memory usage on my system help and questions

[kipliq]

I read other posts and this is what I learned but not sure if I understand about how a 32 bit OS will use 2gb or 4 gb. I currently run 2 GB of ram and that I have 1.5gb of usable ram for games what ever. If I install 4gb which is the max in win xp pro? will read 3.5gb of usable ram for games and what ever. Since the 500 mb is saved for mmio items. If I upgrade my gpu to a 512 mb card from my 256, my os will reserve around 756 mb of memory and out of the 4 gb , 3.2 will be available? Sorry, Hope you can get what I?m typing, It?s confusing to me. Am I on the right track? Will have to enable anything in my boot.ini?

 

[Yellowbeard]

You are on the right track. You should not have to mess with anything in your boot.ini although some people may try to tell you about changing PAE. Ignore them.

Good reading: http://www.corsairmemory.com/_...ade_Resource_Guide.pdf

 

[kipliq]

I read the article so xp 32bit only can read 3.2 GB of ram and I kinda understand about all the resources and why 32bit cant use all 4gb. That is actually better then me having only1.5 gb to use. The 3.2 - 768 = aound 2.4 gb of mem for my system can use. I tend to multi task so the 1.5 gb runs out kinda fast. 4gb is super cheap and when I do upgrade to windows 7 64 bit, I'll be ready! That is a good article.