RAM advice/issue

Hi I am currently using win 7 ultimate 32bit in 2gb DDR-3 ram (i3 processor)
I am planning to buy 4gb more ram (and put it in other slot)
So I need advice that do my system will work on a better performance ?
Secondly I am using 32 bit so if I move to 6gb ram then do I need to install x64 version of windows ?
And will total 6gb ram will be used( ~5.5-5.8gb) I mean that will their be any performance degradation on using 2 rams of diff. size in 2 slots ? Please help me 1 more question :
Currently I have so much useful programs installed, so if I am going to reinstall these programs will be removed .
Is their any way to preserve the INSTALLED programs so as to make the newly installed OS look alike the same as before ? P.S. – I am having setups of all software but I don’t want to install each n every software 1by1 it will take too much time :\ so provide me any utility which will backup these programs as it was before
Answer #1
Ram works faster and more efficiently when in dual chan mode.
This means you need 2 sticks the same.
So scrap the 2GB stick and install two 4GB sticks.
Windows 32 bit can only use about 3.5GB of ram, no matter how much you have installed.
So a 64 bit OS would be required with 6 or 8GB of ram.
If you do that, you need a clean install and to reinstall your programs too.
If you are on a budget or in a hurry, you could just install another 2GB of ram, keeping it as similar as possible to the original.
This gives you 4GB of ram and your 32 bit system will use 3.5GB.
So although you waste half a Gig, you gain 1.5GB, for a few dollars, and don’t have to change from Windows 32 bit…
Answer #2
thanx a ton !
Answer #3
I concur with ‘s assessment.
Going to 4G will make a worthwhile difference, even with x32 and the 3.5G limits.
Dual chan needs the same speed and types of ram for best compatibility, and also note that two different speed rams will both run at the slowest of the two (1600 + 1800 = run at 1600).
Ram is pretty cheap – you could go to 2x4G (8 total) and leave the x32 system for a while (you’ll still only have 3.5G available of that 8G !!) – move to x64 when you’re ready to. This IS a bit of a waste of ram, but you will have the space to move into later, rather than 2x2G and then tossing them away for 2x4G (I presume 2 slots here).
Best option?
Decide – lots of graphics work, video editing? yes – go for 8G and x64, either now up upgrade x64 later.
Not too much graphics, but plenty of games and internet and movies = go for 4G and stay with 32 bit.