Anyone using windows vista 32 bit on SXPS 16 with 4gb of RAM?

Hi!
I ordered a SXPS 16 but I haven't put my hands on it yet.
I chose the Core 2 Duo P8600 (2.4GHz) cpu and ati 3670 graphics card, but with windows vista 32 bit. From what I've recently read, OS 32 bit does not take all the 4 gb RAM.
Does anyone among you have the same specs with windows 32-bit?
Does your laptop read 4gb of RAM or do you only get 2.75-3.5gb of RAM?

Is it possible for me to get win 7 64 bit instead of 32 bit when it is released.

By the way, I got a friend who has a XPS M1730 with a 2.53ghz core 2 duo and 4gb of ram and using win vista 32 bit, but he told me that his laptop does read 4gb of ram.Any explanation?

Thanks!

 

it has nothing to do with the specs, it's simple math. a 32 bit os can address 2^32 bytes of memory, which is 4294967296 bytes which is 4GB. however the os addresses the gpu's memory too, and some virtual memory, so it can't use all the bits to address only the RAM, it will has up to like 3,25GB RAM or so. so there's no way ur or either or friends 32 bit os can read 4GB of ram.

"Is it possible for me to get win 7 64 bit instead of 32 bit when it is released."

i assume this was a question: i'm pretty sure it's possible, the only question is if u can get it through dell for free, i don't know that.

 

Depending on your specs, windows should be able to utilize around 3-3.5gb of RAM. The rest of the memory is mapped by the hardware. You should get about 3.2gb. On my desktop without a gpu it gives me 3.75gb but with a GPU it drops it down to 3.5gb.

Yes if you switch to W7, you will be able to choose which architecture you want.

Your friend might have misconceived it. Most hardware software will say 4gb is physically installed but its not actually being utilized by Windows.

 

Thx to both of you for the info!!
I'll try to get the win 7 64 bit then if dell allows.
I think so too, my friend must have misconceived but I wanted to make sure. I'm gonna have a look at his laptop myself.
Anyway, Thx again.

 

I mailed a Dell CSR to discuss the 32 bit not taking the 4gb ram issue and to know whether it was possible for me to receive win 7 64 bit instead of the 32 bit and here is the answer I got:

"I have checked the Operating system for you as your current system is at SP1 for 32bit hence you will be able to optimize on the 4GB ram so it should not be a concern on the performance "

Since she did not completely answer my question I asked again and the answer was:

"I have confirmed on the Operating system with 32bit SP1 will be able to optimize on 4GB ram compare to previous batch as this is the SP1 version.

Hence, without SP1 version, it will not be able to optimize on 4 GB ram."

What should I understand by that, that dell has found a way to enable the 4gb ram with the 32 bit OS that it offers, or that simply I've been fooled?

 

On Vista SP1, they modified the amount of RAM showing to Physically installed, instead of utilized. They did this because too many people were confused why 3gb~ is showing up when they have 4gb installed.

Best way to check is through Windows Task Manager > Performance Tab.

 

Ok thx.
I'm really deceived that Dell gave me such an answer.
Seems like they will not bother giving me win 7 64 bit instead of 32 bit as well.

 

Well IIRC, the Windows 7 upgrade is for the same version of Vista you have now. So say if you have Vista Home Premium 32 bit, you'll get upgraded ot Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit. I suppose you'd have to haggle with them if you want a 64bit version.

 

Yeah, and I think I'll try to talk with another CSR.lol
Cuz the one who I mailed did not answer my question on whether I could receive the 4 bit or not.

 

Well good luck with that

I'm not entirely sure how Dell will handle the upgrade thing(sending an upgrade CD, sending a clean install CD, online upgrade etc) so maybe it'll be possible for them to hand you a 64bit version.

I mean, I know that your license key will work for a 64bit version of Vista as well, but idk about Windows 7(since it's an upgrade, not a new blank OS they're giving you).

 

Technically Dell needs to offer the 64 bit as well as the 32 bit as it is part of the OEM license they signed with microsoft for offering the OS's.

 

Well they're offering both versions, but last I checked, they don't provide you with both versions. Normally you either get 32bit or 64bit pre-factory installed with a backup CD.

 

Hmm I always thought dell would offer a clean installation DVD for windows 7 and then we would be able to either do a clean install or upgrade, isn't it?

Now given I don't succeed with dell on this issue, do you recommend the RTM version?

 

I have a 32 bit operating system that I will be upgrading to Vista.. my friend has a 64bit. If he has a 64 bit DVD, will I be able to use his 64bit disc with my product key?

 

You have a license for the version of Windows but 32 bit or 64 bit doesn't matter, you can use either. Just download an untouched copy of Windows 64 bit and use the serial on the bottom of your computer for Vista or the serial they give you for your Windows 7 upgrade to install Windows 7 64 bit. The same key works on both versions, 32 bit or 64 bit and will activate fine.

For Windows Vista, there is one disc image that contains all versions of Windows in that architecture (32 bit or 64 bit).
This is the same in Windows 7 except they include 1 file to say which version to install. A Win 7 Pro disc is the same exact thing as a Win 7 Ultimate disc except for 1 file that says which version to install. If you download it, you can get this tool http://code.kliu.org/misc/win7utils/eicfg_removal_utility.zip which will remove that file and let you choose which version of Windows to install (the version that your key is for, it won't take your key if you install the wrong version).

 

OK, so we'll just have to wait for windows 7 to be released in October, download it and use the same serial that dell gives us.
Thx bro!