Will XP read all my ram?

So Im buying a laptop within the next week with the new processor and the following specs:

T8600 (2.4ghz)
4GB (2X2048) DDR2 800/PC6400 SODIMM
120GB hard drive
9600gt 512mb DDR3

and im trying to decide on the OS. I want XP over Vista but read that vista will not read my 4gb ram and might read just half of it, whereas 64bit Vista will read al my 4 gigs. I need advice, I really dont want vista and its annoying problems, but obviously want all my 4 gigs being used.

 

Get yourself XP 64

 

The memory situation with 32-bit/64-bit XP is exactly the same as with Vista. Same with 32-bit vs. 64-bit Linux too.

However, "might just read half of it" is an exaggeration. You should be able to use somewhere between 3 gb and 3.5 gb with a 32-bit OS. That is, if you run enough/big enough apps to actually make use of that much RAM.

 

Even if you get Xp, unless its xp64 you still will only be able to use about 3GBs. To use all of your ram, get either XP64-bit or Vista64-bit

 

I really wouldn't worry about Vista problems anymore, with service pack 1 and the continual updates for it. Vista is a good OS (now), and only slightly hampers (single digit frames less), if at all, your gaming performance. And the extra ram will probably make up for it.

I've heard that Vista-64bit works better than XP-64bit too. I can't really back this up though.

 

I didnt even know there was XP64 bit...

 

There was a benchmark I found on here earlier today (I forgot where I found it), but someone did a passmark benchmark between Vista 64-bit, Vista 32-bit, and XP 32-bit. The end results were that Vista 64-bit and XP 32-bit come close to the same performance level.

 

It came out a few years after regular XP, but was never really pushed due to terrible software support. Vista x64 does a great job supporting everything though. If you want to go with a 64 bit, then I would suggest using Vista.

 

It's trash. Avoid it.

Windows ME x64 would be as serviceable as Windows XP x64.

If you are worried about 64-bit, I suggest you migrate to Windows Vista.

I'd recommend XP over Vista any day, with the only exception being when you need more RAM.

 

As said, XP x64 completely fails on the driver and software compatibility side of things. Vista x64 is another ballgame however.

here-
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=271368

 

Wow lots of XP64 hate. XP64's driver support isn't nearly as bad as you guys make it sound. Yeah it requires a little investigation beforehand but most mainstream stuff has drivers.

I ran XP64 on my gaming desktop for 18 months without a single problem.

 

I'd avoid XP-64 and go for 32-bit XP or 64-bit vista.

My Work computer has 4GB of Ram and we run XP (An organisation so big won't upgrade to vista yet - Plus 60% of their PC's are still on Win2k). It shows as having 3.5GB of RAM in the system properties, so you should be able to get it to show that.

What sort of programs are you using? We have 4GB in our office at work because we are using photoshop for designs etc, but if you aren't going to be working with huge files 3.5GB is more than enough for most users.

It's just the trend at the moment to buy 4GB of Ram, and because it's so cheap now a lot of companies are putting in large amounts or offering upgrades at cheap prices. May as well get the 4GB RAM if you can but I doubt you will actually need it all..


EDIT: When my workplace has given me a better computer than my own laptop, something is wrong Yes I seriously need to upgrade from this slow-mo piece of junk lol.

 

I installed Vista business x64 today......Believe me when i say i noticed a marked difference from XP pro and Vista business x32

Apart from my web cam and wireless all drivers were automatically found by the OS, even th evideo card ( Nvidia )

Go Vist x64 you wont be dissapointed

There is alos a dedicated team on here offering support, cant remember all of them but meatloaf is one guy helping out, so dont worry you will get all the support you need should you require assistance in getting vista x64 working

 

correct me if i'm wrong...i'm just recalling experience with DeskTops and memory...XP can read up to 4Gb of ram...but will not run in true DD speeds...this was a build i did...with ddr/ram...before the newer ddr/2/3...however XP would read DD with 3GB of ram...in T1 BIOS...but that was then...

 

@OP, there is no point for you to go with Windows XP x64 because:

1. XP doesn't utilize the memory like Vista.
2. XP runs best with 2GB. Anything more is overkill (again, for the average user).

Just buy Vista 64-bit (Home Premium or Ultimate) and enjoy your computer.