Does SP1 allow use of 4gb RAM?

[admles]

Hey guys

I'm building my sister a new system, and basically just have to decide on the OS.

Does Vista 32-bit with SP1 access all 4gb of RAM now? Or does it still have the 3.5gb limitation thing for 32-bit OS?

If it can't all be used, I'll just go 64-bit.

 

[SCSIraidGURU]

3.2GB-3.5GB total on any 32-bit OS. The hardware needs to address between 3.2-4GB. You can try remapping in your BIOS.

 

[swarfega]

or upgrade to 64-bit for a small fee.

Compare editions: 64-bit editions of Windows Vista

 

[admles]

I'll just go 64; haven't bought the OS for her yet so I'll just go that way, there's 64 bit drivers for everything she has so theres really no reason not to I guess.

Thanks guys.

 

[damocles]

Last time I tried remapping in the bios the 32bit vista system could only see 2gb out of 4gb.

I only only tried it once though.

Chris

 

[skunksmash]

SP1 contains a fix which allows the x32 user to ''see'' the full 4gb installed, it cannot change the address space though. so 3.2gb will be your limit!!

GO X64.

SK

 

[microdude431]

Getting 64 bit is definitely worth it. You'll be good to go for the future.

 

[sassofalco]

G'Day Team,

If you check my Systems Specs you will find that I am stuck with 32 bit.

However, in addressing another issue which still persists;
- see thread Vista Forums>Drivers>NVidia GeForce Go7300; Runaround Problems,
Fumz - who has been most patient and helpful, suggested that I could overcome some of my problem with additional RAM.

Without fully understanding the situation, I've been planning on upping my system to go to 4GB RAM. Now, from what I read here, it would seem stupid to go to that capacity, when the maximum seems to be pegged at a limit of 3.2GB.

As I understand it, this is done through replacing the current two boards, with two others to increase it to the higher RAM capacity.

Question? In my system, do the new boards need to be 'twinned'? - In other words, is it necessary to have two identical RAM boards inserted, or can they be of different RAM capacities, so long as they do not exceed the 3.2GB limitation?

Cheers.

Sassofalco.

 

[skunksmash]

Hi sassofalco.....

they don't have to be matched DIMMs, though it is required for ''dual channel'', but that is insignificant against the need for at least 3gb of ram

i have run 2gb ''dual channel'' @ 1050mhz 4-4-4-12 & then 3gb ''single channel'' @600mhz 5-5-5-15 & the 3gb wiped the flor with the much faster 2gb

Vista benefits from quantity not quality.

SK

 

[sassofalco]

From what I recall, all 'Red-Caps' had 'reputations beyond ill-repute!
You're a first to the contra......and thanks for your comment. It all helps a grumpy old SAPPER. Ubique!

Sassofalco.

 

[skunksmash]

lol....... what do you mean ''red caps''..?? my brain may be a little hazy

SK

 

[sassofalco]

RMP....Royal Military Police....Red Band on Caps SD......hence....'Red Caps'. Her Majesty's British Army ....... Enforcers of the Law, Military. And often mean buggers!

 

[Fumz]

Hi again sassofalco,

It must be said though that's it's ill-advised to run mismatched kits. Yes, it can be done. Yes, in theory you should have no problems at all. Skunk is pro though. What he can do and what mere mortals can do are two entirely different things... Skunk could get Vista to run just by placing two butter knives in his dimm slots letting his aura handle the rest.

All too often mismatched sticks can give you memory errors, and unless the memory is actually failing, memory errors are almost impossible to diagnose because they're next to impossible to recreate.

The "problem" is that memory makers change the RAM's SPD ROM chips often... sometimes on a week to week basis. So even though you may buy an identically named memory stick, made by the same vendor of the exact same speed, they may not play nice together; their timings could be different, the IC's used could also be different. Thus, it's generally advised to purchase you memory in one lump.

