32 bit programs 3 gb each?

pallesenw · 19 Jan 2011

windows7Seven7 said:

or can they each access the 3gb max for 32 bits.

Yes, they get 2GB each. They can each grow to 4GB, if they are compiled for it.

windows7Seven7 · 19 Jan 2011

thanks

logicearth · 20 Jan 2011

All 32 bit programs that are Large Address Aware will get 3 GB of virtual memory, otherwise only 2 GB for those that are not. Please watch: https://msmvps.com/blogs/gdicanio/ar...ssinovich.aspx

pallesenw · 20 Jan 2011

It is 4GB when executed in a 64bit environment

kado897 · 20 Jan 2011

I think the OP is referring to the fact that 32 bit programs can only address a maximum of 2 or 4Gb. This is the address range of that program. In a 64 bit windows they could be loaded anywhere within windows address range so they each have their own 4Gb maximum.

logicearth · 20 Jan 2011

pallesenw said:

It is 4GB when executed in a 64bit environment

kado897 said:

I think the OP is referring to the fact that 32 bit programs can only address a maximum of 2 or 4Gb. This is the address range of that program. In a 64 bit windows they could be loaded anywhere within windows address range so they each have their own 4Gb maximum.

The Virtual Address Space is 3 GB for each process when using a 32 bit program on a 64 bit edition of Windows. However, it will only see 3 GB if it is Large Address Aware, then it will only see 2 GB for its Virtual Address Space.

A 64 bit program can have an 8 TB Virtual Address Space.

References:
Virtual Address Space (Windows)
Virtual Address Space (Windows)

The Virtual Address Space does not equate to Physical Memory. You can have 3 GB or more on Virtual Address Space while only having 1 GB of Physical Memory.

pallesenw · 20 Jan 2011

The link is about 32bit Windows.

Comparison of 32-bit and 64-bit memory architecture for 64-bit editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003

"Applications that are compiled with the /LARGEADDRESSAWARE option, as would be required to take advantage of the /3GB switch in 32-bit Windows, will automatically be able to address 4 GB of virtual memory without any boot time switches or changes to x64 Windows. Plus, of course, the operating system does not have to share that 4 GB of space. Therefore, it is not constrained at all."

DeaconFrost · 20 Jan 2011

windows7Seven7 said:

so for instance premier elements is a 32 bit program. it can only use 3-4 gb. But if i am also running photoshop elements organizer, and photoshop elements, each is 32 bit. so you are saying each can use 3-4 gb of memory, that a 32 bit program could use?

As a better suggestion, take a look at how much memory those apps are actually using. Chances are, you are going way overboard with your concerns, and don't need to worry one bit about how they will run.

kado897 · 20 Jan 2011

DeaconFrost said:

windows7Seven7 said:

so for instance premier elements is a 32 bit program. it can only use 3-4 gb. But if i am also running photoshop elements organizer, and photoshop elements, each is 32 bit. so you are saying each can use 3-4 gb of memory, that a 32 bit program could use?

As a better suggestion, take a look at how much memory those apps are actually using. Chances are, you are going way overboard with your concerns, and don't need to worry one bit about how they will run.

Good point. Don't worry unless you have a problem.

DeaconFrost · 20 Jan 2011

To clarify, let's say those apps are using 600 MB of memory all together. It isn't going to matter if you have 3 GB or 4 GB, or if the system is running the x86 or x64 platform. If all other variables are the same (meaning processor, hard drive, etc), those apps will run identically.