4 gigs of ram benefit 32 bit?

Hey I'm considering buying some more RAM for my 32 bit Vista Basic. I currently have 2x1GB, and I was thinking about purchasing a 2GB stick so I would have a total of 3GB. My Question is, will there be any benefit at all if I get 2x2GB totaling 4GB RAM (I know 32 bit only detects like 3.5GB)? My most intensive thing that I do is play Warhammer Online, and I have an 8400mGS and I believe my lappy uses Dual Channel for RAM, if all this info helps. Thanks a million!

 

If you don't use anything over 3Gb, there would be no benefits...

Some may say dual-channel, but that only increases a small margin of performance.

 

If you use 2x2GB sticks, you'll retain the full dual-channel functionality of the RAM. While it won't make much of a difference in performance (3GB single v. 4GB dual channel) if it is cheap enough to go to 4GB you might as well since you can use it in the future.

 

Well, with 3GB --> Asymmetric Dual Channel.
With 4GB --> Symmetric (true) Dual Channel.

And Vista will be able to use anywhere between 2.5 - 3.75GB with 4GB RAM installed.

 

On Intel's 3GB's is Dual Channel not single (Andy says it correctly).

On Vista basic why do you think you need more than 2GB?

But yes 3GB will be as good as 4GB for any real world use.

 

I personally recommend AGAINST putting over 3GB of memory into a system that has a 32 bit OS.

 

That's nice. Without any reasons, it's hard to argue with that.

Anyway, from the posts I've seen, I think most Dells seem to use around 3.5 gb with 32-bit OS and 4gb installed. But... you may want to ask in the Dell forum. So it'd probably get you an extra half-gigabyte compared with 3gb. And as mentioned, there's also the benefit of symmetric dual-channel, but it's not that big a deal.

And also as mentioned, 2 gb is plenty for most purposes.

If you want to get a 64-bit Vista disc from Dell, you can try the procedure discussed here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=254817

btw 64-bit is a good option regardless of whether you upgrade RAM or not. I'm using it with 2 gb. It just feels snappier than 32-bit Windows.

 

I've explained the reasons lots of times but no one wants to believe me. So I just say personally, meaning it's my opinion. No reasons.

 

Ive done the maths for this before

667mhz x 8bytes x Single = 5.3gb/s peak bandwidth

667mhz x 8bytes x Dual Channel = 10.6gb/s peak bandwidth

Intel Flex mode (2gb will run dual channel, last gb will run single)

667mhz x 8bytes x 1.5 = 8gb/s peak bandwidth

While the CPU's FSB (bus connected to the memory) will only do

200mhz fsb x quad pump x 8bytes = 6.4gb/s peak bandwidth

This is for memory bandwidth only, regardless of RAM size or OS. So aslong as you have 3gb flex mode, it wont bottleneck the cpu on bandwidth and Vista32 will be happy.

 

Wow flip! Are you like me? Too much time on your hands?

OK your math, not sure of. It is called "peak bandwidth" and even though you and I know 3GB vs matched is different? The peak bandwidth is the same correct?

Also how would you get a 1.5 multiplier even your own numbers say 2/3's are dual channel and 1/3 is single?

In benchmarks run by John Ratsey and others the actual peak bandwidth difference is 3%. On Montevina might be greater but different thread my friend.

Your conclusion flip is correct it does not matter and will not bottleneck.

 

Flexmode will be in between 1 and 2 channels thus 1.5. If you have 2gb and a 1 gb stick, Intel flexmode will turn the first common 1gb of each stick into dual channel and the last gb will be left as single channel.

Yes im only speaking of peak bandwidth, not average or minimum. Its not like the CPU can use up the whole thing. Im just saying 3gb is a sweet spot on Vista 32