anybody good with computer hardware here?

len56 · 08-24-2010, 02:35 PM

I just upgraded the 2GB of RAM in my laptop to 4GB, I have windows vista SP2. It shows only 3.5 GB is available, but after reading a couple of articles on why it does that I'm fine with it.

The real problem is now it's using more RAM to do the same stuff. I'm just browsing the internet, have a few tabs open, and iTunes, and it's using 2.3GB (according to task manager). I used to be able to do this same stuff before when I had only 2GB of ram installed. Any clue as to why it uses more RAM now?

thanks!

gill_ · 08-24-2010, 02:37 PM

the problem is, you have vista

OC Guy · 08-24-2010, 02:39 PM

Try closing your browser, waiting a few seconds for the cache to clear, and then reopening it.

Are you reporting less memory being used now? Most likely it's your browser causing it when you are opening tabs and closing them. Just a guess.

CollinsE90 · 08-24-2010, 02:40 PM

that means you must upgrade to 16 gigs of RAM

gill_ · 08-24-2010, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CollinsE90

that means you must upgrade to 16 gigs of RAM

i agree

EdHermosa · 08-24-2010, 03:06 PM

You didn't specify whether you are running 32 bit or 64 bit Vista. 32 bit will only recognize up to 3.5gb of RAM. If you want to use more than 4gb of RAM, you need to move to a 64 bit operating system. I run Windows 7 64bit on an ASUS laptop with 8gb RAM and it smokes Vista.

bolinp78 · 08-24-2010, 03:07 PM

OC Guy · 08-24-2010, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdHermosa

You didn't specify whether you are running 32 bit or 64 bit Vista. 32 bit will only recognize up to 3.5gb of RAM. If you want to use more than 4gb of RAM, you need to move to a 64 bit operating system. I run Windows 7 64bit on an ASUS laptop with 8gb RAM and it smokes Vista.

It's only reporting 3.5gb because he has 32 bit, why would he need to state it?

Feyd · 08-24-2010, 03:08 PM

LOL @ windows.

I do have to run it for Solidworks, but I'm waaaaay back on 64bit XP. Seems to be the most stable (for my stuff anyway). I've been asked numerous times if I want to upgrade, but with windows, if it isn't broken... don't attempt to fix it.

Unfortunatly they're never going port Solidworks over to OSX..

len56 · 08-24-2010, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OC 335i

Try closing your browser, waiting a few seconds for the cache to clear, and then reopening it.

Are you reporting less memory being used now? Most likely it's your browser causing it when you are opening tabs and closing them. Just a guess.

yup, it worked, thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by CollinsE90

that means you must upgrade to 16 gigs of RAM

MadDog · 08-24-2010, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by len56

I just upgraded the 2GB of RAM in my laptop to 4GB, I have windows vista SP2. It shows only 3.5 GB is available, but after reading a couple of articles on why it does that I'm fine with it.

The real problem is now it's using more RAM to do the same stuff. I'm just browsing the internet, have a few tabs open, and iTunes, and it's using 2.3GB (according to task manager). I used to be able to do this same stuff before when I had only 2GB of ram installed. Any clue as to why it uses more RAM now?

thanks!

Vista uses as much memory as you have available. Upgrade to Windows 7. It's much, much better.

len56 · 08-24-2010, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feyd

LOL @ windows.

I do have to run it for Solidworks, but I'm waaaaay back on 64bit XP. Seems to be the most stable (for my stuff anyway). I've been asked numerous times if I want to upgrade, but with windows, if it isn't broken... don't attempt to fix it.

Unfortunatly they're never going port Solidworks over to OSX..

they say it's intuitive and easy to use but i couldn't even find out how to use the wifi in my friends macbook with all this airport nonsense. :P

durrrrrrr

gill_ · 08-24-2010, 03:13 PM

win7 x64 is where its AT

EdHermosa · 08-24-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OC 335i

It's only reporting 3.5gb because he has 32 bit, why would he need to state it?

Because there have been memory reporting errors with 64 bit Vista as well.

Kensta335 · 08-24-2010, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gill_

win7 x64 is where its AT

Upgraded about a month ago. Way faster.

OC Guy · 08-24-2010, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdHermosa

Because there have been memory reporting errors with 64 bit Vista as well.

IIRC that was fixed in SP1.

Feyd · 08-24-2010, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by len56

they say it's intuitive and easy to use but i couldn't even find out how to use the wifi in my friends macbook with all this airport nonsense. :P

durrrrrrr

HAHA,

I try to explain this to my parents all the time. The problem is you have to "forget" how you have previously used a computer your entire life to understand the Mac interface.

