Chipset memory limitations

I've seen instances where the maximum amount of memory that laptop chipsets can handle is like 6.4 GB. Is this true? I want my next lappy to have 8 GB, but I won't bother if there's a limitation like that.

 

Depends on the chipset. I think the max for Vista 64 is 48GB or something like that, but if there aren't enough physical lines on the address bus on the chipset, you're still sol.

 

that's no the Chipset, that is the OS lol... she means the actual MOBO and such I believe... not just slots, she was wondering if even though she put 2 4gb stick in her laptop if it might depending on the chipset limit it to 6.4 or whatever instead of utilizing the full 8

 

What exact laptop and chipset are we talking about? The 965 and 45 chipsets, the two most recent, should have no trouble with 8GB.

 

I know I saw instances where the site I configured the laptop said the chipset could only handle 6.4 GB. I'll see if I can find it, I think it was a Dell.

 

And that's what I answered, if you read what I said. I said if the chipset doesn't have enough physical lines on the memory address bus to address as much as the OS can handle, no matter how much you load up, you will be hardware limited.

Edit: In other words, as I said, it is dependant on the specific chipset you have. It helps to read entire posts.

 

OK, I found one example.

http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np9850...aming-laptop-order-p-2586.html?wconfigure=yes

Scroll down to memory, and it mentions the 6.4GB limitation due to the chipset. Will the manufacturer's reliably tell you if there is that limitation? Or should I find out what chipset this is and make sure I don't get it?

 

I read your post, it didn't answer my question. I wanted to know specifically what chipset, if any, would have this limitation. Because it's a pain in the butt if I want 8 GB of RAM.

 

Well, if the manufacturer (or more correctly, the OEM, or more correctly still, the poor phone monkies at the call center) actually know...ok, well, you should probably still just double check even if they say they know.

 

Sorry, I was answering ButterBuscuits, should have quoted him. But yeah, like I said, you should double check on your own. That's the sort of specialized info that I wouldn't count on many people to know.

 

Very important specialized info. Of course, most people won't get 8 GB in their laptop, so I understand. Thanks.

 

Intel 965 chipset can support up to 8gb, except some OEM BIOS's limit it to 4 or 6gb

Example is Dells m1330 which uses a 965 chipset. I think it was the A13 BIOS that supported 8gb RAM, but for some reason for the very latest BIOS it was cut down to 6gb (wont boot with 8gb)

 

So it's not necessarily the mobo thats limiting the RAM, but the BIOS. Well, either way, I'll make sure I call first. Thanks.