Which Windows detects 4GB+ RAM?

JohnJSal · 03-17-2008, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TFT

For example, if you have a video card that has 256 MB of onboard memory, that memory must be mapped within the first 4 GB of address space. If 4 GB of system memory is already installed, part of that address space must be reserved by the graphics memory mapping. Graphics memory mapping overwrites a part of the system memory.

This might reveal some ignorance on my part, but couldn't it be designed so that the installed RAM doesn't occupy the first 1 or 2GB of address space, so there won't be any overlap between it and the memory required by other components?

Or similarly, why can't other components be mapped to the space after the first 4GB?

Or something.......

tyttebøvs · 03-17-2008, 09:33 PM

It is a hardware design.

Most modern computers can remap memory, so there won't be a conflict, but Microsoft doesn't want to support more than 4 GB in total in their 32-bit desktop editions

Steve Mavronis · 03-18-2008, 03:20 PM

It doesn't matter if it's Windows or any other OS. All 32-bit operating systems mathematically can only address 4gb of memory. I thought 64-bit sees double that, but some systems like Servers can see more through their hardware architecture. I'm running 32-bit Windows Vista Ultimate with 2gb memory right now. Most tests I've read say that is a sweet spot and you rarely need more than that. But I do plan to max out my system board to 4gb in the near future. Then I'll see how much free memory I have after everything loads up. But I do have a dedicated graphics card (with 768mb) and sound card so they should help to get me somewhat over the 3gb hump.

tyttebøvs · 03-18-2008, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Mavronis

It doesn't matter if it's Windows or any other OS. All 32-bit operating systems mathematically can only address 4gb of memory.

No, because of how it works when going from virtual to physical addresses, you can easily go beyond 4 GB in 32-bit OSes. Since many years ago, all x86 processors have been able to address 64 GB in PAE mode.

Intel_man · 03-18-2008, 06:35 PM

64 bit Windows Operating systems would support up to 8 GB of ram I believe...

[-0MEGA-] · 03-18-2008, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intel_man

64 bit Windows Operating systems would support up to 8 GB of ram I believe...

No, they can see up to 128GB.

Steve Mavronis · 03-18-2008, 06:57 PM

I think this will help clear things up:

Comparison of 32-bit and 64-bit memory architecture for 64-bit editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/294418

The system memory that is reported in the System Information dialog box in Windows Vista is less than you expect if 4 GB of RAM is installed
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605

Memory Limits for Windows Releases
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778.aspx

Vizy93 · 03-18-2008, 08:46 PM

just for fun while i reinstall my audio drivers

03-18-2008, 03:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
Steve Mavronis Bronze Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Maryland, USA Age: 49 Posts: 33	It doesn't matter if it's Windows or any other OS. All 32-bit operating systems mathematically can only address 4gb of memory. I thought 64-bit sees double that, but some systems like Servers can see more through their hardware architecture. I'm running 32-bit Windows Vista Ultimate with 2gb memory right now. Most tests I've read say that is a sweet spot and you rarely need more than that. But I do plan to max out my system board to 4gb in the near future. Then I'll see how much free memory I have after everything loads up. But I do have a dedicated graphics card (with 768mb) and sound card so they should help to get me somewhat over the 3gb hump. __________________ Gateway FX530, Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit SP1, Intel Q6600 2.4ghz Core 2 Quad CPU, 4gb RAM, 500gb RAID-0 HD, Dual DVD/RW, 700w Power Supply, Nvidia 8800GTX 768mb GPU (OC), 22" Widescreen 1680x1050 LCD, Asus/ViXS Combo-210E TV Tuner, Creative SoundBlaster X-FI Audio, Logitech MX518 Gaming Mouse, Logitech Premium Stereo Headset, Lacie 500gb USB HD

03-18-2008, 06:35 PM	#15 (permalink)
Intel_man Platinum Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 726	64 bit Windows Operating systems would support up to 8 GB of ram I believe... __________________ CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 @1.86GHz MOBO: Asus P5BW-LA PSU: CoolerMaster Power Extreme 500W VGA: eVGA 9600 GT 512mb GDDR3 @ 750/1870/1000 HDD: WD 250 GB SATA RAM: 2 GB DDR2 PC2-5300 MONITOR: LG Flatron W2242TQ, NEC MultiSync LCD1530V __________________

03-18-2008, 06:57 PM	#17 (permalink)
Steve Mavronis Bronze Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Maryland, USA Age: 49 Posts: 33	I think this will help clear things up: Comparison of 32-bit and 64-bit memory architecture for 64-bit editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/294418 The system memory that is reported in the System Information dialog box in Windows Vista is less than you expect if 4 GB of RAM is installed http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605 Memory Limits for Windows Releases http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778.aspx __________________ Gateway FX530, Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit SP1, Intel Q6600 2.4ghz Core 2 Quad CPU, 4gb RAM, 500gb RAID-0 HD, Dual DVD/RW, 700w Power Supply, Nvidia 8800GTX 768mb GPU (OC), 22" Widescreen 1680x1050 LCD, Asus/ViXS Combo-210E TV Tuner, Creative SoundBlaster X-FI Audio, Logitech MX518 Gaming Mouse, Logitech Premium Stereo Headset, Lacie 500gb USB HD

03-18-2008, 08:46 PM	#18 (permalink)
Vizy93 Diamond Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: The Angels Age: 15 Posts: 2,672	just for fun while i reinstall my audio drivers __________________ http://www.computerforum.com/6663-funniest-joke-world.html "75% of all statistics are made up, including this one. 62.481% of people who read that believe it is true. And if you're one of the 37.519% who don't, copy and paste this into your signature." - tlarkin, Cromewell, and Rambo.

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03-17-2008, 09:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
tyttebøvs Gold Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 277	It is a hardware design. Most modern computers can remap memory, so there won't be a conflict, but Microsoft doesn't want to support more than 4 GB in total in their 32-bit desktop editions

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