4 GB ram w/vista home premium (32bit)?

Hi, is it unnecessary to buy the 1530 with 4 GB ram as VISTA home premium just "see" 3,3gb?!

If I buy 3 GB ram instead what will happen with dual channel?

 

still uses 3.25gb but still dual channel. you can request 64bit from ms.

 

Will it use dual channel with 3GB ram as well? (question is, 2gb ram better then 3gb ram in dual channel or is 3gb ram better? )

 

yes.
dual channel has nothing to do with ram size, only ram bank allocation.
if you're putting ram in both banks, which you are, it'll run in dual channel mode.

 

Oh, didn't know that, thanks !

 

According to reports that I have read the Vista SP1 will allow all of the Vista computers to recognize all 4 gb even in the 32bit version. However, I don't know if it will have usability constraints.

RAM is cheaper if you purchase it yourself.

 

While it may report 4gbs, it still won't be able to use more than 3.3gbs or so no matter what SP you have.

 

SP1 does display 4 gigs of ram. I'm running it now. However, it's merely a display. It does not actually address 4 gig of ram in 32bit mode.

 

just install X64 bit so you use all of the 4GBs i dont see the point in geting 4GBs and not installing X64 OS , your just wasting 0.7GBs

 

Mine see's 3.581GB of my 4GB.

SP1 does indeed allow Vista to see it and display "4GB RAM" in System Properties but doesn't enable it's use. Just knows that it's there

 

How do you go about in doing this? Is there a fee?

 

If you purchased or have a license to (CD-Key) for windows vista in any 32 bit flavor, you can request the DVDs for the 64 bit version from MS. Your CD-Key will work regardless of 32bit or 64 bit install.
I think it cost my 12.95 to get my DVD for 64 bit ultimate.

 

I thinkit depends which version and type you own.

OEM isn't eligable for 64 bit upgrades generally

cheers

 

It's all CD-Key dependent. I do believe that any CD Key will work for it's 64bit partner. I haven't upgraded my laptop to 64 bit because I haven't really had a need to do so and that's the only OEM copy i have. My desktop runs a copy I got from the powertogether.com deal MS did. I did an anytime update to ultimate on that copy and i've installed it as both 32 bit and 64 bit numerous times.

It SHOULDN'T matter, OEM or retail as it's the same version of the software. That said, I don't know for sure.

 

Many manufacturer specific OEM licenses (Dell, HP, etc) are not eligible for free 64-bit upgrades. In many cases you'll have to buy a new license (unless you purchased Ultimate).

To OP: See the Dual Channel RAM guide.

 

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx

 

Has anyone requested a 64-bit CD using this link? What was the shipping & handling fee within US?

 

How do you get the x64? Do you have to buy another OS?

 

Yes. This is how I got mine.
No idea on the shipping and handling outside the US.

 

Microsoft explanation on RAM recognition:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605

According to this information, there are circumstances even under 64 bit operating systems that all of your RAM will not be recognized.

 

32 bit Vista can use all the 4GB of memory with PAE. Basically it's like EMS memory from the 80's. It swaps the non-addressable memory in and out into and addressable space for use. I think the Vista SP1 patch will show memory available to Vista with PAE. It doesn't change anything, just keeps people from worrying about their memory not being used.