Yes, having a 32-bit OS you're facing a 4GB barrier; however, given the principle that more RAM is better, and considering how cheap DDR2 is, why not fill it up with 4GB's? At some point in the future you may find yourself switching to 64-bit, which will make things right with the world. :D

 

[sassofalco]

G'Day Fumz,

Once again you've ripped in with some sound advice that I can understand, well..I think I can..or sort of.

Your humour had me chuckling! Bet he uses Fish knives as well.....and yes they are a cutlery item. They were the only knife that one was permitted to put in one's mouth at the Dinner Table...with fish on it, of course, and more often than not - Smoked Kippers, for breakfast!

I'm sorry, I'll get back to reality.

About RAM. I take it then, that it would be far better for me to buy two identical modules or sticks, from the same source, at the same time....each of 2GB RAM capacity? Install them, and to heck with the 0.8GB over-specification [max 3.2GB] excess?

Seems reasonable and logical, and I have found a source that is able to supply these specifically for my Notebook and system. Details here:

Acer Aspire 5630, 5633 notebook memory RAM upgrades

For a few $$$$'s more than a 2GB+1GB, I can get the 2x2GB modules and have them installed by a professional IT Tech, installation tested, and the work warranted for the lifetime of the modules, for a very reasonable, paltry fee. I'd sooner that, than try and do the work myself.

Thanks again for your patience.

Cheers.

Sassofalco

 

[Fumz]

I take it then, that it would be far better for me to buy two identical modules or sticks, from the same source, at the same time....each of 2GB RAM capacity? Install them, and to heck with the 0.8GB over-specification [max 3.2GB] excess?

For a few $$$$'s more than a 2GB+1GB, I can get the 2x2GB modules and have them installed by a professional IT Tech, installation tested, and the work warranted for the lifetime of the modules, for a very reasonable, paltry fee. I'd sooner that, than try and do the work myself.

That's the gist of it. Although, those prices seem high. I'd search somewhere else. You can get a 4GB kit these days for ~ $60.00. $99.00 for 2GB's is just way too much. Newegg.com - 4GB (2 x 2GB), Laptop Memory, Laptops & Accessories, Computer Hardware)

Might I add that you seem like a resourceful guy; seriously, you could do this yourself in a matter of minutes. The only time you'll spend is unscrewing the cover for the RAM. As for the modules themselves... pfff... piece of cake. They only fit one way so it's difficult to mess up.

 

[skunksmash]

RMP....Royal Military Police....Red Band on Caps SD......hence....'Red Caps'. Her Majesty's British Army ....... Enforcers of the Law, Military. And often mean buggers!

ahh..... yes they are MEAN BUGGERS!! ...they need to be to deal with all those drunken squaddie's!! the true meaning of ''the stiff upper lip''

Skunk is pro though. What he can do and what mere mortals can do are two entirely different things... Skunk could get Vista to run just by placing two butter knives in his dimm slots letting his aura handle the rest.

......hmm never tried butter knives ?? i find that cardboard DIMMs with the ICs drawn on them give the highest accessible bandwidth. I actually have 32gb on board RAM .....each one of my cardboard DIMMs is 8gb!!!, & let me tell you it drains a lot of ''aura'' to keep these puppy's stable....lol

fumz is correct the default timings & voltage can differ from stick to stick & it is generally preferred to have matching sticks for compatibility but its not essential....
but there is a chance (very slim one) that unmatched sticks wont work.

SK

 

[sassofalco]

G'Day Fellas,

You two are bloody amazing sticking with a Fossilied Member....you're doing the self-confidence a great service.

In line with your recommendations I have gone looking further afield, specifically at Crucial.com, where I made use of their 'System Scan Tool', and 'snipped and saved' the results.

While I will not buy from Crucial, I was able to source a lot more infomation about the specifications of the 2GB RAM Modules, and armed with those details, I have asked our Australian source for the specs of their 'equivalent' product. I have also asked if they can guarantee that the pair [if I buy from them], are identical in every aspect.

