Memory questions

[MrData]

1) I have a 32 bit computer system. If I put 2 GB of RAM into it, is there any point in having a swap file larger than 1 GB, since the maximum addressable memory is 3 GB? Or does the 3 GB limitation only apply to physical RAM, and not to virtual memory?

2) If I instead use 1 GB of physical RAM, how big should my swap file be? Would 2 GB be reasonable?

3) My motherboard supports dual channel memory transfer, and has three memory slots. Is it better to use two or three memory modules? If I use two modules the data transfer should go up from 64 bits to 128 bits. Does the same hold if I use three modules?

4) How long would you predict that the following system would be useful for surfing, recording and editing TV and film, and gaming (mostly strategy type games):

Athlon XP3200
400 MHz FSB, dual channel memory, CPU multiplier adjustable motherboard
1 GB RAM 400 MHz dual channel (2 x 512 MB)
280 GB total IDE hard drive 7200 rpm
64 MB 8x GF4 graphics card
1024x768 TFT monitor
CD-R/RW 52x
DVD +/- R/RW 8x single layer

 

[didi]

1.)U r rite, 3 GB limitation only apply to physical RAM, and not to virtual memory. This means that evey memory slots u can put 1GB of RAM each. ( 3 * 1GB = 3GB )

2.)If i'm not mistake, if u have 1 GB or 2 GB of physical RAM, u should decrease your swap file bcosz RAM is always faster than your hardisk.

3.)I think is better for u to use two modules which run dual channel.
Dual channel 2x512MB faster than 3x512MB.

4.)Your system is not bad, for surfing n recording there is no problem at all, just that for editing n gaming, u might get a better graphic card.