new gaming rig

[CJM]

Yes, but in shopping for memory recently, I discovered (and I was shocked
to learn this) that some of the major players (like crucial, kingston)
aren't producing *512MB* sticks.

This is true. Hence my recommendation is to use x64. If you insist on
sticking with 32-bit, install 2 x 2GB. RAM is ridiculously cheap these days.
Install 4Gb, and you will get to use 3-4GB. It won't affect dual channel or
even your command rate.

Not at DDR2 1066 anyway. So how do you install exactly 3GB? That would
be 3 X 1GB... and unless you have a motherboard that runs RAM in triple
channel, then three sticks of RAM will be run in SINGLE channel
ode. -Dave

See above.

 

[John Weiss]

Ummmmm.... you can't go above 3GB unless you have a 64-bit OS, which
would be kind of stupid for gaming. At least, I doubt if many games have
been released in 64-bit versions yet. Have they? So 2GB is the proper
amount. Any more would run in single channel mode, or just not be
recognized. -Dave

But since 1.5 GB sticks are not readily available, 2 x 2 GB sticks will
allow the OS to use all available RAM (nominally 3.5 GB).

 

[CJM]

Only ever had one problem(?). I 'borrowed' a printer from work years ago
so I could work from home - an old HP PSC750 all in one job. There are no
64bit drivers you can download from HP but there is a driver for it built
into Vista. This means I can use the printer/scanner etc but I don't have
the usual HP toolbox and software etc that you normally get as part of the
driver package. TBH not having some HP bloatware on my PC is something I
can live with.

HP were one of several (predominantly printer-) companies who decided not to
produce drivers for devices beyond a year or two old; presumeably in the
hope of selling more new stock. Thankfully Vista came with many WDDM drivers
for such devices - but like you say, you miss out on some of the nice bells
& whistles.

Still, at least your 'borrowed' printer still works!