Is it running in dual channel mode?

If I were to buy two identical 2gb memory sticks, would the system run in dual channel mode without a 64-bit OS? I think XP32 only addresses 3gb memory, but does this affect how the hardware runs? Is it better just to get a 2gb and a 1gb?

Edit: I've never really 'felt' the difference between dual channel and non. Just wondering why anyone would opt for '4gb' configuration if it can't all be addressed. I figured that there had to be a reason. Oh, and this is in regards to an m1210.

 

32-bit operating system can address up to a maximum of 4GB (theoretically)

 

But in reality...it seems that many laptop systems are capped at 3gb? Is an XPS m1210 running XP similarly limited?

 

it's not that the laptops are capped at 3GB, it's the fact that MS decided to cap the OS at 3GB. They did this to ensure driver compatibility. When people think of memory, they only think of the ram, but the 4GB limitation is complete system memory, including vid cards, and anything else that happens to have onboard ram. If you decide to run a 64 bit operating system, on 64bit supporting hardware, you can access up to 8GB's of memory I believe the current cap is set, but theoretically, it can access up into the Terabytes of memory, don't remember the exact number.

 

When you install 4GB of RAM and use a 32bit OS, you can still use all 4GB of it. It is just allocated 1GB for hardware use only and the remaining 3GB can be used by you, the user, for your programs.

If you install only 3GB of RAM, then certain amount for the hardware only and the rest for you for your programs. Say 512 for hardware/OS and 2.5GB leftover for you. So you will have less memory available if you install only 3GB of RAM.

If you install 4GB of RAM and use a 64bit OS, the only difference is the partition of memory. It will be dynamic. Can be 128MB/3.875GB, 256MB/3.75GB, 512MB/3.5GB, 1GB/3GB or some other value. For now, it is a small gain in size and a large lost in software compatibility by using 64bit Windows.

 

You know, I wonder if that is true of a 32bit flavor of linux? Anyone running linux here know?

 

It is an OS dependent implementation. How the 4GB of memory is partitioned depends on the implementation in the linux distros.

There is no official or standard way to cut a pizza or cake. Although, there are common ways to cut.

 

If both sticks are of the same speed and size, it will run in dual channel mode.

 

Okay, so I think I got it. 2x2gb sticks will run dual channel with 1gb dedicated by the OS and the rest for me to 'do as I please' with, more or less. In any event, the computer will be using all 4 gigs. TY all!