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What happens when you install > 4GB of RAM in a computer with a 32-Bit OS?

I have 32 bit windows 7 operating System with 2GB RAM. One IDES Software has been installed in the system. But it runs very slowly. I have been told to increase the RAM to 6GB. But I have read that a 32bit operating system can use a maximum of 4GB RAM. I would like to know if this is true? If yes, how? What installing an extra 4 GB RAM improve the performance or do I have to change the OS to a 64 bit one?

Community
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Ashwin
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3 Answers3

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You are correct. Unless you use a 64bit OS, the 32bit OS will not see more than 4GB Physical Memory Limits: Windows 7

The following table specifies the limits on physical memory for Windows 7.

Version              Limit on X86   Limit on X64
Windows 7 Ultimate        4 GB              192 GB

Windows 7 Enterprise      4 GB              192 GB

Windows 7 Professional    4 GB              192 GB

Windows 7 Home Premium    4 GB              16 GB

Windows 7 Home Basic      4 GB              8 GB

Windows 7 Starter         2 GB              N/A

Source

However (and I appreciate this is probably not applicable to you, I include only for completeness), please note you can of course run 32-bit software on a 64-bit OS. The only way you'll get the full benefit is to run 64-bit software on a 64bit OS.

Dave
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Per the TechNet article Memory Limits for Windows Releases, 32-bit versions of Windows 7 can support a maximum of 4GB of RAM. In my experience, even when I put 4GB of RAM in a 32-bit Windows 7 system, it only recognizes a portion of the memory (~3.6GB)

bobmagoo
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It depends largely on the OS. Most 'consumer' versions of Windows will be limited to 4GB on their 32-bit versions however the server versions have full PAE support (allowing up to 64GB)

Most Linux distributions will also allow use of higher amounts of RAM via PAE.

PhonicUK
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