Another Vista RAM question

[Agentbolt]

So my current setup is in my sig. What I'm curious about is, at some point soon I want to max out the RAM for this system, just to future proof it a bit more. What I'm wondering is:

A) Should I add another gig, or 2 gigs? I use Vista 32-Bit so I know it has steep limitations on the amount of RAM it can use. Whatever I put in I obviously want to run in dual channel, so I don't think putting in another 1 gig stick and a 512 stick is really an option. Will Vista 32 bit be any faster or more efficient with 4 gigs of RAM rather than 3?

B) I've heard my motherboard (The GA-965P-DS3) has real issues running with all 4 DIMMS filled, especially when OCed. Can anyone let me know what headaches I'm in for if I fill up the other 2 DIMMS? If Vista maxes out at 3 gigs, then they'll be 2 more 512 sticks, if 4 gigs will make a difference they'll be 1 gig sticks. If it maxes out at 3 gigs, should I just put in another 1 gig stick in DIMM 3?

Thanks!

 

[slaughter111]

Well, thanks to SuperFetch, 4GB will be noticeable over 2GB, and that is what i would add to the system.

Not sure about your 4 DIMM issue...

 

[PhoenixOrion]

i would upgrade from 32bit vista to 64bit vista before even considering going from 2GB to 4GB in total ram.

 

[crossrode]

Originally posted by: Agentbolt
So my current setup is in my sig. What I'm curious about is, at some point soon I want to max out the RAM for this system, just to future proof it a bit more. What I'm wondering is:

A) Should I add another gig, or 2 gigs? I use Vista 32-Bit so I know it has steep limitations on the amount of RAM it can use. Whatever I put in I obviously want to run in dual channel, so I don't think putting in another 1 gig stick and a 512 stick is really an option. Will Vista 32 bit be any faster or more efficient with 4 gigs of RAM rather than 3?

B) I've heard my motherboard (The GA-965P-DS3) has real issues running with all 4 DIMMS filled, especially when OCed. Can anyone let me know what headaches I'm in for if I fill up the other 2 DIMMS? If Vista maxes out at 3 gigs, then they'll be 2 more 512 sticks, if 4 gigs will make a difference they'll be 1 gig sticks. If it maxes out at 3 gigs, should I just put in another 1 gig stick in DIMM 3?

Thanks!

I use 3Gb's in my C2D e6600 w/ASUS P5B-Deluxe. 2 x 1 GB + 2 x 512 G. Skill PC6400. My system runs noticably better with 3 gigs than 2. I run VISTA 32 in dual boot with XP Pro.

http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=2917&p=3

 

[Agentbolt]

You're probably right, I'm not sure I feel like sinking another 170 into RAM AND re-buying Vista. I bought the OEM copy of Home Premium so I'm kinda stuck with 32 bit.

edit: Oh yeah, I know going from 2-3 will help me quite a bit, I'm just wondering going from 3-4 would also help. Thanks though

 

[Frintin]

Not sure if your motherboard handles dual channel like my Intel does, but normally (not sure if it is the standard for dual channel or not) you can place memory in both slots of channel a and one simm (oh my god I meant) dimm!!!! in one channel b slot and it will run in dual channel mode as long as the one dimm in channel b is the same size as both channel a dimm's. That gives you some upgrade room if it works for you.

Any memory you can throw at Vista will help. You WILL notice using 3gigs of memory instead of 2. Using more than 3gigs not so much.

I did the same thing and bought my first Vista as 32bit because 64bit just ain't there yet is what I thought. But the reality of it is Vista 64bit is all that.

 

[zest]

Originally posted by: slaughter111
Well, thanks to SuperFetch, 4GB will be noticeable over 2GB, and that is what i would add to the system.

Not sure about your 4 DIMM issue...

Agree,,,
And with t Vista 64 bit 4Gb is sweet

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: Agentbolt
B) I've heard my motherboard (The GA-965P-DS3) has real issues running with all 4 DIMMS filled, especially when OCed. Can anyone let me know what headaches I'm in for if I fill up the other 2 DIMMS? If Vista maxes out at 3 gigs, then they'll be 2 more 512 sticks, if 4 gigs will make a difference they'll be 1 gig sticks.

I haven't heard about those issues. Link?

And try and keep to even numbers of identical sticks of RAM (speed size and manufacturer). Dual-channel isn't nearly as picky as we are but for smooth sailing you're really better off sticking to 4x1GB. (Oh and upgrade to Vista-64, it'll run 32-bit apps and we need more people pressuring manufacturers for 64-bit drivers!)