Installed 4,00GB but only 2,97GB RAM USABLE?
January 23rd, 2020
Anything wrong with my laptop? How to fix this? Thank You!!
There’s been SO many posts about this – the answer REALLY needs to be a sticky!
1) a 32 bit OpSystem will only access 4 gig of ram TOTAL – meaning 4 gig including ** ALL ** ram (video card, cpu cache, lan buffers, even dvd buffer, maybe?) – it all gets allocated address space, and 32 bits only allocates 4 gig of space.
2) an update for vista shows 4G, but it’s a LIE – you still have between 2.9 and 3.55 G usable, BUT vista ‘knows’ to tell you 4 gig ‘cos that’s what you expect to see.
3) the actual amount usable varies – there are many things that change this. Video ram being the most effective changer – onboard certainly, but also dedicated video cards have to have their ram allocated address space too.
Answer – the ONLY REAL way to change (not “fix” ‘cos there’s nothing wrong) this is to install a 64 bit OpSystem (Xp 64 bit, Win7 64 bit).
Does it affect the performance itself? Thanks for replying!!
Use Windows 7 x64 bit and you will have 4GB of RAM
64 bit OS still has a lot of program incompatiblity..
64 bit OS still has a lot of program incompatiblity..
Not true…
You have 2 folders one is Program Files and another one is Program Files x86 so that means that you can install 32bit apps on 64bit Windows 7 and they will work just fine! ( been there, done that , tested and confirmed )!
1. So I can Install 32 bit program on “Program Files X86”, 64 bit programs on “Program Files” on Windows 7 64 bit without degrading 32bit programs’ performance? 2. Do I have to re-select the destination folder (program files / program files x86) when installing x86/x64 program? Or is it auto-choose destination folder? Thank You!!
Do I have to re-select the destination folder (program files / program files x86) when installing x86/x64 program? Or is it auto-choose destination folder?
Most apps are usually 32bit and by default are all targeted there.
Does it affect the performance itself? Thanks for replying!!
No (and yes) – I’ll explain:
With a 32 bit OpSystem, you’ll have 3 to 3.55 G free at start-up, on a 4Gig memory system.
It won’t matter if vista SHOWS 4 gig, you’ll still have only 3G free.
If you don’t run three or four Photoshops at once, or open a 100Mb picture files with one photoshop (or similar – like a huge avi file in after effects), then you won’t notice anything at all.
IF you do need the extra ram, then go for a 64 bit OS, and maybe add another 2 or 4 gig to your mother board.
I’d say that 99% of all the bb people won’t use or need the full 4G, let alone more.
Especially on a laptop!
(If your programs are running OK, don’t fuss with it – if you install 64 bit xp or win 7, you’ll need to go looking for 64 bit drivers (video, wireless, etc)).
THANK YOU! For all your great explanations..!! So Can I take a conclusion that: “Go for X64 if you use some EXTRA HEAVY Programs, but using X86 is still okay as long as you use LIGHT to SEMI-HEAVY Programs”…? Is that correct?
THANK YOU! For all your great explanations..!! So Can I take a conclusion that: "Go for X64 if you use some EXTRA HEAVY Programs, but using X86 is still okay as long as you use LIGHT to SEMI-HEAVY Programs"...? Is that correct?
no…
basically, if you want to use your 4GB of ram. get 64-bit if your not fussed stick with 32-bit.
i use 64-bit and prefare it for my 4GB ram, also i havent hit any incompatibility with 64-bit except with a few games where you can easily just choose a different setup within the CD itself.
I am getting more confused, some says CONS to upgrade to X64, but some says PRO to upgrade to X64, I have no problems with the drivers, since Sony provides all drivers for any OS platform.. let us say, I only use this laptop for daily SCHOOL usage, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 / X, GTA IV, GTA SA for the heavy ones.. , but the big question is: “IS IT WORTH IT TO UPGRADE?”
do you want to use 4GB of ram ? answer that. if yes then upgrade. if not then leave it.
I only use this laptop for daily SCHOOL usage (internet, office, etc), and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 / X, GTA IV, GTA SA for the heavy ones.. I have no problems with performance when I use Windows Vista Ultimate 32 bit, but will this increase the performance if I use the full 4,00GB on Windows 7 64 Bit? Significantly? Remembering that there is no software incompatiblity issue in 64 bit..
it will. but if u have no problems then .. why upgrade ?
Maybe faster loading? What do you think mate? Thank you for your kind reply friends!
dno if loading will be faster, but you could multi-task more i would personally use 64-bit as you have got 4GB so why not use it lol.
Tomorrow I will post the screenshot of RAM usage on daily or normal usage… But I am still curious, then why Sony bundled my 4,00GB laptop with 32bit Windows Vista, not 64bit…
Tomorrow I will post the screenshot of RAM usage on daily or normal usage... But I am still curious, then why Sony bundled my 4,00GB laptop with 32bit Windows Vista, not 64bit...
probably cheaper. not sure tho iv not bought a windows DVD :p
a quick short answer is NO
don’t bother upgrading to 64 bit.
Why?:
It’s a laptop, it’s never going to be super-fast (and it’s debatable even IF 64 is faster then 32.. remember, 64 bits has to EMULATE 32 bits for 32 bit programs).
You only use it for school and a few games – if it does them to your satisfaction, don’t muck with it
You’d have to reinstall ALL your programs and backed-up data (school work?)
