What is 4GB - 32bit & 8GB - 64bit of memory?

[Advice Pro]

I never heard of this, a motherboards specifications rates that it supports:

4GB - 32bit
8GB - 64bit

Does this mean that there are a different type of memory?

 

[jared51182]

Well...a 32-bit system can only employ up to 4GB of RAM, whereas a 64-bit system hypothetically can employ up to 128 GB (I heard rumors of more).

I think in terms of a MOBO this would mean that there are either 2 or 4 channels on the MOBO. with a 32-bit system you can have 4-1gb sticks, running in dual channel (two sets). Or 2-2gb sticks, if there are only two channels.

If it is a 64-bit system, the MOBO manufacturer is implying that the MOBO is only rated for 4-2bg sticks (most likely).

Does that make any sense?

 

[Advice Pro]

What defines 32 or 64 bit? My current OS is Windows Vista home premium. I'm thinking of trying Debian for Linux.

 

[jared51182]

Well operating systems are either based off of 32-bit or 64-bit architecture, which defines how they handle information - the number of bits in each pass (essentially). Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 all have 32 and 64-bit versions. The bit-size is defined by the OS manufacturer - and then there is essentially two versions of the OS, one in 32-bit and one in 64-bit. The Windows 7 DVD will have both 32 and 64-bit versions on the same DVD, and you get to choose which you want to install.

I am not sure how it worked for Windows Vista, but with XP you had to buy a separate installation CD for the 64-bit version, and the default (masses) version was 32-bit.

I am not familiar with Debian, but here is some information regarding the 64-bit version. So it appears that there is both a 32-bit and 64-bit version of Debian.

Edit: Links always help: http://www.debian-administration.org/articles/534

 

[Shadow703793]

@OP: Please list full specs.

 

[buwish]

In the W7 specs, I saw that Pro and Ultimate (Enterprise) can handle 192GB of memory. One would have to win the lotto to buy that load of RAM.

 

[Aneesh@4GHz]

It means that a 32Bit Operating System supports up to 4Gb and a 64Bit Operating System Supports 8GB or More!
There is no difference between the ram,There is only difference between the amound of ram and the bits!