4gb to 8gb?

Jason1973 · 9 Sep 2009 at 17:43

Hi all, I currently have 4gb (2x2gb) in my vista 32 machine and I want 8gb (4x2gb) to go 64bit with the release of Windows 7.

Would I see any benifit from putting the extra RAM in now and having all 4 memory slots filled?

I know the system cant address more than 3.5gb but would it still access only 2 of the RAM dimms or all 4?

Thanks for your time

Jason1973 · 9 Sep 2009 at 18:12

dustofnations said:
I would strongly suspect it would only access 2 of the DIMMS, could be wrong but it would make most sense if you're physically addressing the sticks I can't see how you could use half of a DIMM or suchlike.

I honestly have no idea.

As I understood it, the OS maps to the adresses so in theory it could map 1gb to each of the 4 slots and access them that way. Still not 100% sure if thats right or if I would see any benifit from doing it that way.

Jason1973 · 10 Sep 2009 at 14:42

dustofnations said:
Yes, but on a hardware level I don't think it is feasible (the addresses are hardware level). Virtual memory is different, but on a low level the processor uses the memory addresses (e.g. add this memory address x to some memory address y, and store result at z)

So wait until Win 7 is out and then add the other Ram, or put the Ram in so I know where to find it.

Thanks for your time Dustofnations

Jason1973 · 12 Sep 2009 at 10:29

JessicaD said:
Jason1973,

The only way you would benefit from a RAM upgrade is if you are upgrading to a 64-bit OS. If you are planning on purchasing Windows 7 when it is released it may be helpful to know you don't have to wait until October to reserve your copy of Win 7! You can pre-order your copy of Windows 7 (64-bit) Home Premium or Windows 7 (64-bit) Professional today. For more information, see the Windows 7 Pre-Order offer page here: http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/buy/offers/pre-order-ended.aspx

Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team

LOL pre ordered already thanks awaiting release

Macky said:
^ Advertising much... But yeah, 64bit or it is pointless.

Lmao, you cant blame them for trying, its their site after all

dustofnations said:
He wasn't asking if you could use all of the additional RAM if you actually read the post. It was if the fact there were 4 sticks of RAM they could each be used at 50% capacity for the advantages of dual channel access. I believe it is not possible, and articulated thus...

This is independent of any operating system...

OK just for kicks I have put in 8gb of tracer ram and although I see no difference all the lights look cool through the window :cool: