Windows 7: same computer x-64 3.75GB Usable x-86 2.75GB useable

Hi there
installed Windows 7 Enterprise on a netbook equipped with 4GB RAM. Before installing ANY updates / drivers etc I noticed that on Windows 7 X-64 the computer showed 3.75GB of Ram was useable. On the X-86 version at the same stage of installation it showed that 2.75 GB of Ram was useable.

Any Gurus out there -- why is x-86 saying to me it has less memory over than the X-64 system -- computer hasn't changed in the slightest -- this was immediately after install and before any hardware specific drivers etc were installed.

Cheers
jimbo

64 but version of windows can use 4gb or more of ram the 32 (86) bit version cannot. That is why you r seeing a big difference in allotted ram.

Hi there
however the computer ONLY has 4GB of RAM so presumably Windows 7 x-86 can also use the full 4GB.

That's why I'm confused -- If I had installed MORE than 4GB of RAM then yet I would expect a difference in Windows 7 x-86.

Anyway it shows that even if you only have 4GB of RAM in your computer you should install the 64 bit version.

Cheers
jimbo

I apologize I was wrong x86 can use up to 4gb and x64 can use 4gb+ I found a chart that lays it out for ya.

Memory Limits for Windows Releases

It`s all about what your motherboard will support, whether it`s 32 or 64 bit.

It's possible to change the amount of usable memory in a Win 32 bit OS depending on the settings in BIOS.
I don't know how much and what you can change in BIOS with a netbook.
I look through the BIOS settings available, try different settings, and check the results in Windows.

For the system i am using for the screen prints, i have an IGP (integrated Graphics) and a dedicated GPU.
I can and did disable the IGP in BIOS for this desktop MB, so there is no 'hardware reserved' needed by the IGP.
I can also adjust the amount of memory used by the IGP if i want to use the IGP.

On this MB i have had usable memory at 2.75GB, and now have it at 3.50GB by making BIOS adjustments.

It may be your netbook will perform better with more memory allocated to video rather than usable by Windows.
My guess is it depends on how you use the netbook, and what programs you run most often.
You would need to see what you can do with the netbook BIOS settings, and decide what works best.

Look for any adjustments in BIOS than can change memory allocations such as
- IGP video memory settings
- Memory remapping





hth,
David

Jimbo what is the make/model/specs of the laptop?

It is not a matter of RAM per se - it is a matter of address space. In 64bit you have plenty of address space and any space requirement will not restrict the 4GBs. But in 32bit, all address space requests have to be honored within the 4GB limit.

It sounds like you have a hardware component that needs 1GB of extra address space - maybe a graphics facility. In 64bit you won't see it but in 32bit it takes the space from withing the 4GB.

nicely explained and well said !

Thanks everyone

Anyway it shows that even on a sub 350 USD netbook if you've 4GB RAM then it's always worth installing the 64 bit OS.

BTW STILL even in these days of tablets etc don't underestimate the usefulness of Netbooks -- still a viable part of Computing on the Go

(Netbook an Acer Aspire 1 with 4GB RAM fitted and HDD swapped for an SSD. Model nr AOS521)

Not the fastest performer in the world but with the mods described perfectly "fit for purpose" for about 80% of what I need to do when I'm travelling -- and it also has full HDMI out for watching DVD's / Movies etc. Even gives passable output on a 50 inch screen. !!!
Cheers

jimbo