[Theresonly1]

Just recently built my computer.

I have put 8GB of RAM & using Windows VISTA. I know it can recognize the amount of 8GB ram because in my computer's properties it displays it has 8GB of RAM, however, when i open up task manager it says physical memory of only roughly 3GB.

Why's that? Or is physical memory of that not related to that?

Thanks

[Hybr!d]

32bit can only see (and use) 3.25gb across all memory devices.

[Theresonly1]

So what happened to the other 4.75GB? Are they getting used?

In that case if i install a new Windows VISTA 64 bit over my 32-bit, does that mean it can see & use the whole 8GB? Its like i don't want my other RAM to go unused...

[Hybr!d]

Nope, the remaining is useless. Carbon explained it once, but basically 32bit can only see and use 3.25gb, no exception.

[Theresonly1]

OK. what about 64 bit? They can see + use all 8GB. Am i correct to assume that?

[Hybr!d]

• Vista Basic 64-bit: 8 GB
• Vista Home Premium 64-bit: 16 GB
• Vista Business/Enterprise/Ultimate 64-bit: 128+ GB

[Theresonly1]

Thanks thats great info. I remember seeing it somewhere before after you reminded me.
So looks like now am going to install a 64bit Vsita over my 32

[Hybr!d]

I dont think you can upgrade either, only fresh install... :\

[mctw]

just to confirm Hybrid, you do have to do a totally fresh install aka you loose everything that's not backed up!

Is rather annoying, but imagine its due to using a totally different architecture to 32bit.

[Theresonly1]

I understand your point. Then this leads me onto further questions of:
what is it like to use the 64-bit architecure? is it faster? performance wise? and will my hardware all support 64-bit, i dont know? Is it true that some softwares dont work on 64-bit architectures?