If I have 4GB of RAM, is it that much of a waste to go with a 32bit OS?

[JAWE]

If I have 4GB of RAM, is it that much of a waste to go with a 32bit OS?

 

[mpilchfamily]

You can have 4Gb but you'll only be using about 3Gb of it.

 

[VinylxScratches]

I'm using 4 GB on my 32bit Windows XP installation and My Computer claims I have 3.25 Gigs of ram.

 

[Slugbait]

Originally posted by: mpilchfamily
You can have 4Gb but you'll only be using about 3Gb of it.

Too simplistic of an answer. This topic comes up repeatedly all over the Interweb. Check out this pissing match for an example.

Quote

Even systems with as little as 2GB can be prevented from having all their memory usable under 32-bit Windows because of chipsets that aggressively reserve memory regions for devices.

But I digress...considering the cost of RAM today, the answer to your question is essentially "no, not really"

 

[0roo0roo]

yup its just the cost of doin business. and its so cheap you might as well get the matched pair for stability. later on you might go 64bit anyways. as said, so cheap now it doesn't matter.

 

[coolVariable]

is it really worth it going from 3GB to 4GB?

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: coolVariable
is it really worth it going from 3GB to 4GB?

Not if you're running a 32-bit Windows OS and plan to stick with it for any length of time.

 

[nerp]

What video card are you using? If you have a 1GB card or better yet, a pair of cards in SLI, you're going to see a bit more than .5 gb eaten up by address space.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: coolVariable
is it really worth it going from 3GB to 4GB?

Nope, cause your are losing $5 to $10.

Think about it, a BigMac combo, and a Shake. :shocked:

Or to put it in perspective, it does Not really matter, do what ever is comfortable according to the hardware that you have.

 

[JAWE]

Originally posted by: nerp
What video card are you using? If you have a 1GB card or better yet, a pair of cards in SLI, you're going to see a bit more than .5 gb eaten up by address space.

Oh yeah I forgot to tell the Video Card. It'll be a GTX 285, so 1GB Video RAM... That'll probably change a lot of you're answers

Edit: Also, for that Video Card (Apparently I have the OCE version if there is one... I bought it from Dell) Will this power supply be good with the connectors and everything? (simple question, I just want to be positive): http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139005

(2 reviews seem to confirm that it does work with the 285, its just I was confused by the "PCI-E Connectors = 2 x 6+2Pin")

 

[Slugbait]

Well, my answer isn't changing...

And yes, that PSU will be just fine for your video card.

 

[Slugbait]

Originally posted by: coolVariable
is it really worth it going from 3GB to 4GB?

If you have 3GB, that usually means all memory slots are occupied. You would have to dump a gig of RAM to add another gig, and you're not going to get much for 2x512 if you try to sell it. So that scenario definitely isn't worth it.

However, if you have 2 gigs and two empty slots, going from 2 gigs to 4 gigs is worth it for power users, especially at today's prices.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Slugbait

Originally posted by: coolVariable
is it really worth it going from 3GB to 4GB?

If you have 3GB, that usually means all memory slots are occupied. You would have to dump a gig of RAM to add another gig, and you're not going to get much for 2x512 if you try to sell it. So that scenario definitely isn't worth it.

However, if you have 2 gigs and two empty slots, going from 2 gigs to 4 gigs is worth it for power users, especially at today's prices.

So 3 to 4 = no, but 2 to 4 = yes
OP, I guess you've got your answer.

Originally posted by: Blain

Not if you're running a 32-bit Windows OS and plan to stick with it for any length of time.

 

[Slugbait]

Blain, you need to learn how to read. And I wasn't answering OP's question.