You might also find that after you do the move to 64 bit it’s NO BETTER – my lappy is 4G and 64 bit – it still only has about 3.5 free (win7’s crpalola caches)
I'd say that 99% of all the bb people won't use or need the full 4G, let alone more.
So I think our friends’ quote is right, right? We don’t even use the full 4,00GB on Windows 7 Professional 32 Bit, remembering my daily usage.. What do you all think friends, I will post the Performance Graphs on Task Manager when running daily usage programs soon.. To let you know, (is it a big YES or NO to upgrade).. Thanks
I have two computers here with 4G, one xp, one lappy with Win7 (and a third p4 2GHz with 1.5g ram) – Neither of these first two use all the ram, page file (2G) is only ever used by about 100Mb or so when something not used for a while (Opera when I have lunch, for eg)) is paged out.
I have maxed out my ram a few times, rarely, usually when doing something intensive with Photoshop (major changes with many layers and many undo level).
Dude dont listen to these kids telling you that 64bit has compatibility issues, back in the day of xp 64bit support was horrible but now in the windows 7 erra its fine i have personally only ever ran the 64bit version of both vista and windows 7 and never had a compatibility issue or any problems, anyone who says you will is unqualified to work with computers and needs to pick a different field. My source for this is myself, im a dual credit high school student majoring in computer science and minoring in information security so dont worry about my credibility.
Dude dont listen to these kids telling you that 64bit has compatibility issues, back in the day of xp 64bit support was horrible but now in the windows 7 erra its fine i have personally only ever ran the 64bit version of both vista and windows 7 and never had a compatibility issue or any problems, anyone who says you will is unqualified to work with computers and needs to pick a different field. My source for this is myself, im a dual credit high school student majoring in computer science and minoring in information security so dont worry about my credibility.
…seriously?
Get a 64 bit OS of Windows 7. That will use all available Random Access Memory
You may get it from here:
http://www.google.com?t=4738087
Here it is my screenshot, using daily usage.. I haven’t installed any games on Windows 7 Professional 32 bit, so I don’t know…
I aam considering to upgrade to 64 bit to maximize the performance… But let us see what do you think…
In the coming years, more and more programmes will be coming with 64-bit compatibility. At the moment, there aren’t too many programmes that can support it. However, having a 64-bit operating system will not hinder your computer at all. All that 4GB of RAM will be usable, which may be of benefit, but also may not be. Unless you’re using more than 3GB of RAM, 4GB isn’t going to make much difference. Any 32-bit programmes that get installed work fine on Windows 7 32-bit. All that I’ve used in the past few years anyway, which is quite a lot. 32-bit programmes are separated from 64-bit programmes.
My advice would be don’t bother upgrading to be honest. It would require a complete computer format, which would mean you need to backup all your data, else it would be deleted. I have a laptop which is 3 years old, running Windows 7 32-bit and 3GB of RAM. I don’t use it for games, but for every day usage, and it’s perfectly fine as it is.
USE 64 BIT VERSION OF WINDOWS 7
Windows 7 64 bit seems to make my 32bit programs run slower, some games (Flight Simulator X) is unable to be installed.. Hmm….
Here’s a screenshot of my desktop for your satisfaction –
Use 64-Bits Operating system. (Eg: WIndows-7 x64 , Vista-x64 , XP-x64)
Remember:
1. All the programs runs in 64Bit.
2. 32-Bit programs runs slower in 64-Bit OS. (Google it)
3. Don’t forget to get 64-Bit device drivers (for any device), this is important.
4. 64Bit OS are robust than 32Bit. In short words: It is reliable.
5. Always install 64-Bits software in 64Bit OS, so that they can take advantage of available RAM.
6. And, finally GOOGLE this topic for more.
Wow, that win experience level is low..
Install a tool called Speccy, check in the RAM section whether you have Dual or Tri channel. If you have Tri channel RAM then you can only support RAM in multiples of 3. If its Dual then you can support multiples of 2. If you have dual then the only reason you can only use 2.97GB is because you have 32bit system.
You must install x64 WIN 7 if you want to use all 4G’s.
still going on about this O.o, its not a life or death situation lol. and theres no -if not very little- compatibility errors from 32-bit apps and a 64-bit OS.
Check RAM are put properly in the slots, Also check if its 32 Bit x86 version OS as specified above.
Check RAM are put properly in the slots, Also check if its 32 Bit x86 version OS as specified above.
if you checked the SS smith. you would realise hes got a 32-bit OS
I’m surprised this topic hasn’t been locked yet. Everyone is just saying the same thing over and over again I think it’s pretty obvious the OP got the message.
if you checked the SS smith. you would realise hes got a 32-bit OSMost of them don’t bother. It’s an easy way to increase your their count without much work
Mine is a laptop, I installed a Windows 7 Professional 64 bit, yes it shows the whole full 4GB, but some applications run slower in 64 bit and some are not installable..
Wow, that win experience level is low..
Yes I know, that’s because of the GPU. Mine mobo is Intel DG43GT. Well, I don’t play games so that experience level doesn’t matters..
but some applications run slower in 64 bit
Opening free download manager takes approx 2 seconds on my clean installed windows 7 32bit, it takes about 7-9 seconds on my clean installed 64 bit, launching microsoft office word, excel, etc 2010 usually take less than 3 seconds, but it takes about 8-10 seconds on my 64 bit, Microsoft Flight Simulator X cannot be installed, stopped halfway at installations, the error message explains things regarding 64bit operating systems,.. I am afraid this will be “X factors” for the next usage (incompatible issues, slow loading 32bit programs on 64bit architecture)..