3gb Ram vs 4gb

Is it true that as 3gb ram as it is an odd number it has some problems and that really you should go to 4gb? If so why is this?

 

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Only if they(ram modules) are not compatible. Like if you have DDR(Dualchannel is standard these days and require same type of modules - manufacturer even), a 2Gmodule paired with a 1G is very bad. it will not work

say 2 1gig chips in slots - paired, with 2 512meg chips paired = 3G and that is no problem.


Win XP 32 bit can only use 3.2 GIG RAM I think. That's why some might pick that config on purpose, it might be a bit cheaper. I would just go for 4 gig these days in case Vista becomes required for some reason or you want it or Win XP 64 bit.

 

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a crazy little thing called "dual channel"
it's a new fangled way of using RAM.

you can read more here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-channel_architecture

 

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It's really not that big a deal. It really only matters when each module has a different speed.

 

If you have 3GB of RAM on certain older boards, it will also drop your RAM timings down from 1T to 2T.

- N

 

on a similar note, ive just built a computer with 4 1gb sticks running in dual channel, but windows will only recognise 3.5gb, will my computer still be taking advantage of dual channel?

 

i've had a similar problem but with a single stick of 256MB RAM. windows would only report 220MB.
i have XP SP2

 

Your PC is still running 4GB of RAM. 32-bit OS can't display the full RAM amount for some reason.

- N

 

Windows Vista will support 8 GB if I'm not mistaken.

Though, it's also determined by your motherboard. Older boards won't support as much.

 

Only 64bit Windows OSs can display more than 3.5.

 

OK, you're right.

 

also bear in mind those 'numbers' are estimates...

that RAM bank may not have that exact number of registers...

in fact almost never... you may well show 252 or etc. on a "256" meg RAM bank becasue that IS how much is functioning... there is also the 'float' issue of the 24 that is rarely properly accounted for in these things... and that changes estimates...

but overall CPU speeds and RAM amounts are not anything like the exact science, even very experienced users, think them to be...