Tom's Hardware > Forum > Motherboards & Memory > Memory > Problem with Ram and Xp 32bit
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frenzal   08-18-2008 at 04:19:54 PM

Ok, this is whats going on.

Im looking to buy a new computer, but I dont want vista due to all sorts of compatibilty issues, so im sticking to Xp, problem is I dont really want to spend that extra 160$ to upgrade to xp 64 bit as I want to use 4 gigs of ram.

My real question is will I still be able to achiece a 1:1 ratio for my Ram and processor FSB if I use XP32 bit, as 32bit can only use 4 gigs of memory, and part of that memory is taken up by graphics card memory. Does anyone know if this can have any potential impacts on the performance of my computer? I am looking at overlocking an e8500 to 3.8ghz so I can achieve the 400FSb to match my ddr800.

Thank you for your time.

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knotknut   08-18-2008 at 04:47:12 PM
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You won't have any problems with the set up.

If you are going to use 4x1GB sticks you will want to raise the recomended memory voltage by
.1-.2 volts.
2x2GB would be the best option for you. Should work perfect on recomended voltage.


Message edited by knotknut on 08-18-2008 at 04:49:13 PM
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skittle   08-18-2008 at 05:00:13 PM
- 0 +

You'll probably have less compatibility problems with Vista x64 than XP x64. I know its true for me.

------------------------------ macgirlfriend:
"Hey I don't get you people, the people on insanely mac were so much nicer"
 Reply to skittle
pbrigido   08-18-2008 at 05:10:09 PM
- 0 +

+1 skittle. I have tried the XP 64bit option a while back and had lots of problems with drivers for it. Mainstream drivers were easy to come by, but some others were either impossible to find or presented problems to my system once I got them installed.

Reply to pbrigido
rgsaunders   08-18-2008 at 05:33:49 PM
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Specifically what kind of compatibility issues are you referring to? Vista64 works quite well for me, even with some very old software, and all my hardware works fine. If you are buying a new system, then I wouldn't hesitate to go with Vista, the only reason to stay with XP32 would be if you have a copy of it already and don't wish to spend the money to go to Vista.

------------------------------ Never under estimate peoples capacity for stupidity, and you won't be disappointed.
 Reply to rgsaunders
Scotteq   08-18-2008 at 06:44:19 PM
- 1 +

frenzal wrote :

My real question is will I still be able to achiece a 1:1 ratio for my Ram and processor FSB if I use XP32 bit, as 32bit can only use 4 gigs of memory, and part of that memory is taken up by graphics card memory. Does anyone know if this can have any potential impacts on the performance of my computer? I am looking at overlocking an e8500 to 3.8ghz so I can achieve the 400FSb to match my ddr800.

Thank you for your time.




The 1:1 ratio is a function of your hardware setup and Bios. On this level, your operating system is completely irrelevant.

The 'impact' on performance using a 32 bit OS with 4GB of RAM is simple: You will have some amount of RAM left roughly equivalent to 4GB minus whatever addresses must be allocated elsewhere. The exact number will vary depending on configuration. {edit} Speed is not affected at all. Only the quantity available. {end_edit}

Regarding compatibility issues with Vista in general and Vista 64 in particular: Don't use old stuff on a new OS, and you won't have a problem. Beyond that, I don't care what you use, nor why.


Message edited by Scotteq on 08-18-2008 at 06:46:54 PM
------------------------------ Which Chip? Well, it depends on which set of thieving b@stardz you choose to support: The ones who use insider trading to enrich themselves while running their company into the ground? Or the ones who illegally pay vendors to not support the first group?
 Reply to Scotteq
ZOldDude   08-18-2008 at 07:04:48 PM
- 0 +

scotteq answered the OP's question.

The thing is almost nobody needs more than 2 GB of RAM as long as they are running XP.
Again let me point out real RAM usage: 2GB of ram,2GB Pagefile...running 4 security programs/6 torrents/playing Frontlines:FoW all at the same time and only using 49% of the 2GB of RAM.
That is less than 1GB of physical RAM and most software for windows is written this way.

Now if your doing some sort of massive GFX work then you would have a real need for more RAM as well as probibly not be using Windows at all.

------------------------------ *While we crash and burn, small, low tech, agrarian societies such as the Hmong in the mountains of Laos will continue on without so much as blinking an eye.*
 Reply to ZOldDude
Anonymous   02-10-2009 at 04:28:50 AM
- 0 +

I just picked up amd phenom 8450 3x 2.10GHz .64-bit system and have run into some compatibility issues. 1, ms office groove wont run 64bit, wtf? 2, i read that older stuff wont work like my pinnacle video capture device doesnt have 64bit drivers. wtf? ok maybe i need to upgrade my camera. So before i cant exchange to store for 32 bit system, where will I see the big difference from 32 to 64bit. I like running multiple apps, and have a couple users on system. Graphics is a huge driver for me since my monitor is smaller than my toaster. well not that small but not the greatest. I want to start messing with audio software and photo/video stuff. Should I stick with this baby or .....?

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theAnimal   02-10-2009 at 07:40:43 AM
- 0 +

Start a new thread.


Message edited by theAnimal on 02-10-2009 at 07:41:51 AM
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