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    Dual boot Windows 7 and Windows XP

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by RD28327, Sep 29, 2011.

  1. RD28327

    RD28327 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Am setting up a dual boot desktop PC with Windows XP Pro (32-bit) and Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit). How much RAM do you recommend? I presently have 2GB RAM (2x1GB DDR3-1333).

    I know Windows XP will recognize 4GB, but only use up 3.25-3.5GB of that RAM. DDR3 prices are real cheap ($8 for a 1GB stick of DDR3-1333, $16 for a 2GB stick), etc.), and going beyond 4GB is tempting. Also, I use Win 7 about 90% of the time.

    But, I still use XP with an old multifunction printer that still works just fine. There's no software for it under Windows 7 though, thus, the dual boot setup. Can't get the software to work in Windows 7 's XP mode. The software works fine under regular XP though, thus, the need for a dual boot setup.
     
    RD28327, Sep 29, 2011
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  2. Wally33

    Wally33 Notebook Consultant

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    What are you using the computer for? 4GB of memory will be plenty for most tasks in windows 7.
     
    Wally33, Sep 29, 2011
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  3. RD28327

    RD28327 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Right now I have 2GB. Another 2GB of RAM is $16 (2x1GB). Another 4GB is $24 (2x2GB). 4GB makes the most sense, but in terms of bang for the buck, I'm thinking 6GB. And, is there really a performance differnce in Windows 7 64-bit between 4GB and 6GB. DDR3 RAM is really cheap these days.
     
    RD28327, Sep 29, 2011
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  4. RD28327

    RD28327 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well, I could just get an extra 2GB DDR3-1333 RAM, take that extra $8-10 that I would use to get 4GB and put it towards a video card ..... just a thought .....
     
    RD28327, Oct 5, 2011
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  5. Nankuru

    Nankuru Notebook Evangelist

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    Maybe wait and see if you need more than 2gig?

    The dual boot doesn't affect RAM usage. I used to have an XP/Win7 dual boot set up which worked perfectly well on just 640MB. Bumped it up to 1.5gig and I don't think I've ever used the extra....
     
    Nankuru, Oct 7, 2011
    #5