Need some help, maybe Jamie or Orphan might know this stuff best

[Dave]

I'm looking to get a new computer, parts I'm not worried about BUT the OS I am.
As you probably already know any Windows 32-bit system can only recognize up to 3.25GB's of ram but a 64-bit version recognizes way more.

If I went and got a 64-bit version of Windows (XP, or Windows 7 - Screw vista) would my programs work on the 64-bit system?? or are the programs only capable of running on 32?

like what's a good set up? Jamie can you help or Orphan or anybody??

I'm getting these items, don't mind the prices - they are in Canadian Dollars.
I'm just really worried about the OS. and the useage of the ram (I don't want it to go to waste lol - and before you ask this comp is for my stupid stuff so it'll be running A LOT of stuff and 32-bit systems limit me)
MotherBoard
CPU
DDR3 Ram

[Halibel]

32 bit programs still work on vista64, I assume its the same on others, would have to be since theres very few 64bit programs about.

[bennehtw]

Even though a 32bit system only shows up 3.5gb ram... It still uses the full power of the sticks. Just thought you'd want to know that. Im using 4GB RAM, on a 32bit windows xp system, and its still using the full power of my RAM.

[psyklone2k7]

yeh same situation as bennehtw with te RAM

My 32 bit vista is fine i always have steam, msn , itunes, few windows of IE and MIR running etc and i have no problems.

but do remember we are playing mir and not crysis before u spend stupid amounts

[Dave]

yeh same situation as bennehtw with te RAM

My 32 bit vista is fine i always have steam, msn , itunes, few windows of IE and MIR running etc and i have no problems.

but do remember we are playing mir and not crysis before u spend stupid amounts

I need the comp for my studio work still lol I'm just worried about the Ram usage.

Any more input on this please?

[ezzo]

ok as we talking windows here some information need to be addresses
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.

so we all think that there is 4GB memeory limit in all 32bit of windows operating system which is not right for example 32 bit versions of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise and DataCenter has 64 GB memory limit windows server 2008 Standard edition has 4 GB memory limit.
does that means you can't use more than 4 GM in windows server 2008 standard edition..... the truth is you can use more than 4 GB under the assumption that you have PAE (Physical Address Extension) enabled.
my advice is if you don't really need 64 bit OS get windows server 2008 standard and enable PAE or windows server 2008 enterprise run the 32 bit OS and you ready to go

for more information about the windows OS version that support PAE and how to enable it check this link it's so easy to do it
Physical Address Extension (Windows)

[Sable]

if u only gunna use 4gb ram stick to 32 bit. should b more than nuff to do studio work tbh

[lapta]

windows x64 ftw

[psyklone2k7]

4gb - 32bit
+4gb - 64bit

4gb is fine for what you want.

[ezzo]

4gb - 32bit
+4gb - 64bit

4gb is fine for what you want.

4GB =32 bil without PAE with PAE u can go more than 4 GB