Memory Question About New Computer

Hi..just bought a new PC with 4GB ram. From what I understand the OS for windows XP Pro (or vista) for that matter can only use three GB. Why would the computer vendor sell me four if the computer can only use three? Will I be able to use this extra ram in the future maybe even install more? Thanks so much for any info about this. This computer is a dual core which is a first for me and is very high-end (best graphics and video) so I'm a little over my head in learning the ins and outs. Michelle

 

Check what system you are running by going to Control Panel -> System, it will have information about Windows on the General (first) tab. A 32-bit Windows system (x86) can only utilise about 3.2 to 3.6GB of RAM. A 64-bit (x64) system can utilise much more. A downside I have come across with 64-bit is that drivers have not been produced (yet?) for most "common" hardware. Producing 64-bit drivers is rather expensive, so if you want to purchase hardware with 64-bit drivers, you will find it is often more expensive than the others.

RAM is produced as modules. Currently it is being used in pairs to take advantage of extended "bandwidth" by using them as a matched set. Your RAM may be in the form of 2 X 2GB modules or 4 X 1GB modules. It would be more expensive and you may not get as much "bandwidth leverage" by using 1 X 2GB + 1 X 1GB or 3 X 1GB modules. You could run 2 X 1GB + 2 X 512MB to make 3GB and take advantage of the extended bandwith, but as I said, it would probably be expensive and counter-productive in a new computer.

You may miss out utilising the 400 - 800MB of RAM using 32-bit Windows, but unless you are running GIGANTIC programs or many, many standard programs at once, I doubt you will miss it.

You can watch memory utilisation by going to Task Manager -> Performance.

Matt

 

Matt, isn't it also a plus to have the extra RAM available in case it's needed? Say if many programs and windows were running simultaneously.

 

Thanks for the info...

One last question - will operating systems like windows change so you can add more memory in the future or have we reached the top? Thanks again...Michelle

 

Now I remember why I was told to get 3 GB's instead of the 4 I orig wanted!

 

I thought the MB to GB was implied.
Now, as to what kind of moment you were having, who am I to guess?