You have to approach it logically like someone who has never used a computer before and then all of a sudden *poof*, everything is exactly where it should be/functions how it should.

ABQ325i · 08-24-2010, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feyd

You have to approach it logically like someone who has never used a computer before and then all of a sudden *poof*, everything is exactly where it should be/functions how it should.

So, so true. And the world is a better place for it. Well mine is anyway.

rgpwr · 08-24-2010, 07:24 PM

-Vista SP1 is as fast as Win7...but Win7 is a far better OS.
-Superfetch is using the extra RAM you installed...it's caching programs to make loading faster. If you do something intensive(games,photoshop,etc) Vista/7 will release the RAM for the application.
-Like said above, you'll need a 64bit OS to see 4+GB

08-24-2010, 02:35 PM	#1
len56 Private 373 Rep 85 Posts Drives: like a gentleman Join Date: May 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	anybody good with computer hardware here? I just upgraded the 2GB of RAM in my laptop to 4GB, I have windows vista SP2. It shows only 3.5 GB is available, but after reading a couple of articles on why it does that I'm fine with it. The real problem is now it's using more RAM to do the same stuff. I'm just browsing the internet, have a few tabs open, and iTunes, and it's using 2.3GB (according to task manager). I used to be able to do this same stuff before when I had only 2GB of ram installed. Any clue as to why it uses more RAM now? thanks! __________________ i love german cars
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08-24-2010, 02:37 PM	#2
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08-24-2010, 02:39 PM	#3
OC Guy General 559 Rep 18,123 Posts Drives: AW 335D E90 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Irvine/Aliso Viejo, CA iTrader: (9) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Try closing your browser, waiting a few seconds for the cache to clear, and then reopening it. Are you reporting less memory being used now? Most likely it's your browser causing it when you are opening tabs and closing them. Just a guess. __________________ Current: 2010 Alpine White 335D LCI l 19" BBS LMs l KW V2 Coilovers l BMW Performance Grilles l MSport Front/Rear l Karbonwerke Trunk l F1 Pinnacle Tint 35% Former: E92 Space Grey 335i Latest pics
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CollinsE90 Where my bitches 795 Rep 1,924 Posts Drives: Cadillac coupe deville Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: street corner checking profits iTrader: (0)	that means you must upgrade to 16 gigs of RAM __________________
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EdHermosa Enlisted Member 15 Rep 47 Posts Drives: 2020 F82 M4, Imola Red Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hermosa Beach, California iTrader: (0)	You didn't specify whether you are running 32 bit or 64 bit Vista. 32 bit will only recognize up to 3.5gb of RAM. If you want to use more than 4gb of RAM, you need to move to a 64 bit operating system. I run Windows 7 64bit on an ASUS laptop with 8gb RAM and it smokes Vista. __________________ 2020 F82 M4 Heritage Edition \| Imola Red II \| DCT \| M Competition Package \| M Performance Package \| Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps \| M Performance Side Sill Decals \| 763M Wheel & Tire Set \| 265/35ZR 19 Front; 285/30ZR20 Rear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2
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bolinp78 G35 convertee 69 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: 2008 335i (AW) Join Date: May 2008 Location: . iTrader: (1)	__________________
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08-24-2010, 03:08 PM	#9
Feyd Major 366 Rep 1,288 Posts Drives: a DEEZZULL Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (2)	LOL @ windows. I do have to run it for Solidworks, but I'm waaaaay back on 64bit XP. Seems to be the most stable (for my stuff anyway). I've been asked numerous times if I want to upgrade, but with windows, if it isn't broken... don't attempt to fix it. Unfortunatly they're never going port Solidworks over to OSX..
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gill_ Banned 17 Rep 128 Posts Drives: AW e92 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	win7 x64 is where its AT
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08-24-2010, 07:24 PM	#19
rgpwr Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 294 Posts Drives: 08.M6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ft. Lauderdale iTrader: (0)	-Vista SP1 is as fast as Win7...but Win7 is a far better OS. -Superfetch is using the extra RAM you installed...it's caching programs to make loading faster. If you do something intensive(games,photoshop,etc) Vista/7 will release the RAM for the application. -Like said above, you'll need a 64bit OS to see 4+GB __________________ [ 09.e92.335i.a52 / procede.v5 / ets.fmic / afe.intake / eibach.pro / avantgarde.m310 / dimisa.4 / cityvision.ae ]
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