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I read that article as well, and have to say, it's one of the more disappointing articles I have read at Tom's Hardware.  I kept waiting for some benchmarks to illustrate performance differences, and they just never came.

The relevant portion of the article:

Originally posted by Daniel Shuhmann of Tom's Hardware We can also see that the 64-bit versions take up quite a bit more memory as well. Again, the explanation is very simple: all of the variables are no longer only 32 bits long, but 64 bits instead. Typically, this makes applications between 20% and 40% larger, which consequently results in a higher memory footprint as well. File formats such as music files or videos are not affected by this. The upshot is that it doesn't make sense to install a 64-bit version of Vista in order to better utilize 4 GB of memory simply because the 32 bit version would only recognize 3.5 GB. The problem is that while it is true that you would "gain" the missing memory, you would also immediately lose it to the system due to the 64-bit version's larger memory footprint. Thus, using a 64-bit version really only makes sense with larger memory sizes.

I won't try to convince you not to install more RAM, but I question how an average of a 60% increase to the effective RAM installed does not keep pace with a 20-40% increase in RAM footprint. Especially considering the author goes on to say that most applications that would be run today are of the 32-bit variety, and as such, would not require a larger RAM footprint. We are left to 'take the author's word for it' when it comes to his disparaging remarks about systems with "only" 4GB of system RAM.

 I also take issue with the remark about 32-bit systems recognizing 3.5GB of system RAM. Perhaps this is true of systems without discrete  GPU's and other hardware common on gaming rigs, but for most builds I see on this forum, the 32-bit OS is only going to be able to address 2.5GB on average. This goes back to what I was saying about a 60% increase of the system's effective memory.  Later in that same article, a test system spec is shown and then absolutely nothing is done with it. I was left wondering where the rest of that article went.

If you do happen to see a better explanation, or even a more complete article elsewhere, I would be keen to read it. I was certainly interested in the subject matter, as I have been considering installing a 64 bit version of Vista and going with a 2x2GB kit.


As far as special requests, DSO will do just about anything you want to pay for with a build. The best way to get these requests filled, is to contact DSO directly by phone.


Edited by Tyler Lowe - 18 Feb 2008 at 11:34pm