RAM question...
 

I'm currently building a PC and will likely be using a 32-bit OS for a bit. Thing is, I plan to put 8GB of RAM into it. I know that 32-bit can only address about 4GB without hacks, so will there be any problems? IE: Will dual channel still work? Or should I just stick to 4GB (2 sticks) at first?

4 GB is already overkill, IMO, but then again I use XP. I didn't notice a huge improvement when I went from 2 GB to 4 GB.

8 GB is just completely unneccessary.

But to answer your question, there shouldn't be a problem if you use over the maximum. The OS (which I'm assuming is Vista), will only read 4 GB when you install it.

4gb is fine for xp and vista 32 bit, but you'll only be able to see 3.5gb

There's nothing wrong with 8GB. I'm running 6, and still wish I had more. Is there a reason you'll only be running a 32-bit? Honestly, you should just go all the way and go to a 64-bit OS. They run faster all around, and not just because you're going with more RAM.

The way it works, is that a 32-bit caps your system at a certain amount of memory.. memory, as in everything that uses memory. Not just your RAM, but your graphics card memory as well. So you will get bottlenecked, because even with 4GB of RAM, your GPU is going to need some of that allocated available memory.

If there's not a certain reason you're not upgrading to a 64-bit, then just do it. Honestly, Vista Ultimate x64 is one of the best decisions I've made regarding my PC, and with 8GB of RAM you'll do damn great. (granted I don't know what the rest of the specs are, but 8GB of memory is just damn nice)

Go for the 8.

Yeah.. to VC: 8GB isn't overkill if you're really into your hardware. RAM is cheap now, too. I $25 for my 4GB of DDR2. Seriously one of the most overlooked upgrades, but one of the most important, and it's cheap as hell now.

I plan on installing 64-bit as well, but I'm going to be dual booting a 32-bit system for a while, mainly for testing.

Thanks for the info. :y:

For the record, this is the system (Links only, too lazy to do product descriptions)

RAM (2 sets) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134641
HDD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136218
Case - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119152
Graphics - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130339
CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036
Mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128358
PSU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817189005

When it's all said and done it's setting me back about $1000 after shipping and tax.

While we're at it, any comments/suggestions are welcome.

Don't get me wrong, I'm very into my hardware, but in my experience (i.e. how I use my computer), I haven't run into a RAM issue at any point, including using 4GB right now. Then again I'm not using Vista, but I'm sure if I did I would be running a 64-bit with 8GB of RAM :o

You could probably find better RAM, but the rest of that system is top notch Xero. Honestly, and this is just a personal preference, but I wouldn't even buy the RAM if they didn't come with heat spreaders.