawg

This will answer your questions much better than I can.
http://www.anandtech.com/gadgets/showdoc.aspx?i=3034

 

[jeditim]

The reason you don't see all of the memory is because 32bit anything can only address a total of 4GB. This is the limit of 32bit programming. That means, any other types of memory including ROM, video card, any caches, etc, will be subtracted from any RAM you add, thus giving you only 3.xGB of RAM.

I struggled with this when I started planning my new build. I didn't want to be stuck with using only 2Gb of mempry in my system but at the same time I could use just 3Gb or else I risked the loss of Dual Channel. I contact Corsair Support and here is their response:

■http://www.houseofhelp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60265

I decided to get 4Gb of Corsair DDR2 800 and installed it into my build. I fully expected to lose aroudn 1Gb of memory but was pleasently surprized that the memory that shows is 3.58Gb. Not bad and the cost at the time was $270 for 4Gb of memory on two sticks. More than worth it for me...I use the computer mainly for Photoshop editing.
Tim

 

[sactogw]

If you really want to max out and get that extra .2 -.5 of RAM, an extra 2gb is fine. I, on the other hand, I just added a dual channel 1GB pair to match my 2 GB pair, and everything is working fine (got same brand to reduce risk). I had some OC issues when I first added the extra 1GB, but it turned out to just be voltages. This is just an alternative in case you want to save a couple bucks and not waste .5 -.8 GB of memory. I saved some cheese, because I am using the more expensive Corsair XMS2Pro; but, at the prices you can get most 2GB pairs for right now, it would not be a big deal to lose out on half a gig.

 

[fredgiblet]

If you already have 3GB then there's no reason to go to 4, if you have less than 3 then you might as well upgrade to 4.

 

[kingoftherings]

My friend has a PC with 4gb of RAM in Vista 32 bit, and it only recognized 3.37gb.

 

[boner]

yeah...... it is pointless dude

 

[jitpublisher]

Unless you are using a graphic program like Photoshop or Illustrator and working with pretty large files, there are hardly any progams or applications that will use even close to 2 gig of memory.

 

[f61]

waste of good money unless x64.

 

[flooder]

I also have 4 GB OCZ on my 32 bits WinXPpro. I can see up to 3.3 GB on the Windows Task Manager. I occasionally use Photoshop and play games. So far, my system memory usage has spiked up to 3.5 GB. Therefore, my 3.3 GB help out a lot. More memory less HD Pagefile. Later.

 

[warezme]

You may be able to make use of some of that mem beyond 2GB if your system is fairly average.

If you have any kind of SLI system like I have, the added video RAM of the SLI system takes up a huge chunk and the OS only makes 2.25GB available. So in that case, yes its a waste.

Read Anand's article as someone else recommended it will fully explain the issue if your really interested.

 

[dipz]

I'd suggest you get the 4 GB since DDR2 prices are good now. Unless you are saving up for a DDR3 rig, just make the investment now. You'll be able to use most of your 4 GB, and when everyone makes the transition to 64 bit you'll be prepared. I already ordered an extra 2 GB, and even though I won't be able to use all of it right now, it seems like a good investment.

 

[sailer]

If you have any kind of SLI system like I have, the added video RAM of the SLI system takes up a huge chunk and the OS only makes 2.25GB available. So in that case, yes its a waste.

And that, in my opinion, is one of the best reasons for moving to a 64 bit OS, whether it be Vista 64 or XP64 Pro. The ram limitations of 32 bit OS's are just too much for the ever more ram hungry programs in computers.