RAM probs

[PkL728]

I just got my replacement RAM in the mail and put it in... it should say I have 4 GB RAM, but it says I have 2.75 GB? How is that possible? Is this something that the OS is doing incorrectly? I'm using MS Vista Ultimate 32-bit (student edition). Any ideas?

[Capper]

The biggest issue facing those considering a 4GB kit is that 32-bit Operating Systems (notice I said "SystemS", as in plural? This isn't just a Microsoft issue) suffer from a 4GB memory access limit. While I wish I could say everyone understood this, it only takes a cursory look around the web to see that many people are baffled, and even pretty pissed off when they plug a 4GB kit into a 32-bit OS and only 3 to 3.5GB of memory gets recognized. 32-bit operating systems suffer from a 4GB memory limit, but this isn't limited to just your system's RAM, it also includes everything given a virtual address by the system, like your Video Card, HDD, BIOS, etc. So if you plug a 4GB memory kit into a 32-bit OS, then add a 768MB 8800GTX (or 1.5GB if you have the cash for a pair in SLI), your system is only going to recognize the system memory that fits within the operating system's 4GB 32-bit virtual memory. There are actually ways around this limitation with 32-bit operating systems (Windows PAE feature), but it requires a lot of work, and isn't feasible for the typical consumer. A great write-up of the 4GB memory limit in 32-bit operating systems can be found here.

Super Talent T800UX4GC5 4GB DDR2-800 4GB Memory Kit Review - A Closer Look

[PkL728]

Ughhhh

[Yellowhello]

Yep, have a feeling that that 32-bit OS is holding you back.

[Capper]

Originally Posted by yellowhello

Yep, have a feeling that that 32-bit OS is holding you back.

The RAM isn't holding him back, its just how its used in a 32-bit environment.......there is a 4GB cap.......so you'll still see some benefit, because your are running almost 3GB, but you aren't able to use all 4GB.

[PkL728]

I've been reading up some more on this... I'm studying to become a computer engineer and this is quite fascinating (Although I'm a little embarassed that I'd never seen this before haha). And I saw that some mobos allow you to remap your memory? I mean my mobo does say that it can support up to 8 GB of RAM, so you would think this particular board would have this feature since it's a higher up end board. Is this worth a look?

[qazwsx]

You just cant run anymore than 3.5-4gb in a 32 bit OS. the 8gb limit is really for use with a 64bit OS and people with alot of money to buy 8gb of memory. I dont think there is a workaround to the memory cap.

[Capper]

No, 32-bit OS by design have a 4GB memory address limit, which means they can access no more than 4GB, which includes all your hardware, not just physical memory. You can however do some edits to your software, that are a real PITA, that let you direct more of your physical memory to be used.

[PkL728]

Ok well maybe i'll start saving up for vista 64 or something... they won't send my student version the 64 bit disk =( Thanks guys. I did get a blue screen earlier.. could that be from leaving in the extra ram?