What is the max ram size for T61 w/ 32 bit vista?

The 32 bit OS's physical address limit is 4GB which includes the graphic card etc. Does that mean 4 GB ram in T61 with 32 bit OS will be a waste? If the answer is Yes, 2GB+1GB will be the best solution, right?
Thanks.

 

Roughly 3.2GB. Upgrading to Vista 64-bit would be the best option in my opinion.

 

I'd say still do 2GB+2GB...you may only get to use about 3.25-3.5GB, but it will run in dual channel mode (which is better than single channel like 2GB+1GB would get you). Also, you'll have 4GB for if/when you upgrade to a 64bit OS in the future.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=121363
Here are some REALLY HOT RAM deals, and 4GB is literally a steal at the prices listed there.

 

Actually, I believe even Vista 32-bit will be able to use all 4GB's on the T61. From everything I've read, the limitation we've had all this time (only 3.25 or so GB's useable) is because of the way the chipset is designed for everything pre-Santa Rosa. SR does not seem to have this limitation, so it should have all 4GB's usable.

If I'm wrong, then please let me know. Nothing good about info if it's wrong.

 

Thanks for all your reply.
I am also not sure if the Santa Rosa could see more memory or the 3.2-3.5 limit just depends on the OS since 2^32~=4GB.
But I am convinced now that 2gb *2 has best performance.So, I am planning buy a 2GB stick. Together with the 512mb one preinstalled in my T61, it will not be perfect, but I can just wait for the price drop.

 

Sounds like a good plan!

I can tell you at least one thing with certainty though with the available RAM issue. With 4GB's installed in a T60 (Napa based) it doesn't matter if you run 32-bit or 64-bit, it will still only have 3.25-ish usable.

 

Dual channel won't make a slightest difference.
It's a marketing gimmick.

 

Yes, you're wrong.
It's a limitation of the 32-bit OS. Has nothing to do with the chipset.

 

No, it hasn't.

 

I bought 2x2 gigs from Kingston. It cost me $114 per dimm which is not bad. I installed it on my T61. I was expecting OS to see at least 3.2GB but it shows only 2.99GB. I am running XP Pro. I updated the bios too. Does anybody has the similar finding?

 

2.99GB sounds normal.
Every machine will see a different amount of memory.
It all depends on your system configuration, number of installed programs etc.

 

If indeed the usable RAM is under 4 GBs, will the unused memory be available to the Nvidia Card to borrow when it goes over 128 MB?
If not I really don't see the point on getting 4 GBs in any 32 bit OS...unless I am really missing something here.

 

i am going to install vista ultimate 64. so is the limitation on ram just on 32 bit or can i use 4 gb ram with my 64 bit?

 

Can you point out any specific system configuration?

 

I'd like to know also. If you have 4GB can the unused RAM (~1GB) from running a 32-bit OS be used as virtual memory for a video card?

 

64 bit OS can use all 4gb ram

 

Here are good articles describing the situation.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605/en-us

http://addressof.com/blog/archive/2...B-of-memory.--Sure-it-does_2E002E002E00_.aspx

 

Thanks for the link!
I've started to regret the $$ I put down for the extra RAM...specially cuz Vista 64 bot is not an option I'd consider (at least not the next 2-3 years).
I am now running a Homre Premium version of Vista and it seems inmature enough for me to even consider the 64 version...

 

Are there any benchmark data for this?Thanks!

 

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/164579/comparing_dual_channel_and_single_module.html

 

Thanks, this is very usful. The memory size is far more important than the dual channel architecture in most cases.