4GB Memory Limitation in 32bit XP and Vista?

Question

Before I continue, here are my system specs.
(They are relevant to my question):
AMD Athlon 64 4000+ CPU, 4GB Dual Channel DDR 400RAM (4 sticks of 1GB), 3 x 250GB SATA Hard Drives, 512MB PCI Express PNY nVidia GeForce 7600 Graphics Card.

Understanding the 4GB memory limitation in 32bit operating systems and that even with 4GB installed - Windows will only report 3.5GB with remapping enabled in the BIOS due to the PCIE card as well as other hardware components, I am wondering which configuration will improve performance:
2x1GB sticks and 2x512MB sticks to keep the Dual Channel but reduce the memory to 3GB
or:
4x1GB sticks as I have now.
We all know that neither Windows 32bit nor any applications use over 2GB in one process - hence my thoughts on lowering the memory to 3GB (2 for processes and 1 for hardware.
Does anyone have the answer? I would use the 64bit Vista but cannot because of the lack of drivers and software.

Answer 1

Well if you have 4x1GB right now, I see absolutely no point in getting rid of 2 or the 1GB sticks and replacing with 2 512 sticks. To be honest, anything over 2 GB is a little bit overkill right now, unless you are running 64 bit programs, so honestly either of those two configurations you listed will in practice function about the same, so there is no need to spend time and money changing the setup.

As for Vista 64, I am running it as we speak, and much as I suspected, all the rumors about its compatibility are just that, rumors. I have not had a single issue with drivers, and I have only had trouble with a few very small and obscure programs, any program released by a medium to large company will work fine on Vista 64.

Answer 2

i don't be conscious of. i think of twin vs single channel is a few thing executed on the hardware point and not the OS yet i'd desire to very actual be incorrect. i don't be conscious of if 32 bit abode windows will handle the memory in sequence from one carry on with the subsequent in case you have 4GB put in or if it is going to do twin channel yet in simple terms no longer use any above 3.5GB. there's a thank you to attempt without paying for for 2x512 nonetheless. Run a memory benchmark like SiSoft Sandra or the only in Everest abode, then eliminate 2 sticks to flow to twin channel 2GB and run the benchmark lower back.

Answer 3

I have a board that if 4gigs is used I also lose my dual channel.If you think of it like a video card then you would clearly want better bus speed.More memory can only move as fast as it told to.I stuck with dual channel.

Answer 4

as long as they are all the same speed it doesnt matter.