Computer memory query

[jlawrence]

There's no point in increasing memory to 4GB if you're running a 32bit OS.
A 32bit OS will only use somewhere around 3GB of RAM max.
Out of the box a 32bit OS can address 4GB, this 4GB includes all addressing not just the RAM - video, ram, onboard memory etc etc etc.
Newer versions of windows might actually report above 3.12GB of ram - but it will not use it.
If you want >3GB of RAM to be usable on a desktop then install a 64Bit OS.

 

[Davon]

I've bought extra memory for a couple of PCs in the past from Crucial. I downloaded their memory checker software that analysed the motherboard and showed what memory was installed and also what it could be upgraded to along with suitable memory that they sold.


I have used crucial several times.excellent.

I use Belarc for checking what's inside the box www.belarc.com/free_download.html


Davon

 

[stevebuk]

just used belarc software to determine what i have onboard, it says:

memory modules
1984 megabytes usable installed memory
slot DIMMO has 1024
slot DIMM1 has 1024
slot DIMM2 has 512
slot DIMM3 has 512

i haven't installed any 512mb sticks, strange. oh BTW MESH sent me an email saying i had to go to their site and take out a ticket before i get an answer, well why put a help button on the bl@@dy site you cant use then, Tw@ts.

cheers guys.

EDIT: just downloaded crucial software too, says also 512 in each so i guess the packing they came in i must have read wrong.

 

[Lons]

There's no point in increasing memory to 4GB if you're running a 32bit OS.
A 32bit OS will only use somewhere around 3GB of RAM max.
Out of the box a 32bit OS can address 4GB, this 4GB includes all addressing not just the RAM - video, ram, onboard memory etc etc etc.
Newer versions of windows might actually report above 3.12GB of ram - but it will not use it.
If you want >3GB of RAM to be usable on a desktop then install a 64Bit OS.

What he said.

Upgrade to XP pro or get a new base system. At 5 years old it's way out of date and I'm surprised you could buy matching ram (it does match the original doesn't it?), unless second hand.

Interestingly, you can sell "old" ram sometimes for more £s that it cost to buy new stuff.