Re:Can a 32-bit OS machine use up all 8GB RAM + 20GB page file?
by masklinn on Saturday July 14, 2012 @01:54PM
(#4244869)
> Once I install the new RAM, will I only receive the benefits if I perform a new 64-bit install of Windows 7
That is correct, the alternative is to use a ($1000+) Server edition, some of which do give access to >4GB in 32b.
If you put 8GB RAM in a laptop running a 32b non-server Windows, you'll simply see 4GB.
You may see very small improvements nonetheless due to dual-channel activating (when pairing identical sticks of RAM, the CPU is able to "talk" to both at the same time rather than one at a time, doubling bandwidth), but I rather doubt it. The gains are usually insignificant. And you won't get any gains from actually increasing the amount of RAM in the machine.
That is correct, the alternative is to use a ($1000+) Server edition, some of which do give access to >4GB in 32b.
If you put 8GB RAM in a laptop running a 32b non-server Windows, you'll simply see 4GB.
You may see very small improvements nonetheless due to dual-channel activating (when pairing identical sticks of RAM, the CPU is able to "talk" to both at the same time rather than one at a time, doubling bandwidth), but I rather doubt it. The gains are usually insignificant. And you won't get any gains from actually increasing the amount of RAM in the machine.