On the question of cost, how I envy you. Here it is a matter of 'take it, or leave it'. It can also happen, that on delivery, various Federal taxes are applied before the pack is released. This kind of discourages purchasing from overseas. Interesting to note though, that the cost of a twin pack 2GB RAM of $US68 equates to $Aus112, - so we pay almost twice as much for the same item.

I also checked out CNet and found a quite useful Tutorial Video on the installation of additional RAM. If I do my own, will that qualify me as IT Tech 101? The bind moggles!

Incidentally, I found in my bottom drawer, some cardboard DIMMs with the ICs draughted in indelible pencil and with extremely small printing inscribed '1932 - Guglielmo Marconi Facaet....32 000 000 000 piccolo' with addendum, 'Zis one, she no good..trowout..h'is chunk'.:D

Cheers Fellas.

Sassofalco.

 

[sassofalco]

[/quote]That's the gist of it. Although, those prices seem high. I'd search somewhere else. You can get a 4GB kit these days for ~ $60.00. $99.00 for 2GB's is just way too much. Newegg.com - 4GB (2 x 2GB), Laptop Memory, Laptops & Accessories, Computer Hardware)

Might I add that you seem like a resourceful guy; seriously, you could do this yourself in a matter of minutes. The only time you'll spend is unscrewing the cover for the RAM. As for the modules themselves... pfff... piece of cake. They only fit one way so it's difficult to mess up.[/quote]

Skunk is pro though. What he can do and what mere mortals can do are two entirely different things... Skunk could get Vista to run just by placing two butter knives in his dimm slots letting his aura handle the rest.

......hmm never tried butter knives ?? i find that cardboard DIMMs with the ICs drawn on them give the highest accessible bandwidth. I actually have 32gb on board RAM .....each one of my cardboard DIMMs is 8gb!!!, & let me tell you it drains a lot of ''aura'' to keep these puppy's stable....lol

fumz is correct the default timings & voltage can differ from stick to stick & it is generally preferred to have matching sticks for compatibility but its not essential....
but there is a chance (very slim one) that unmatched sticks wont work.

SK[/quote]

Sorry Chaps,

I forgot to provide a 'quote' link to the above, hence this afterthought.

In the meantime, I have purchased the 2x2GB RAM Modules to exact specifications, and they should be installed by yours truely within the next 48 hours. I will let you know the outcome, in anticipation that this Notebook is still servicable. In the meantime, sincere thanks for your help and encouragement.

Cheers. Sassofalco.

 

[Fumz]

In the meantime, I have purchased the 2x2GB RAM Modules to exact specifications, and they should be installed by yours truely within the next 48 hours. I will let you know the outcome, in anticipation that this Notebook is still servicable.

Atta boy! :D

Remove the battery before you install the RAM.

Sometimes it won't be readily apparent that both sticks fit. You may find that you have to raise the dimm slots upwards in order to expose and access the second slot underneath the first? No biggie, there isn't much pressure holding them down, so gentle fingertips will suffice to lift them up. If this isn't the case for you, even better.

 

[sassofalco]

Thanks for the advice Fumz,

I've already downloaded the appropriate RAM 2GB Module User/Installer PDF from my source, read it cover to cover, and back again, so I could probably complete the exercise blindfolded, in a coal-mine, at midnight!

The PDF contains your advice, plus need to use non-magnetic screw-driver, and to ground out any 'static electricity' from myself. I am a 'shocker' in the true sense of the word where static electricity and the discharge thereof is concerned......especially on long-haul international flights. So I will make very sure that I am well grounded in this. The donning of rubber surgical gloves for the exercise, could well be an introduction to an as yet untested form of entertainment.....

The bonus in all this? In re-reading my Notebook User guide, I 'discovered' the fix for a problem that I had with my Touchpad. I have posted the fix help for others benefit, at the appropriate thread.

Cheers and Thanks.

Sassofalco.