Thread: 4GB Memory question

I know this is probably a pleb question but here goes: I want to build a system and I wanted to use 2X2GB DDR2 memory to give me an edge when using Windows Vista since it seems to be so memory hungry but I've heard that only 64bit operating systems support 4GB of system memory. Is this true? Can someone help me make sense of this please.

basically 32-bit versions such as XP or vista can support up to 4gb max, although some of that could be taken up by video card etc so your only get about 3-3.5gb free in real times

64bit versions of vista can have much more

Okay, thanks. I assume that means I can go ahead and use 2 sticks of 2GB DDR2 memory and install Vista 32bit version and everything will be okay, as you say I won't in real terms get 4GB of memory available but things should be smoother running than if I installed just 2GB of memory. What I was worried about was either encountering a problem with running the OS or not actually gaining anything by using 4GB and spending money on something that won't benefit me.

thats correct, 4Gb is the max and will give you some benefit but anything greater then 4Gb is a waste of your money

Thanks. Time to spend some money.