Ram Upgrades

[c0smichippy]

So I just got my prelude system...which I am very happy with and I am already considering adding more ram =P

My system came with 2 gigs of ram and I would like to upgrade to 4 gigs. However, I have read that there are issues with xp being able to recognize all that ram. Is that true?

I even found a blurb about it in the motherboard manual (asus p5n-e sli). It mentions that if I use 4 x 1gb chips that windows will have problems seeing it. Does that mean I could use 2 x 2gb chips?

Any help would be great!

Also, I'm doing this with hopes to upgrade to vista soon mainly.

[rcb]

Yes, XP has trouble addressing 4 GB of memory, no matter how many sticks you use (2 or 4, makes no difference). It would recognize about 3 GB, I believe, maybe a bit more. I would wait until you actually upgrade to Vista to add memory.

BTW; I've read many posts here of folks who have had performance/stability problems after upgrading their new Preludes. I'd advise you to call the MG techs before you do anything.

[theDreamer]

Yes, do not upgrade to 4gig.
Basically this is how it works.

XP/Vista it does not matter:
~32 bit OS = 3.5gb about, b/c of the OS must have room for other stuff.
~64 bit OS = up to 16gb currently, that is until someone makes higher than 2gb sticks of ram and uses them. :D

Also, games are not being pushed far beyond the need really for 4gb of ram, mostly need it if you do heavy video editing and such. You may I do not know.

[c0smichippy]

if I decided to install a 64 bit os in order to upgrade - would I be able to run all my programs ok?


Also, if just decide to upgrade to 3gigs - do I have to install 2 x 512 or can I just install another 1 gig chip?

[theDreamer]

I believe it is best to go (must I believe) dual channel.
A 64 bit OS is a bit different. Many/most software will run perfect and such, but drivers might be more of the problem you will face.