Is Vista using all physical memory available?

[Tech-man]

Hi Tech buddies!

I recently upgraded physical memory on Vista 32 bit home basic machine. I was wondering if it is using all memory available which is 4 GB. And why is it showing in Task manager that Total Physical memory is 3031. I want to be able to use all 4.

Thanks!
Happy new Year!

 

[Lexluethar]

Do you have a 512 mb graphics card?

A 32 bit operating system will only recognize a total of 3.5 GB of RAM. So your system will only use that much memory, which includes any memory that your graphic card uses.

Looks like you have 1.5 GB free, the reason you can't use that other 1.0 GB is because of what i stated above. Found here:
http://www.techist.com/forums/f9/difference-between-32-bit-x86-64-bit-x64-171390/#post1349279

 

[Tech-man]

How do I how much memory is graphic card using?

So windows is using all 3 GB out of total 4, and other 512 is probably used by graphic card. I'd need to switch 64 bit version to use all 4.
One more thing, is it possible to install another operating system in same partition? (not making different partition for other OS, and not upgrading from current OS)

Thanks!

 

[KSoD]

It wont matter. 32 Bit can not use 4GB. You can use PAE but the fact is doing so to get you the other 512MB will cost you in speed. You would be better off getting a 64 Bit version of Vista or Win7 and run that instead. No matter what the GFX card is using you can not get 4GB on 32 Bit without PAE and the effects of running PAE would negate the extra RAM you get.

Windows Vista Alternate Media

Order teh 64 Bit version replacement DVD and use your current serial. Saves more hassle.

 

[Ste]

Download GPU Z

 

[Tech-man]

How do I know if CPU is compatible for 64 bit version?

 

[Lexluethar]

Per intel that chipset is a 64 bit instruction set. So yes it would support 64 bit.

 

[KSoD]

Intel® Pentium® Processor for Mobile T3400 - SLB3P

It is 64 Bit compatible. To see how much your Video Card is using of your RAM. Check your BIOS. Can also check CPUz or GPUz.

 

[Tech-man]

Thank you all for the help and happy new year

 

[Tech-man]

is it possible to install another operating system in same partition? (not making different partition for other OS, and not upgrading from current OS)

I figured windows 7 will let me install 64 bit version on the same partition where vista 32 bit is installed.
Just want to know before actually installing, would this (two different OS with different bit versions) ever clash each other? Is it safe? I want to do this because I got already 3 partition with vista, and dont want to make another one. ( the other two are back up from manufacture).

Thanks!!