How to make Windows 7 x86 use 6GB of ram?

OldMX · 05 Jun 2012

bobkn said:

Just to be contrary, what about PAE (physical address extension)?

Physical Address Extension

It doesn't magically convert a 32 bit OS into a 64 bit one, but it is used by 32 bit server versions of Windows to support more than 4GB of RAM. Apparently it's present in the desktop versions as well, and can be activated.

I've never played with it. The compatibility of Win7 X64 with 32 bit software is broad enough that I haven't needed to keep a 32 bit system around.

It was a matter of time untill someone posted that retarded PAE setting, OP, get a 64bit version of windows, unless you pirated it, 7 Ultimate should come with both install dvds, just make a clean install and enjoy all your ram.

DeaconFrost · 05 Jun 2012

PAE can cause all kinds of instability issues in a client system, and should be avoided for Windows. I believe the issues stem from driver incompatibilities. Given the widespread support for Windows 7 x64, and the zero cost to switch from x86....there's no reason not to go that route if you need that much memory.

bobkn · 05 Jun 2012

OldMX said:

It was a matter of time untill someone posted that retarded PAE setting, OP, get a 64bit version of windows, unless you pirated it, 7 Ultimate should come with both install dvds, just make a clean install and enjoy all your ram.

Such tact.

Or did you think that I was recommending the PAE hack? Reading comprehension is lousy among the youth of today, I guess.

System Builder (generic OEM) copies only come in a single bit depth, although the license key is supposed to work with either.

DeaconFrost · 06 Jun 2012

bobkn said:

Such tact.

Or did you think that I was recommending the PAE hack?

I'm not trying to take sides, but you did bring it up. I think I can speak for OldMX and many others when I say...we cringe when we see it even mentioned in these threads. There was a specific user, on here and on [H]ardForums who posted under the same name on both forums....and would always extoll the virtues of PAE, telling everyone to do it, rather than run an x64 OS. Countless times, the OP would follow, and then a week later be asking how to perform a clean install due to instability issues. Perhaps his comments weren't meant for you personally...just as a gut reaction to even seeing those three letters posted again.

pparks1 · 06 Jun 2012

I'm not taking sides either, but while I know of this PAE switch and have actually worked with 32 bit servers with larger amounts of RAM, I didn't even bother to utter it's existence to the OP as it would have simply caused confusion. I think without question, going the 64bit route is a far better option.

bobkn · 06 Jun 2012

DeaconFrost said:

bobkn said:

Such tact.

Or did you think that I was recommending the PAE hack?

I'm not trying to take sides, but you did bring it up. I think I can speak for OldMX and many others when I say...we cringe when we see it even mentioned in these threads. There was a specific user, on here and on [H]ardForums who posted under the same name on both forums....and would always extoll the virtues of PAE, telling everyone to do it, rather than run an x64 OS. Countless times, the OP would follow, and then a week later be asking how to perform a clean install due to instability issues. Perhaps his comments weren't meant for you personally...just as a gut reaction to even seeing those three letters posted again.

I sympathize.

Maybe I should let "impossible" stand, when the literal truth is "a really bad idea", or "of no practical value". Particularly when anyone of sufficient knowledge to use the PAE hack with open eyes probably wouldn't be asking after it here. (I'm not at that knowledge level, myself. I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot Registry hack.)