My 4gb RAM turns to 3.5gb

[lodz05]

I recently install my Biostar GT220 GDDR3.. After I install the newly buy Video Card, my 4gbRam turns to 3.5gb

So this is my question

1. Is this affected to my O.S. Win7 32bit Professional ?, I use 32bit because I read that 32bit can handle 4gb RAM

2. Or this is just the effect of GT220 GDDR3?

I want to ask first because I dont want to format my PC immediately to 64bit OS or what...

MY SPECS:
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
OS Service Pack: Service Pack 1
Processor: Athlon II x3 445
Mobo: ASROCK n68c-s UCC
Ram: 2x2gb 1333 Corsair Value Select
VGA: Nvidia GeForce GT220 1gb 128bit

This the VGA link: http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/vga/introduction.php?S_ID=92

 

[fullforce]

Windows 7 have reversed 0.5GB to make sure it always has enough, so you have 0.5GB for the OS and 3.4GB for your programs.

 

[lodz05]

@fullforce

thanks for the reply...

So it means my RAM is still on 4gb RAM?...

 

[Guest]

You are using 32-bit OS.
Your system could not address more memory.
Install 64 bit Windows would solve this issue.

 

[Novuake]

Its the 32-bit operating system. It can only logically address 3.xGB of RAM.

 

[clarkjd]

The 32-bit OS is reserving some of the 4GB address space for the RAM on the Video card.

 

[Guest]

The 32-bit OS is reserving some of the 4GB address space for the RAM on the Video card.

Not necessarily.
The 4GB limit refers to total addressable memory space and not just the RAM installed.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/285279-30-maximum

 

[vitornob]

32 bit Windows can't address more than 4GB memory. And this includes ALL memory, even CPU cache, HD cache, DVD Drive cache, VGA memory, etc.

You need to upgrade to 64 bits windows to proper use all the memory

 

[Novuake]

32 bit Windows can't address more than 4GB memory. And this includes ALL memory, even CPU cache, HD cache, DVD Drive cache, VGA memory, etc.

You need to upgrade to 64 bits windows to proper use all the memory

Great explanation. Respect.

 

[lodz05]

I think I dont have a choice, I will format my pc to 64bit.

To all who reply, thanks to your comments, suggestion and explanation...

 

[lodz05]

Best answer selected by lodz05.

 

[winoutreach5]

Hi,

As Vitornob correctly stated, Microsoft Windows 7 32-bit can address up to 4GB of memory; however, typically speaking, 32-bit operating systems address around 3GB of memory. Just for future reference regarding the limitations of different Windows editions, you may find this resource helpful.

Jessica
Windows Outreach Team – IT Pro