7 replies to this topic

[Xanthus]

Ok, so, I am debating between 6 gigs of Corsair Dominator PC15000 RAM and 6 gigs of Corsair Dominator PC12800 RAM.

Beyond that, my co-worker here in the IT cube farm told me that I need to upgrade to Vista 64-bit if I want to have more than 4 gigs of RAM. Is this true? I've found conflicting reports on the 'net about it.

The PC12800 RAM is bundled with my motherboard on Newegg, but I don't want to get slower RAM if I can grab some faster stuff for more. But - will I need to upgrade my Vista for $$$ just to use it?

[Taco Bell]

Yes, your co-worker is correct. You need the 64-bit version of Windows in order to use more than 4 GB of RAM.

[Illrigger]

3GB, actually - you've been wasting a gig of ram all this time.

You don't need to PAY to upgrade to 64-bit, you just need the media. Use the same key you have been using and call the telephone activation line, letting them know you moved to 64-bit, and they'll take care of it for you.

[Chugworth]

Use the same key you have been using and call the telephone activation line, letting them know you moved to 64-bit, and they'll take care of it for you.

Unless you've changed hardware then you shouldn't even have to call the activation line. In fact, the past few times I have called due to a hardware change, it was entirely automated.

[Xanthus]

Hmm, right now I have 2 gb.

However, I am running a system builder OEM copy of 32 bit Vista. I do not think that I can use the same serial again, in fact, I almost am sure that I cannot.

So, about the RAM - is it worth it to spend the 200 extra dollars to get the PC15000 RAM? THe other PC12800 RAM is cheaper, and my co-worker says that it's not the speed that matters but the amount. I'm not so sure about that, though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820145232
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820145224

[Chugworth]

However, I am running a system builder OEM copy of 32 bit Vista. I do not think that I can use the same serial again, in fact, I almost am sure that I cannot.

Yes, you can use it again with the same hardware. If you've changed out a lot of hardware then you may need to call the activation number in order to activate it again. There's no problem in doing that. I've done it a couple of times with OEM keys.

With your question about the memory speed, I suspect that in most cases you wouldn't see a noticeable difference between the two. But I really haven't done much research into DDR3 benchmarks, so I can't say for sure.

[Xanthus]

Ok, I've decided that i'm going to go with the PC12800 RAM.

As for the OS, well, I'll call up the activation number and see if they can change my 32 bit OEM disc to a 64 bit copy. Thanks everyone!

[Ryan]

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778.aspx

Limits on memory and address space vary by platform, operating system, and by whether the IMAGE_FILE_LARGE_ADDRESS_AWARE value of the LOADED_IMAGE structure and 4-gigabyte tuning (4GT) are in use. IMAGE_FILE_LARGE_ADDRESS_AWARE is set or cleared by using the /LARGEADDRESSAWARE linker option.

Limits on physical memory for 32-bit platforms also depend on the Physical Address Extension (PAE), which allows 32-bit Windows systems to use more than 4 GB of physical memory.