Myth or Fact? Windows 7 32 vs 64 bits (Ram related)

[sightlessness]

Is it true that Windows 7 32 bits recognizes only 3 to 3.5 Gigs of RAM?
If so, then I have to install Windows 7 64 bits, right? So I can use fully my 4 Gigs of RAM, right? I need them fully!
Thanks if you can clear that up. CheerS.

[t_muraoka]

Originally Posted by sightlessness

Is it true that Windows 7 32 bits recognizes only 3 to 3.5 Gigs of RAM?

This is true for all 32-bit versions of Windows. There are tools out there like RAM disks that can use the otherwise unavailable memory but yes, you're generally better off using 64-bit Windows.

[hopi]

yeah... bummer ain't it? that you gotta go to 64 bit to use any ram above 4 gb's in windows... given that we have mobo's with the room to load tons of fast ram....

BUT.... there is one way that is an interesting 'workaround' you might like to consider...

http://www.superspeed.com/servers/ramdisk.php#compare

they make something called super ram disk plus...
the trick with it is this... say you have 8 gb's of ram.. and windows only sees 4 [ummmm more like 3.65-3.85 really]

OK... install that special ram disk and then you can set up virtual memory [page file] the ram disk directory and turn page file off for other drive....

this means that when 32 bit windows runs out of system ram and looks for virtual [page file] ram, it will go to the ram disk, which is actually using your extra real ram and NOT a hard drive... result is a virtual memory event that is just as fast as your real ram [or durn close]

so.. it's not the same as what a true 64 bit system can do, but it's about the only shot I know about.... oh.. well not true... there is a similar trick you could do with the Super Talent SSD pci 2gb raid drive... if you have a spare 2500 bucks to play with

[man, how I'd love to have a case of those puppies]

[bullshark]

Originally Posted by sightlessness

Is it true that Windows 7 32 bits recognizes only 3 to 3.5 Gigs of RAM?
If so, then I have to install Windows 7 64 bits, right? So I can use fully my 4 Gigs of RAM, right? I need them fully!
Thanks if you can clear that up. CheerS.

Yeah, but why would you want an x86 operating system anyway? It's Window we're talking about here, not Apple, so most, if not all, of your x86 app will work just the same on x64.

[sightlessness]

Oh yeah, thanks fot the clarification guys!!! Just woke up this morning.
Well, if I can squeeze those .5 Gigs I have left for VSTis or more tracks, good for me, right? And Reaper can run at 64 bits right (there's the 64 version right?).
Awesome! And if I got 4 extra Gigs, I'd be already ready to submission...