Windows 7: Windows 7 RAM usage

Hello everyone.



Now that the whole "bitstory" is clear to me, I've got another question.
At the moment I've got a Windows Vista 32 bit version and 4 GB of RAM.
32 bit Windows 7 requires at least 1 GB of RAM, but can only use around 3.5 RAM.
64 bit Windows 7 requires at least 2 GB of RAM, but can use larger amounts of RAM.

Now whats best for me?
Buy a 64 version so I can use my full amount of RAM (but loose 2GB for the OS)
or just upgrade to a 32 bit version, neglecting the 0.5 RAM that Windows cant use?
(how much RAM does Windows 7 (32/64) use in an idle situation?)
I would like to know your opinion

As I can see your rig can utilise the 64 bit operating system.
How ever you are a bit off the mark in regards to memory.
There is no loss of usable memory in regards to 32 or 64 bit systems. Its a matter of utilisation. Xp and vista 32 bit Operating systems could not make the full memory calls of the available memory. Hence if you had 4 gigs of memory installed the 32 machines would not use it all. WIndows 7 X64 has a very high upper limit memory call somewhere in the 100 gig range. But I don't think you will be $400 or $500 in memory chips How ever it will use the full4 gigs of memory. As far as losing memory to the OS its minimal, between .2 and .25 of a gig for the OS to use. See this screen shot of a 4 gig machine.
I hope this helps you out a bit.

BQ

As my collegue Adrian said so well. Its more a question of how you use your machine. If you are a heavy graphic user who edits large files or renders bile files in photoshop--64bit. If you are more the gamer with some apps type--32bit. I push the heck out of my box (32bit) and have yet to use the full 3.5. I dont use a page file so would know if i idid.

Your call

Ken J++

I think I get it a little
However, on your screenshot, it shows RAM 4GB (3.75 GB usable)
What's up with the 0.25 GB of RAM xD
Is that what Windows 7 uses? or what :s

Hmm... I'm unfamiliar with some of your words xD
I'm from the Netherlands (I've only had 5 years of english )
I have to share this PC with my brother and I use it for editing and my brother for gaming, so we are both and that would mean 64 bit right?
But i was wondering, how much RAM does Windows 7 use in an ideal situation?
(My vista uses 1,02 GB of RAM just running Vista (no open programms)

Yep, the OS is making a call of .25 gigs.
As muy friend Ken has said it depends on what you want to do with your rig.
My system is heavily used for video work and database. So the 4 gigs are more than adequate. A misconception by many is the amount of memory you have, which of course is a false one. Processor speed is what matters.

Oke, well I have 4 GB RAM and Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.4 GHz.
of course my CPU suppports 64 bit OS. As I said, I have to work with some heavier programms (which need more RAM).
And is the 0.25 GB ALL windows 7 uses?!?
Because why does microsoft say you need at LEAST 2 GB to run Windows 7 64bit?
(btw, what is rig xD)

2 gigs is the suggested minimum of ram, some forum members are using older machines with a gig of ram.
Seriously you will be ok with 4 gigs of memory.

On my 3.4Ghz 4GB system running Win 7 Ultimate RC1 32 (Pro 64 on it's way), normal use is about 1.5GB used out of 3.07GB available (of 4GB).

41 Processes, including Acronis TI, Sun Virtual Box running 1 XP guest, SeaMonkey web browser and a lot of system processes and 56 running services.

System is fast, responsive and a real pleasure to use. I'm hoping the retail Pro 64 bit version runs as well.

Oke thanks.
This really helped me out on choosing whether I want (need) windows 7 64 bit or not.
I thought Windows 7 64 bit had to use 2 GB of RAM in order to run on a PC.
But with a 2 GB computer youre able to run a 64 OS xD
Thanks a lot!