3.25GB instead of 4GB

Zangetsu

Zangetsu

New Member
Hi,

I am testing 4x 1GB OCZ XTC SLI PC2 6400(OCZ2N800SRI1G) and I get everywhere 4GB but, at Windows Vista Ultimate I get 3.25 GB. How come? It's a 32 bit. I thought that the ultimate edition could handle so much as it could.

Zangetsu
 
The issue you're seeing is related to the amount of memory a 32 bit system can address, if you want to see 4GB and more you need to get a 64 bit operating system. The calculation is 2^n where 'n' is defined as the bus width. If you try those into a calculator you'll see the difference.
 
But... I thought that Ultimate 32bit the only 32bit version of the Vista was that could handle 4GB. So, this is not true?

So, am I using now 3.25gb? Or is it just like XP that over 2gb isn't useful anymore?
 
Last edited:
3.25gb is more useful than 2GB on Vista, however, you should get the upgrade disk to 64-bit if you want to see more than 3.25GB RAM.
 
to be honest you'll probably not notice any difference betwen 3gigs and 4gigs of RAM. 32bit as of now is more compatible driver wise over 64bit. I would hold off on upgrading, plus I think you need to buy an upgrade to 64bit.

If money is not an issue then go ahead, if you don't want to spend it I wouldn't blame you for it.
 
The Upgrade to Vista 64-bit from 32-bit is only $10 with Free shipping.

I've been running Vista x64 now for ages, never once had a bad driver with anything, and all games work flawlessly in it. (Except for GTA San Andreas which is my graphics card fault)
 
There has been lots of threads on this, all of the 32 bit version of Vista and XP only support 4GB of RAM max, however it varies based on your other components so you only end up with anywhere from 3-3.5GB.
 
[-0MEGA-];885430 said:
There has been lots of threads on this, all of the 32 bit version of Vista and XP only support 4GB of RAM max, however it varies based on your other components so you only end up with anywhere from 3-3.5GB.
Click to expand...

Yeah but, do they use it is the question. Oh well, the rams aren't mine though, I am only testing them out. Thanks for the info you guys.

Zangetsu
 
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