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32-bit Vista on Late-2008 MB max RAM limit

R

ramb27

macrumors member
Original poster
I thought only 64-bit versions of Windows recognize more than 3GB of RAM but 32-bit Vista Ultimate on my new aluminum MB sees all 4GB!!!🙂

The question to experts here is can 32-bit Vista address the full 4GB?

Thanks.
 
I had 4GB installed on a Dell... it "saw" all four, but utilized 3.43GB. I think it all depends on the chipset.
 
Use the Performance Monitor.

vista_resource_monitor.jpg
 
im_to_hyper said:
I had 4GB installed on a Dell... it "saw" all four, but utilized 3.43GB. I think it all depends on the chipset.
Click to expand...

The major factor is usually the Video card.

32-bit means it can only “see” 2^32 (2 to the 32nd power) = 4GB memory spaces.
The computer has to be able to see the RAM + VRAM + other devices on Motherboard, etc.
e.g. If you have 1GB VRAM and “other devices” takes up 0.3GB, you will only be able to use a max of 2.7GB (4 - 1 - 0.3 = 2.7) .
In this case, if you install 3GB, you waste 0.3GB…if you install 4GB you waste 1.3GB!
 
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