vista 64bit?

stryder · 4 Sep 2008 at 19:54

if i buy a system with 4gig of memory do i have to use a 64bit os and if so would someone explain to me in simple terms why this is so? :confused:

RJC · 4 Sep 2008 at 20:01

64 Bit operating will utilise all 4gb of memory, 32 bit will only utilise around 3 to 3.5 gig, but proberly show you have 4 gig installed.

Not sure if the link below might help:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12433772&postcount=4

stryder · 4 Sep 2008 at 20:04

but will the 32bit still run ok with 64?

Namistai · 4 Sep 2008 at 20:04

You don't HAVE to use a 64bit OS to run a system with 4gb of RAM, but it is beneficial. Any 32bit OS can only address up to 4gb of memory, and so this total will comprise RAM, GRAM, pagefile + any other memory (for example, on a sound card - although this won't be a significant amount). So in reality, you'll probably see around 3.25gb(ish) with your current hardware. I think running dual channel RAM may excarbate the problem (i.e. you will see even less sytem RAM), but I'm not sure of the credibility of this statement so don't quote me

A 64bit OS can address up to 128gb (I think). For your system, a 64bit OS will mean that it can address all of your RAM, + GRAM + pagefile etc without any compromise

RJC · 4 Sep 2008 at 20:07

stryder said:
but will the 32bit still run ok with 64?

32 Bit software will run fine on a 64bit operating system, I have been using 64bit since last August and only had one problem which was Itunes,
which was fixed shortly afterwards.

stryder · 4 Sep 2008 at 20:08

hi
i don`t mean to be nosy but could you list your system specs?

RJC · 4 Sep 2008 at 20:18

stryder said:
hi
i don`t mean to be nosy but could you list your system specs?

Gigabyte EX38-DS5 motherboard
4 GIG Corsair Ram (2 X 2)
WD 250GIG Hard drive (did have RAID)
OCUK 8800 GTX Gpu
Q6600 CPU @ 3.4Ghz watercooled
2 x Samsung DVD RW's