RAM discrepancy ?

[chuteboxe39]

Hi I just got 2 x 2GB of RAM for X-mas. I installed this on top of my other 2 GB RAM card of the same make and model. When i check system properties, it only shows i have 3 GB of RAM. how the hell did it get that number when I have 3 x 2GB sticks in ? also, when i run cpu-z, it shows that i have 6gb, and it reads each card in the 3 slots.

[jbennet]

32 bit versions of windows cant use over 4gb. They will show 3gbish when 4gb is installed but it is detected. This is a known "bug" common to all 32 bit oses (also, running programs cant use over 2/3gb depending on how your system is configured)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555223

[chuteboxe39]

lol well that sucks. what would you recommend so that i can utilize all of my RAM ? would i have to upgrade to vista or something ?

[jbennet]

Its a bug with all 32-bit editions of windows.

you mighty be able to use a bit more of it by putting /3gb and /pae into your boot.ini file. Google it and make sure you know what you are doing or you might trash your o/s.

You only get the maximum benefit from lots of memory if you run a 64 bit version of windows (and have a 64 bit cpu, of course) but 64 bit windiws has lots of bugs and little driver support.

[chuteboxe39]

bummer. well thanks for the info

[caperjack]

I think a upgrade to Vista would make a difference ,would it not ! I may be wrong!!

[caperjack]

never heard of 3gb switch until i read it here so a google i do did i ever tell you,i love google !!lol
any way seems winxp doesn't support it .
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb124810.aspx
then i read this, and it seems that winxp pro can support it ,maybe or im reading it wrong .maybe they are not even talking about the 3gb switch on this site .
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/platform/server/PAE/PAEmem.mspx

[jbennet]

all windows xp versions support /pae and /3gb

but your apps wont use the extra space allowed by /3gb unless they are compiled for it (not many things are e.g exchange, sql server) and PAE wont work unless you have a recent Intel CPU and compatible chipset. /Userva= has the same effects sort of (google it).

Even if you got a 64 bit OS and compatible CPU and drivers, your 32 bit games etc... still wont take advantage of it, i dont think.

Its just the way things are. live with it. Over 3gb is a waste unless you are running a server.

[darsh999]

Hey Jbnet thanks for all the info ... but now what i want to know is that will Win Vista make use of the extra ram .

[jbennet]

No. Not unless you use the 64 bit version. Just stick with XP.

XP wil run amazingly on what you have atm. No need for more.