4GB memory only shows up as 3.5GB?

[SONYFX]

I bought four identical OCZ PC2-6400 DDR2-800 memory but after booting Windows XP only shows 3.5GB, does anyone know why?

 

[cozumel]

You have a PC and XP which is based on 32-bit architecture. Therefore it is not possible for 4GB to be recognised.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/32-bit

 

[pallejr]

The real truth is that Microsoft has yanked support for more than 4G in SP2. PAE has been a part of the 32-bit architecture for years, so the cpu can easily address more than 4G of physical memory (and in most modern desktops the rest of the hardware can also go beyond that limit)

 

[SONYFX]

So Windows XP only uses 3.5GB?

My BIOS still shows 4GB.

 

[Nothinman]

32-bit XP will show 4G minus how ever much address space was stolen by your hardware. This has been discussed ad nauseum and apparently this is impairing your ability to search the forums...

 

[JustaGeek]

Originally posted by: Nothinman
32-bit XP will show 4G minus how ever much address space was stolen by your hardware. This has been discussed ad nauseum and apparently this is impairing your ability to search the forums...

So true... :laugh:

 

[btcomm1]

So, if your bios will regognize 4 GB but windows will only recognize 3.5 will that cause problems with blue screens in windows? Or will it be ok?

 

[Modelworks]

It will be ok.
Might consider going to a 64 bit OS, to get the full 4GB+ benefit.
I like xp 64 bit tons.
Its really not as painful a switch as people think it might be.

 

[SONYFX]

Originally posted by: Nothinman
32-bit XP will show 4G minus how ever much address space was stolen by your hardware. This has been discussed ad nauseum and apparently this is impairing your ability to search the forums...

No wonder you are a lifer.

 

[cozumel]

Originally posted by: SONYFX

Originally posted by: Nothinman
32-bit XP will show 4G minus how ever much address space was stolen by your hardware. This has been discussed ad nauseum and apparently this is impairing your ability to search the forums...

No wonder you are a lifer.

lol


I'd be getting Vista x64 tbh

 

[Mr Fox]

Originally posted by: Nothinman
32-bit XP will show 4G minus how ever much address space was stolen by your hardware. This has been discussed ad nauseum and apparently this is impairing your ability to search the forums...

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ..........................





Ground Hog Day !!

 

[chizow]

A FAQ about this should really be stickied imo. Honestly there's one of these posts almost daily now that DDR2 is so cheap.

 

[Nothinman]

No wonder you are a lifer.

What? I'm a lifer because I know how to use things like google?