How much memory with Vista 32-bit???

[Adam611]

I was originally going to get vista x64 but it looks like I can only use the 32-bit version. I was going to get 4GB Of RAM but I had heard it could not take full advantage of that. What's the best amount to get for heavyish gaming/multi-tasking? Thanks!

 

[Noema]

Why can't you use 64 bit Vista?

And yes, you won't be able to utilize the full 4GB under 32-bit Vista. If you have no choice, you could get 3GB (2x1GB; 2X512MB to stay in dual channel) and that'll probably be plenty for a while.

 

[Adam611]

I have the student edition of ultimate and I can't find out how to get MSFT to send me the 64-bit. The site says I'm not eligible. Is 4GB a total waste or will it not work or what happens if you have 4x1GB on a 32-bit?

 

[Nothinman]

It'll be completely unusable, you'll only see 4G minus however much address space is stolen by your hardware.

 

[Noema]

Originally posted by: Adam611
I have the student edition of ultimate and I can't find out how to get MSFT to send me the 64-bit. The site says I'm not eligible.

This is odd. I can't understand why they wouldn't let you get a 64-bit disk. I wonder if the key would work on both...perhaps you could get someone to lend you a 64-bit disk (I wouldn't matter what version of Vista the disk is as long as it is 64-bit...AFAIK all the disks basically contain all the features and your key determines which version is installed...I assume it'd have to be OEM) and try you key on it.

It's worth a shot at least...I don't know if this is against the EULA though...perhaps someone with more info might chime in regarding this and correct me if I'm wrong about what I'm saying.

I do think that for an enthusiast / power user 64-bit really is the way to go, unless an essential app / device you really need to use isn't compatible (and the list gets shorter by the day).

 

[Bateluer]

Isn't 4GB of RAM the max addressable under 32 bit OSs?

Not sure why you aren't eligible for the 64bit version, but I'm not very familiar with how MS has that all set up. I know I can get both the 32 and 64 bit versions of Vista through my school, but I can't recall if they are in the same package or not.

 

[Nothinman]

Isn't 4GB of RAM the max addressable under 32 bit OSs?

Sort of yes, unless you consider PAE which has been around since the Pentium Pro.