8 GB RAM usage and placement?

onipar

onipar

Member
Two questions:

First, while building this computer, I planned on only getting 4GB of RAM, but on Black Friday 8GB was the same price, so I got that. Unfortunately, the only Windows 7 version available at my college is the 32 bit version (I had to go this route because it's $6 versus $100 or more).

I'm aware that the 32bit version can only access a certain amount of memory (under the 4 GBs), but what I'm wondering is will the 8 GB's come in handy for anything else? Or is it basically unused memory, and it won't even matter that I have it?

Second question is about placement. The fan on my aftermarket heatsink blocks the first of the 4 memory slots. So instead of putting the memory (dual channel) in slots 1 and 3, I put them in 2 and 4. Will this be okay? The other option I have is to take the fan off and put it on the other side of the heatsink. This of course will sort of interrupt the nice airflow I have set up because the exhaust and heatsink will be blowing opposite directions. But it *will* allow me to place the memory in slots 1 and 3. Which is the better option? Opposite airflow with memory in 1 and 3, or correct airflow with memory in 2 and 4?

A picture of the inside, you can see the heatsink fan directly next to the memory which is in slot 2.

Thanks for answering all my newbie questions! :)
 
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You could acquire a 64-bit disc and use your 32-bit key. The keys are not tied to bit versions; only to the version it is (Home Premium, Pro, etc.)
 
voyagerfan99 said:
You could acquire a 64-bit disc and use your 32-bit key. The keys are not tied to bit versions; only to the version it is (Home Premium, Pro, etc.)
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Hmmm, that sounds like a good idea. Not sure I know anyone with it, but I guess it's worth checking around. My other option was to install Ubuntu instead. I was also considering that.

I guess a good related question would be, if I can't get a 64 bit version of win 7, should I install the 32 bit, or go with Ubuntu?
 
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StrangleHold said:
It doesnt matter if the memory in 1/3 or 2/4 slots.
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Okay, thanks. I thought it was probably okay since the computer posted, but I wanted to make sure.

So I'm looking around for someone nice enough to loan me a 64 bit win 7 disk, but I doubt it will happen. In which case, am I really sacrificing a lot of speed by going 32 bit? Is it enough of a drawback to go Ubuntu instead?

The reason I'm harping on this a little is because, having the 8 gigs of RAM, I'd like to take advantage of it as much as possible. If the speed difference is negligible in terms of the OS version/RAM usage, and/or the 8 gigs will speed up other programs/applications on the computer, then I'll just do 32 bit Win 7.

If, however, the speed difference will be blatantly obvious, and the RAM *needs a 64 bit OS to really be put into use in other programs/applications, I may decide to go with Ubuntu.

I know this thread has bled a little more in OS discussion, but any advice which direction to go and why would be greatly appreciated.
 
your not losing speed at all with 32 bit...your just losing addressable space...you can only use a max of 4 gig with 32 bit windows
 
FuryRosewood said:
your not losing speed at all with 32 bit...your just losing addressable space...you can only use a max of 4 gig with 32 bit windows
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So that doesn't translate into faster load times? (Sorry, I'm fairly new to this and I thought the OS being able to access more RAM would speed up processes and boot time, etc).

I'll start a separate thread in the OS section about my other question, since it's off topic here.
 
If the boot and start up uses more than 4GB, then yes. But windows doesn't use that much when starting up. Games and RAM-intensive programs would be the things using more than 4GB.
 
I'd lend you my disk if you lived closer. lol.

I'm trying to find on Microsoft's site, i thought i seen somewhere that you can "upgrade" for a cheap cost. Meaning, since you paid $6 for the 32-bit version, i believe Microsoft will give you a discounted price to upgrade to the 64-bit (thought i seen it for like $30). Even if you choose not to go for it, ill still try and find it.
 
CrazyMike said:
I'd lend you my disk if you lived closer. lol.

I'm trying to find on Microsoft's site, i thought i seen somewhere that you can "upgrade" for a cheap cost. Meaning, since you paid $6 for the 32-bit version, i believe Microsoft will give you a discounted price to upgrade to the 64-bit (thought i seen it for like $30). Even if you choose not to go for it, ill still try and find it.
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Thanks, I appreciate it! :)
 
Have you tried placing an ad in your local classifieds? I did it once, paid a guy $20 to burn me a copy of Vista because I lost mine, worth a shot.
 
JLuchinski said:
Have you tried placing an ad in your local classifieds? I did it once, paid a guy $20 to burn me a copy of Vista because I lost mine, worth a shot.
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No, I haven't tried that. I might do that if I had the time, but I need to get this done for Christmas. I actually posted a question on the Microsoft Windows forum and someone posted a link to download the appropriate .iso file, which really surprised me. I'm burning it to disk now. If that doesn't work with my key code, I'll probably just go with Ubuntu, since my parents don't game or use any particular micro soft program anyway.

Thanks again to everyone helping me out. This has been a huge learning experience. :good:
 
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