Which OS lets me use 512MB DDR RAM to its max potential?

[Darkhosis]

I've heard that Win9x limits it to 256MB?

But Win2k lets me use the whole thing.

Here's the problem: Win9x is more stable for gaming than Win2k right? So which of these are true?

 

[GD695372]

I'd say that Win2k is more stable than win9x overall. It's a difference that most people notice almost immediately. Win2k is pretty resilient when compared to win9x as far as stability. Driver problems are sometimes present with win2k, for example nvidia's detonator drivers that apparently do cause some instability during gaming under win2k. I'd go with win2k, and use win9x for gaming, assuming you game frequently and don't wish to pay the performance penalty associated with running games on win2k vs win9x.

 

[MortaniuS]

win2k sp2 is rock solid for gaming, there is no use for win9x besides its lower price.

 

[Stealth1024]

I noticed a difference between WinME and Win2000Pro with 256MB RAM.

 

[mindiris]

Nah. You can go up to 512MB before you have to tweak the cache and stuff in Win9x. Win2K will by far use it properly however without problems (except for course when you do stuff like add 4GB into one machine and realize by default you can only use 2GB for programs, and 2GB for the system...). But 2GB ought to be enough for everyone

 

[HansXP]

I would agree with MortaniuS. Win2K will be best for both gaming and for taking advantage of your RAM.

 

[Athlon4all]

I left 98 at Windows 2000 Beta 3 (I was on the Tech beta), it is a supirior OS, more stable, higher performing, has much better Gaming support over NT4, still could be improved a bit, but is sufficent for most, User Accounts are so much better, plus it can use more than 256MB of RAM. I'll never go back to 98/Me.

 

[Darkhosis]

Ok, so the general concesus seems to be that Win2k would be the best option by far...

Which is what I think I will go for. But, Win9x should be able to handle 512MB RAM, as well. So, basically there is not much difference, except for the OS.

 

[elkinm]

Although WinME will use the full 512 MB you won't see a real performance boost you will just be able to run many programs at once in the ram. Win 2000 is much better for 512 MB of ram but Win XP will most certenly get the most use out of your 512 megs or more.