Max memory limits for 64-bit Windows 7

This is probably old news to a lot of you but I just can across this article: [url="http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/max-memory-limits-for-64-bit-windows-7/4254]Max memory limits for 64-bit Windows 7[/url].

I'm just curious to know why the limits and what happens if you exceed the limit? I'm running Windows 7 Home Premium so that means I'm already running at the 16GB limit. If I choose to put in 32GB will my system only use 16GB?

Thanks in advance.

 

Thanks for that. +rep
Thankfully 16 GB is more than enough for me. In the 10 months that I've had my current system I've only gotten close to 16 GB a handful of times. I remember some people in the M17x forum mention that using 32 GB will disable dual channel but I suspect that has less to do with the OS and more to do with the motherboard.

 

If it ever comes to needing more than 16gb, check how much it costs to upgrade from home premium to professional. Use the Windows Upgrade Adviser tool.

 

the restrictions themselves are arbitrary, there's no technical reason for them. most other operating system vendors don't disclude features arbitrarily, but microsoft also has a relatively unique business model for their OS.

 

Right. They create a consumable item out of software with their licensing scheme, forcing users to upgrade to new versions every iteration, thus creating a steady revenue stream for the company.

 

Good thing for the shareholders. Explains their generous quarterly dividends.

 

iirc many users have been able to run 4x8GB with Windows Home Premium. Must find link! Must challenge!

 

I think there was a tweak to allow more.

 

Hmmmm. I still see a difference between a 32 bit and a 64 bit that will enable you to use 4gb or more in your PC

 

If you try to run more memory than the OS "supports" the OS will simply ignore it.
My Laptop has 4x 4GB and is running Win 7 Home Premium 64Bit. I recently tried changing two of the 4GB modules for 8GB Modules; Windows Reported memory as: 24GB (16GB Useable).

I'm sure there is probably a third party patch available somewhere which will remove this coded limitation (as there is to remove the 3GB limit in 32Bit W7) but I would advise that you proceed with EXTREME CAUTION as anything that is able to remove this limit will involve patching or replacing the Windows Kernel; if you don't know 100% that the patch you are applying is genuine you could be installing a virus or worse, right into the heart of Windows! You could quite easily render your entire build useless and unbootable!

Do your homework and look for user reviews on any patch of this type before you consider installing!

 

You do realize you've necro'ed a thread that's nearly 18 months old, right?