Questions about Ram

[DeadTriangle]

I'm building my first computer and I am going to install XP 32 bit for compatibility reasons. I also know that the 32 bit only reads 3.7 or 3.2 gigs of ram. I have 8 gigs of ram (it was on sale), so my question is:

Can I install all 4 sticks of ram or will that harm my hardware? I just don't feel like opening the case up when I upgrade my OS to install the next two gigs.

 

[kubes]

No it won't harm your hardware. It just won't utlize it.

 

[DeadTriangle]

Thanks a lot. I just didn't want to ruin anything

 

[jay2tall]

Soooo may I ask. What compatibility reasons do you need XP? just curious.

Yeah your BIOS will recognize it, windows wont.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Soooo may I ask. What compatibility reasons do you need XP? just curious.

I was wondering the same thing. There are a whole lot of people, including myself, who run 64-bit Vista and don't have any hardware or software compatibility issues at all.

 

[jay2tall]

^
I upgraded from XP to Vista Ultimate 64bit and had only one issue. Vista gave me a message when installing Nero 7 that there were compatibility issues. So in installed Nero 8 instead. Other than that it runs WAY better than XP.