Vista Workshop: More RAM, More Speed

Supported Memory Size - Server Operating Systems

The server operating systems built around NT technology have supported memory sizes greater than 4 GB for years now, using a feature called Physical Address Extension (PAE). The compatibility issues that have plagued Windows XP do not exist in the server arena, as the variety of devices and drivers used here is much smaller. Also, the manufacturers are much more conscientious about validating their drivers than is the case in the desktop space.

After its initial launch, Windows Server 2003 was extended and offered as version R2. Additionally, Service Pack 2 is available for the original version, which also increases the amount of supported memory. Thus these versions of the server OS are listed twice in the table below.