I'm in the middle of 2 different opinions on MAX RAM able to be used by a computer.

CRUCIAL: Windows Vista 32bit can use 3-3.5GB of RAM. Anything over that will NOT be used by the computer.

DELL: Windows Vista 32bit will use 3GB of the RAM, and anything over 3GB (up to 8GB on the Inspiron 1520) will still be used by the computer, but just not by the OS.

What the heck? I'm confused! Should I not bother getting more than 3GB of RAM? And what's the correct answer on recognized nad utilized RAM?

The Operating System sets aside some memory addresses for it's own use. Since a 32bit OS is limited to 4gb, that means those addresses will not be available for any other uses.

The computer (hardware) can access all 4gb.

http://blogs.msdn.com/hiltonl/archi...

So, would it be safe to say that the RAM over 3GB will be utilized by hardware ONLY if the OS is using all 3GB?

In reality, will going over 3GB for hardware really be noticeable or advisable?

Software utilizes the memory, hardware supplies the memory.

Installing over 3gb is not really a waste, because the Operating System will have the upper memory available for its assigned addresses, freeing up more of the lower memory. Depending upon the system configuration, you could have as much as 3.5gb available.

All the above are correct. The real issue that is confusing you is why the MBoard will run more RAM than can be used by WinXP.

The explanation is simple. Other OSes CAN use more RAM. WinXP64 and Windows Server editions for instance. The MBoard manufacturer is simply using a chipset that allows some flexability.

Aegis,

you mention that:

"Depending upon the system configuration, you could have as much as 3.5gb available"

Are you referring to 3.5GB available to the OS or other utilization?

If I put 4GB of memory on my system which has a Windows Vista 32-bit OS am I going to have to configure my memory allotment somehow?

"Are you referring to 3.5GB available to the OS or other utilization?"

All 4gb is available to the OS. The OS sets the 0.5gb (or whatever) aside for one specific use by him. The other 3.5gb can be used by the OS and and/or programs that you run.

"If I put 4GB of memory on my system which has a Windows Vista 32-bit OS am I going to have to configure my memory allotment somehow?"

No, the OS takes care of everything.

http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/ar...

http://blogs.technet.com/askperf/ar...

jam,

THANKS FOR THE LINKS!

anybody,

would you then recommend 2GB of memory or 4GB of memory for the following uses:
- adobe photo and video editing
- gaming
- mutliple applications at once i.e. surfing, music, and others

I don't use Vista but from what I have read 2GB is about the minumun, so 4 GB isn't out of line.

Here's a nice chart showing memory amounts:

http://www.kingston.com/windowsvist...

I think that God in creating Man somewhat overestimated his ability.
- Oscar Wilde

Thanks! You've all been a great help!