CUDA + Windows XP 32-bit + memory?

[dtc]

Say I'm using Windows XP 32-bit.
Say my system has 4GB.
Say I've a graphic card with 1GB.

I run MATLAB + Jacket + CUDA... how much TOTAL memory that my system can see?

[Aaron]

The maximum TOTAL memory that a 32bit system can use is 4Gb.. However, the maximum system memory (RAM) that the system will be able to use is basically worked out like this:

"System RAM" - "Any other memory" = "Total Useable System RAM"

So in your case, it would be

4Gb - 1Gb = 3Gb


Just to illustrate the point...

If you had a 1Gb Video card a 256mb Sound card (for example :lol:), then the formula would be:

"System RAM" - "Any other memory" = "Total Useable System RAM"

4Gb - 1Gb - 0.25Gb = 2.75Gb

[Lynx]

Wait, i thought it could only see 4gb, only use 3.5gb.

[Iaink]

what happens if you have say... 2 X 5850 2gb on a 32-bt system, would it just not work?

[Meaker]

what happens if you have say... 2 X 5850 2gb on a 32-bt system, would it just not work?

Well if you ran them in crossfire then they only use 2GB since they are just copied.

As for otherwise the card would likely not be able to use their full amount.

[Aaron]

Wait, i thought it could only see 4gb, only use 3.5gb.
If you have a 512mb graphics card, then yes..

A 32bit Windows OS can address 4Gb of memory throughout the entire system.. So in theory, a 32bit system with no graphics card could use all 4Gb - not that it would be much use, but you get my point.. :lol:

If you then added a 256Mb graphics card to that system, it would use the first 256mb worth of addresses on the graphics card, and then it would be able to address the remaining 3.75Gb of system ram with the remainder... :)

[marsey99]

what happens if you have say... 2 X 5850 2gb on a 32-bt system, would it just not work?

its already been said about the vram (2*2gb=2gb) but if it was xp on dx9 you would get awful performance as dx9 also mirrors vram in system ram :|

tbh im not sure how that would work out, i guess the os would stop the gpu driver using the full 2gb but idk.

[Aaron]

Bottom line - use the formula above. If the answer comes to less than 2Gb, get a 64bit os.. :lol:

[RDRUNR]

3GB of ram is good for today's computers still, more is better upto about 6GB, over 6GB you really need a professional use for the computer (like video, photo or crunching).

I'd go with a 64bit system now if you can. I bet Windows "8" will be 64-bit only and Windows "9" would be a choice of 64 or 128...

[dtc]

Let's refer to X58 m/board with tripple-channel memory feature.
Each channel has two memory slots.

Channel-1: DDR3-1A, DDR3-1B
Channel-2: DDR3-2A, DDR3-2B
Channel-3: DDR3-3A, DDR3-3B

Can I set the memory configuration as follows to enable tripple-channel of 12GB?
DDR3-1A and DDR3-1B: each with 2GB from OCZ
DDR3-2A and DDR3-2B: each with 2GB from Kingston
DDR3-3A and DDR3-3B: each with 2GB from Corsair

I wonder how to enable tripple-channel with memories from different companies.

Thanks.

[Aaron]

Its possible - I have a dual channel machine with 3 types of memory in it and it works fine. I've also had a dual channel machine with 2 types of memory in it (some of the same sticks as in the first machine actually!!) and it hasnt worked.. Its luck of the draw normally if you mix brands. I've had more success than not, but its the risk you take :)

[RDRUNR]

Mixing memory brands can be a recipe for a headache in my experience. Unless you have a few extra RAM's laying around to swap out, just get the same stuff and pop it in.

Thus, when you first buy ram, buy more than you need and avoid the headache.

[GentleGiant]

While talking RAM, does anyone know what the warranty period for Transcend is? I have a 1gig stick that has started throwing errors, trouble is , I cannot remember who I bought it from, Aria, PC Fair, or another online store.