Can I use Windows 64-bit?

[olemetry]

Currently i have XP and two GB ram. Is it true that there is a 2GB limit on Ram for XP? Can I install Windows 7 64-bit and get more ram and better performance. I was thinking about upgrading my system but maybe I just need newer Windows to get good performance. here is my specs. Is there anyone thing that is bottlenecking me? processor? video card? i can run a-10c good but only at low settings. thanks yall

 

 

also if i can use windows 7 64 bit, which version should i get? and how much ram would be good 8GB? can anyone recommend some ram that would be compatible with my stuff.

 

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System Information

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Time of this report: 3/9/2011, 09:49:52

Machine name: BERNARD

Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.101209-1647)

Language: English (Regional Setting: English)

System Manufacturer: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO.,LTD

System Model: MS-7380

BIOS: Default System BIOS

Processor: Intel® Core2 Duo CPU E8400 @ 3.00GHz (2 CPUs)

Memory: 2048MB RAM

Page File: 371MB used, 3571MB available

Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS

DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)

DX Setup Parameters: Not found

DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

 

 

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Display Devices

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Card name: ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series

Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.

Chip type: ATI Radeon Graphics Processor (0x9442)

DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)

Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_9442&SUBSYS_05021002&REV_00

Display Memory: 512.0 MB

Current Mode: 1920 x 1200 (16 bit) (59Hz)

Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor

Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200

Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll

Driver Version: 6.14.0010.7131 (English)

DDI Version: 9 (or higher)

Driver Attributes: Final Retail

Driver Date/Size: 9/10/2010 19:42:48, 300544 bytes

WHQL Logo'd: Yes

WHQL Date Stamp: n/a

VDD: n/a

Mini VDD: ati2mtag.sys

Mini VDD Date: 9/10/2010 20:19:16, 5417472 bytes

Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-D702-11CF-6968-0825A1C2CB35}

Edited March 9, 2011 by olemetry

[Bodo]

First off, yes there is a limit of how much memory a 32 bit operating system can address. You'll possibly see around 3.2 or 3.5 GB of RAM at the most with 4 or more gigabytes of RAM installed.

 

Upgrading to 64 bit windows will demand 4GB in my experience and it will be able to use it all. I've just gone from 4GB to 8GB through a cheap upgrade finding stuff on ebay and selling my original 4GB. I make a bit of music so it helps with sample libraries etc. It does seem to make a difference to how Windows is running now, though. 4GB is fine for most.

 

I don't know much about your GPU but I'd be willing to bet that you'd benefit from a better CPU. DCS is mostly a CPU based game and so I think a Quad core would make a big difference. My Q9550 has a large amount of cache at 12MB, runs at 2.83 GHz at stock and I've pushed it with no problems to 3.4GHz.

 

You haven't detailed your memory spec but I'd recommend you upgrade to a 64 bit platform using windows 7 and then maybe try and stick at least 4GB on there. After that it might be time to look at what CPUs your motherboard supports and see if you can upgrade to a compatible Quad Core for a little money spent, then sell your E8400 to make some money back.

 

As for which version of Win7, just get Home Premium. it's the cheapest and you might be able to pick a copy up online for cheaper than a new version. I just did this for my parents and saved them around 20 GBP. All works fine, activated no problems.

As for RAM recommendations, as I've just said in a different post I mostly trust Corsair and have had no problems. OCZ/Kingston/Crucial are all good as far as I know. You just want to make sure that to eliminate possible bottlenecks with regards to the speed of your RAM compared to the CPU that you run in Dual Channel mode. Dual Channel mode requires your RAM to be matching in speed/latency/size so that you can achieve maximum stability/efficiency. Performance gains are varied with a setup like this but often give enough of a boost so that the CPU isn't waiting for information to process.

 

Tired this morning, hope I've helped some.

Edited March 10, 2011 by Bodo

[olemetry]

Thanks for this info man. Im try to order some stuff today. Question:

1. Can I just get an OEM version of Win7 and use that? Its cheaper.

[Bodo]

yes, but read this.

[olemetry]

thanks. i really learn a lot from yall. it looks like the OEM will only go on 1 motherboard. however, it looks like i buy 2 or 3 oem versions for the price of 1 regular version. i think ill go with oem.

[Bodo]

Yes, as long as you only change the motherboard after a fault and it's a similar mobo, you should be fine. My question is, I wonder how they'd know....