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Video RAM and 32bit

Forum Motherboards & Memory : Memory - Video RAM and 32bit

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janfpl   08-04-2009 at 02:57:09 PM

When I put together computers for friends i usually get a 2x2gb kit because its 10$ more than a 2x1gb but I install a 32-bit OS so they can avoid driver problems. So they see about 3 or 3.5 (don't remember) gigs of that 4. If I install a video card with lets say 512mb, will that be limited or not used because of 32-bit limitations? Should I be installing 64-bit instead?

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Scotteq   08-04-2009 at 10:39:24 PM

Not all of a given card's RAM is mapped to memory for I/O purposes - up to 256MB would be a more typical number, regardless of the size of the card. For a single GPU install, I wouldn't worry about it either way. Though if Crossfire/SLI is in the build plan, I recommend going 64 bit.


Regarding 64 bit OS's and driver problems: It was somewhat true in the XP64 days, though absolutely do~able with just a little bit of planning. Less True in the early Vista days (though cried about to a *hugely* exaggerated level), and now that we've has several years of Microsoft enforcing their rule: "No Windows Logo For Anyone Without Both x86 and x64 Drivers", it's become pretty much a non-issue for new builds. The exception being if a given user/build has old parts/devices they can't bear to live without.

------------------------------ 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.
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