Question about Windows 7 x64 and RAM

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dream_

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May 3, 2013
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So I have a basic/silly question and I can't seem to find a direct answer.

I have an HP Pavilion dv6500. Currently on Windows 7 x32 with 2GB RAM. If I buy a x64 copy of Windows 7 (yes, my machine supports it) and upgrade to say 8gb RAM will my computer be able to utilize all of this RAM? Or is there a hardware limitation there? From what I've found, if you have a x64 version of Windows you'll be able to use 8gb RAM+ depending on the version despite hardware. I just don't want to buy a x64 version of Windows and RAM and find out I can't use it.

Hopefully this is a legit question, because I can't seem to find an exact answer. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
 
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dream_

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May 3, 2013
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Unfortunately no. That's part of the problem. From What I've seen dv6500 models can use up to 4gb but that is based on a 32bit OS not 64bit.

 
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toarranre

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Feb 7, 2013
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Niet, http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Pavilion%20dv6500%20Series&Cat=RAM
I'm afraid your limit is 4GB. I would trust this site over software that tells you how much you can use. I bought too much ram after using SIW to check how much I can use.
If you want to save a bit of money buy an IDENTICAL stick of ram and stick it in the second slot.
Don't go for the 64bit if ram is all you're after, best case you have the same performance as before, worst case you find half your drivers refuse to work in 64bit.
 
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tigerg

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Feb 24, 2013
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If your hardware is limited to 4GB like the above suggests, the 32 bit will let you see 3.5GB of the 4GB. If you want to spend the money on a 64 bit to get .5GB of RAM, go for it, but I don't think it is worth it. I would just buy the RAM and use almost all of it.

Or, not spend any money on the RAM or OS and put it towards a new computer.
 
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dream_

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May 3, 2013
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Yeah, I saw that. I guess it would specify if it could handle 8gb as a maximum instead of 4gb or not right? Does this assume you are running a 32bit or 64bit OS? Or does that matter?

Say I am limited to only 4gb, why would my machine be able to use 64bit OS if the only benefit of x64 is using more RAM? I'm not doubting at all, just kind of curious why..unless running x64 is something most computers can do.
 
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toarranre

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Some one who has done the upgrade please confirm as I'm not sure but I think that that 500MB is used for the system regardless of wether you use 64 or 32 bit.
 
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toarranre

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Some Intensive adobe applications only run on 64 bit. I'm sure there are several others but unless you are aware of them and are upgrading specifically to use them you will gain nothing by switching to 64 bit. My old Acer laptop is the same, max 4GB RAM but can run 64bit OS. I think the main reason is that 32 bit is (VERY) gradually being phased out in favour 64, so you end up with with 64bit capability as it is the new standard but still run 32 bit as thats what the hardware drivers for your computer were writen for at the time.

The info doesn't take into account OS, it mentions to check what you have yourself if going over 4GB. If you really want to try then borrow some RAM and use this http://memory.dataram.com/products-and-services/software/ramdisk (freeware version)
Set it up to use the extra ram that your 32bit OS cant use, (under the advanced tab).
I tried this and didn't even get a BSOD, the screen just went a bit mad.

 
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dream_

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I wish I had some RAM to borrow. Haha. So even if I bought a 4gb kit (2 2GB) would it even make a noticeable difference if it can't even utilize all 4gb? So if it does not take it into account then the only way to know for sure is to either try it..or..maybe look at the motherboards website and see what the max it can handle is? I don't high hopes and all signs point to a 4gb max.

When you used RAMDisk did you notice an increase in your computers performance?
 
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toarranre

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Yes I use 250MB ram drive for internet and some other temp files, SEEMS nippier but could be placebo affect...To be honest that is all I think its good for (temp files and forcing the system to use what the 32bit can't) If you put a heap of ram into a partition all you do is prevent the system using it when it needs it, also whatever is saved there will have to be written to it again on start up, so it slows down boot time. If you want to be able to use programs quickly then set them to run at start up, Windows 7 is pretty damn competent at handling RAM so best to just let it do it's job.

I went from 2-4 GB, the difference wasnt huge but for the low pric
e ($16) I would certainly recommend it. Try to get an identical stick and see if it runs in dual channel with your old one. If you have any issues then lose the old stick for an new identical one.

It is possible you motherboard can take more than 4 but when the system was built it was modified to only take 4. The crucial ram checker is one of the most reliable sources, If you see something to the contrary and trust the source then try it, just don't get your hopes too high ;)
 
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