How much RAM can a 32bit hold

ok, the max addressable amount of memory for a 32bit Operating system is 4GB

now towards that 4GB limit there is something called memory mapped i/o, basivally it is input and output systems that need a little bit of memory

your graphics card is one of those memory mapped i/o's now the anount of memory that it has isn't all mapped, instead only a portion is mapped (usually something around the order of 50MB), then there are your pci cards and other peripherals

usually most people get around 3.25GB on a 32bit version of windows

really there is no need to stay on a 32bit system go grab Windows 7 RC from microsoft (make ure its the 64bit one) and you can use that til about june next year

as mindless stated

with the exception I usually see 3.5 to 3.75 on my 32 bit builds, and i don't recommend 64 bit unless you are going to get 6gig or better

ok so should i just buy a 1gb or a 2gb stick?

http://microcenter.com/single_prod [...] id=0280360

Intel® G31 Express Chipset
(2) 240-pin DIMM Slots
DDR2-800, DDR2-667
Upgradeable to 4GB


MRFS

depends on what you want

imho
4 gig is for 32 bit no good reason for less
6gig or better is for 64bit