My computer runs Vista Home Premium 32 bit and has two 1GB DDR2 memory modules installed running Dual Channel - a total of 2GB.

I have another pair of memory slots on the mobo and would like to install another 2GB.

Now, I have heard it reported that Vista 32 bit only supports 3GB of memory. What would happen if I installed another 2GB, making 4GB?

Would it work, but ignore 1GB?

If I install 2 x 1GB modules, would it let them run dual channel recognising 2 x 512MB, or would it run single channel and only recognise one of them?

Would I be better off installing a single 2GB module which is cheaper, bit would only run single channel?

Any help would be appreciated.

Ray D

The motherboard is in control of dual channel so 4GB will run dual channel on the motherboard and in your BIOS.

Windows 32 bit will only utilize 3GB (or slightly more) but the RAM will function as it should.

I would suggest running 1GB sticks in dual channel (either 2 or 4) assuming they are exactly the same.

If not then 1 stick of 2GB would probably be best.

So, it looks like another 2 x 1GB sticks then for Dual Channel working.

With Vista 32 bit, isn't there a way of extending addressing so that it can see more memory?

Many thanks,

Ray D

The dual channel is working with 2 X 1GB and it will also work with 4 X 1GB.

Again all sticks must be identical.

Here is a Google which covers the RAM limit in a few articles:

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...+bit+ram+limit

As noted in a few posts some systems report up to 3.5GB being used by Windows 32 bit.

There are also those that say anything over 2GB is detrimental to performance. A lot of gamer bench markers limit themselves to 2GB for the best numbers.

Having a high end Graphics Card such as the 8800GTX with 756MB RAM is an important addition to overall memory performance as well.