Will a Nvidia GTX 650 ti boost work on 32-bit operating system?

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Kelko

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Apr 4, 2013
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My system:

MoBo: ASUS P5N73-am
CPU: Intel core 2 duo E7300 2.66ghz
RAM: 4gb
GPU: Nvidia GeForce 7600 GT


I'm looking to upgrade everything eventually but i would like to start with just my graphics card(and PSU). I know i can upgrade to 64-bit if i wanted and i plan to but im just wondering if it is completely necessary right now.


This is the card that i had in mind:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130909


Thank you!
 
Solution
photonboy
The ONLY issue is that of memory.

Windows 32-bit allows up to 4GB (4096MB) of memory to be addressed. This includes the Video RAM, System RAM and some minor other things.

Let's discuss your 4GB of physical memory installed and a 1GB video card. Windows will address the video card and the other minor things then leave you with roughly 2.5GB to 2.8GB of main memory (the DDR2/DDR3 that's in your motherboard slots).

*Do NOT use a 2GB video card with 32-bit Windows. Once addressed there will be LESS than 2GB of main memory available. You want a 1GB card, no more.
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photonboy

photonboy

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Jun 20, 2006
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The ONLY issue is that of memory.

Windows 32-bit allows up to 4GB (4096MB) of memory to be addressed. This includes the Video RAM, System RAM and some minor other things.

Let's discuss your 4GB of physical memory installed and a 1GB video card. Windows will address the video card and the other minor things then leave you with roughly 2.5GB to 2.8GB of main memory (the DDR2/DDR3 that's in your motherboard slots).

*Do NOT use a 2GB video card with 32-bit Windows. Once addressed there will be LESS than 2GB of main memory available. You want a 1GB card, no more.
 
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K

Kelko

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Apr 4, 2013
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Thank you very much, good to know, that was very helpful.
 
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mohit9206

mohit9206

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Aug 8, 2012
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how ???? a dedicated graphics card with its own memory does not need any additional memory from the ram. only integreted graphics share memory with the ram.
 
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photonboy

photonboy

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I'm not talking about the GPU sharing your System Memory.

Windows 32-bit can only "see" up to 4GB of memory addresses. This includes:
- Video RAM
- System RAM (DDR2/3)
- other minor things.

When your computer starts, if you have a 1GB video card it automatically allocates the memory addresses in that 4GB of usable addresses thus you now have only 3GB left it can use. A little more is taken off for various things.

*The MORE video memory you have, the LESS of the 4GB of physical memory Windows can actually use. If you had a 3GB card you'd have LESS than 1GB available of that 4GB of physically installed memory and couldn't even run most games.
 
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nforce4max

nforce4max

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Not much has changed since the days of the 8088 and ms dos as each system device has its own reserved memory address. As explained 32bit os typically will only see 3.2gb at the most without PAE. When PAE is active it can use more than 4gb but it isn't perfect.

I suggest that you upgrade to a 64bit version of windows unless you need your current version for older apps.
 
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photonboy

photonboy

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I don't recommend upgrading to 64-bit Windows.

He'll likely buy a 1GB (1024MB) video card. I would estimate he'll have 2.7GB of the 4GB usable which is adequate for his computer and most games.

There are situations where 4GB would obviously be better, however I don't think it warrants spending $100 more for a new copy of Windows plus the hassle of reinstalling everything. I think the 64-bit Windows scenario is best left to a completely new PC.

I just brought up the memory issue to warn him against getting a 2GB card which was a real possibility.
 
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photonboy

photonboy

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You can't "borrow" a copy of Windows. Microsoft tends to like people to pay for these things.

When you install a new copy of Windows you would BUY it (usually the OEM version for about $100). After installation you are required to ACTIVATE your copy which then ties the license to that computer.

I'm explaining this nicely since you did appear confused, however the guy that said "borrow" obviously knew what he was saying hence the italics and recommending illegal activity is not permitted here.
 
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mohit9206

mohit9206

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If we can borrow games from friends why can't we borrow other software from friends ? i dont know if its illegal but i put it in inverted commas coz i was saying borrow not steal or download illegally. if its illegal then i am sorry. am sure microsoft wont punish me as long as i dont use a pirated copy but installing geniune windows on multiple computers should not be illegal.
 
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photonboy

photonboy

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It is illegal.
There are corporate licenses for large numbers of Windows installations but that does not apply here. I don't comprehend why you even think you should be allowed to take a single license and install it on multiple computers, but let's be clear: you can't.

Nor is it generally legal to "borrow" games and other software from friends. There's a reason software and games you purchase have a serial code to activate.
 
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