Windows 7 64 bit only using 3.24/4GB RAM.

AlexRD · 16 Sep 2009

what version of windows are you using? is it ultimate or ??

FZ21Z · 16 Sep 2009

Well that doesn't look good...

The tables below show the Dell systems that have been tested and are capable of running the Microsoft® Windows® 7 operating system. Please refer to the System Requirements section at bottom for additional information.

- http://support.dell.com/support/topi...683&l=en&s=gen

zigzag3143 · 16 Sep 2009

Thatguy2007 said:

i checked the BIOS it is only using 256 of video memory:

Do you think i should just down grade to a 32 bit, since I'm not using 100% of the RAM? ( plus almost everything runs on 32 bit)

Thank you.

Freelancer852 said:

Why downgrade to 32bit? Just keep 64bit so if you ever increase your installed RAM you won't have a problem. Plus, there's not a lot of programs out there any more that you can't get running on a 64bit OS!

FZ

My sentiments exactly. Mine will not, really didnt think his would. Besides that 2 memory slots max memory 4gigs no upgrade so the masx usable memory is 3.25. with that memory 64bit would be thin if it can be done at all

Plus its 945 intel chipset for video and their 64bit driver s**ks.

Believe me If it could I would

Ken

Thatguy2007 · 16 Sep 2009

hey,

Alex: I'm running windows 7 professional 64 bit RTM (build 7600).

FZ: Thats weird, i ran the Windows 7 upgrade advisor ( Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor ) and they said it was fine.

Ken: you make a good point, it most likely would run smoother, and plus ALOT of stuff is compatible on 32 bit and not so much on a 64 bit.

ALL: Do you think i should install 32 bit windows 7 professional or stick with this? (pros and cons)

Thanks

FZ21Z · 17 Sep 2009

Thatguy2007 said:

hey,
FZ: Thats weird, i ran the Windows 7 upgrade advisor ( Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor ) and they said it was fine.

I think, but don't quote me, that you'll be able to run it, as you clearly are, but your bios doesn't allow it to run properly, or at least x64, evident by it only using 3.24GB, but that page would indicate that Dell won't be supporting it for use with Windows 7.

zigzag3143 · 17 Sep 2009

win 7 32 bit

cons only able to use 3.25 gigs ram. is somewhat slower in some situations. Is an older OS

pros drivers are easier to find, it can run legacy 16 bit apps, runs cooler than 64, and is more stabile.

win 7 64

Cons drivers, heat in desktops, bigger footprint and higher ram needed. cant run 16bit, NO 64 BIT ADOBE FLASH PLAYER.

Can take tons of ram up to 192 gigs (not on destops) runs instructions more quickly so it feels faster. Is the shape of the future (2-3 years out) handles intense apps better like photoshop, and video editing.

I run both and the only time I notice a difference is when I need bleeding edge performance, like rendering, or photoshoping.

You make the call

Ken

Thatguy2007 · 17 Sep 2009

Thanks alot Ken, I'm thinking about doing what you said earlier, splitting the hard drive and installing 32 bit windows 7 and seeing how it goes.

all i do is surf the web (firefox) do some mindless work, papers, excel etc etc etc... and the occasional games, but i heard some games don't run on 64 bit, and i feel since 32 bit is going to be smoother / faster (since it uses less resources, etc) to would run it better, my system sadly can't hold more than 4 GB of ram so i think that 32 bit is the best option.

Is there an other benifits to 64 bit other than handling more RAM and "future" and heavy apps?

Thanks again

Antman · 17 Sep 2009

Thatguy2007 said:

...Is there an other benifits to 64 bit other than handling more RAM and "future" and heavy apps?

Kewl factor. With that, all the benefits are addressed. Benifits too..

chrisf8657 · 17 Sep 2009

The 945 chipset in your laptop does not support 4GB.

From Wikipedia:

Lakeport (945xx) chipsets lacks support for remapping memory; the size of addressable memory space may be less than 4 GB, regardless whether the processor operates in 64-bit mode.

Sorry

Zidane24 · 17 Sep 2009

chrisf8657 said:

The 945 chipset in your laptop does not support 4GB.

From Wikipedia:

Lakeport (945xx) chipsets lacks support for remapping memory; the size of addressable memory space may be less than 4 GB, regardless whether the processor operates in 64-bit mode.

Sorry

I was reading the thread and I went straight to wikipedia and was about to post this...

Chris is correct...the reason is the chipset not anything else. I would still recommend sticking with 64-bit because it takes full advantage of the processor and is faster in some situations but as Ken said it is up to you...

Just to clear a little confusion that might arise...eventhough there is no Flash Player for x64 most people use IE(32-bit) on Windows 7 x64 regardless. It is the default pinned IE on the Superbar at installation. I am making this statement to make sure folks don't take Ken's statement as "No Flash Player possible for x64 systems"