RAM & Windows 7

[Gordon]

I am looking forward to buy a netbook with windows 7 ; I´ve
seen lots of configurations for Notebooks and Desktops , going from
2GB to 8 GB RAM
Of course more RAM is ok ; The thing is I want an
acceptable computer , and the most I´ve seen announced is 2 GB RAM
I know it will probably run Windows 7 ; but is 2 GB an
acceptable number ? Supposing a buy a computer with a Core 2 Duo
processor and having in mind that I don´t care for games or graphics
at all is the above configuration OK ?
Thanks a lot

Using Windows 7 on the same configuration - everything seems to work OK.
Just to inform you in simple terms: - 32 bit version of Windows cannot
utilise over 4GB of RAM in any case - 64 bit can use much more.

 

[Leroy]

Yes, 2GB of RAM will be more than adequate to run Windows 7.

 

[Gordon]

That's an oversimplification.
Computers with an integrated graphics device that share main memory need
more.

And that's also an over-simplification. Depends what the machine is
generally used for...

 

[Electro Lytes]

And that's also an over-simplification. Depends what the machine is
generally used for...

Err - We all know what YOUR computer is used for. Being the Vista forum NET
COP. Err. <sigh> Umm.

 

[cbcb52]

I am looking forward to buy a netbook with windows 7 ; I´ve
seen lots of configurations for Notebooks and Desktops , going from
2GB to 8 GB RAM
Of course more RAM is ok ; The thing is I want an
acceptable computer , and the most I´ve seen announced is 2 GB RAM
I know it will probably run Windows 7 ; but is 2 GB an
acceptable number ? Supposing a buy a computer with a Core 2 Duo
processor and having in mind that I don´t care for games or graphics
at all is the above configuration OK ?
Thanks a lot

 

[ray]

I am looking forward to buy a netbook with windows 7 ; I´ve seen lots of
configurations for Notebooks and Desktops , going from 2GB to 8 GB RAM
Of course more RAM is ok ; The thing is I want an
acceptable computer , and the most I´ve seen announced is 2 GB RAM
I know it will probably run Windows 7 ; but is 2 GB an
acceptable number ? Supposing a buy a computer with a Core 2 Duo
processor and having in mind that I don´t care for games or graphics at
all is the above configuration OK ?
Thanks a lot

IMHO - when you get to 2gb and Core 2 Duo - you're not talking about a
netbook any more.

 

[smlunatick]

That's an oversimplification.
Computers with an integrated graphics device that share main memory need
more.

Here is another oversimplification.

Windows 7 32 bit: 2 to 3 GB RAM

Windows 7 64 bit: starting at 4GB

 

[Gordon]

IMHO - when you get to 2gb and Core 2 Duo - you're not talking about a
netbook any more.

Dunno - although my Netbook isn't dual core it HAS got 2GB RAM....

 

[Saga]

If the OP does not care for graphics and games, perhaps he can
configure the BIOS so that the graphics subsystem uses the
minimum amount of RAM and Windows gets as much as possible,
optimizing whatever resources the PC has. More than 2GB is
needed if the PC has integrated graphics that uses shared RAM
and the user wants Windows to have at least 2GB. Saga

 

[totfit]

That's an oversimplification.
Computers with an integrated graphics device that share main memory need
more.

And most these days will have more or will have a seperate graphics
card. Even without 2GB or Ram would run Win 7 in a way that it will
perform well. The requirements state 1GB and unlike past Windows
cloudy system requirements this is a valid statement of what will
perform well, not boot and eventually get you to a desktop that will
run one app at a time, some of the time.

 

[cbcb52]

Really ? I completely disagree. There are many reasons for using a
netbook , aside for Internet surfing .

 

[cbcb52]

Thanks for you posting - very helpfull .

 

[Tim Slattery]

A) 2GB if you're a home/basic user.

B) 4GB for people like me @home (home-based Engineering consulting -
ECAD/EDA, MCAD (2D/3D, reseaarch/wordprocessing doesn't count), when I need
to focus alone, extra work.

C) 8-16GB for people like me @work, for all the above but primary work, not
some little design reworks @home.

Keep in mind that you're talking about the 64-bit version for this
much RAM. The 32-bit version simply can't do it.

I recommend 64-bit version of Windows if you're shooting for 4GB.
You can manage 4GB+ even in 32-bit Windows but that would be a Server
edition which you probably have no clue about (I don't mean to offend, just
sttaing a fact - few people run Servers at home).

Windows 7 is a client system, it doesn't come in a server version.
You're right, Microsoft's 32-bit server OSs implement PAE, Intel's
kludge that allows 32-bit systems to use more than 4GB of RAM. IMHO,
with 64-bit systems now becoming mainstream, I wouldn't mess with PAE.

You can even use most of 4GB in 32-bit regular Windows7, you will lose about
700MB which is so tiny and costs a few dollars, that it's not worth
regretting.

The amount you lose will vary depending on how much address space is
needed for video RAM, BIOS, etc. See
http://members.cox.net/slatteryt/RAM.html. The discussion applies to
32-bit Win7 as well as XP and Vista.

One final fact:
If you're looking at 64-bit Windows7, be sre your hardware is also 64bit,
else it's a waste of money that will throttle down to 32-bit mode.

AFAIK, the 64-bit OS won't even load on 32-bit hardware.

 

[Electro Lytes]

Perhaps this duscussion is a waste of breath.

You got that right!

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Just FYI.

 

[Saga]

I did not see my entry as arguing, rather just chiming in.

The 4GB is great for full fledged notebooks, but the OP, in his
initial post, mentions a netbook, not notebook and as far as I have
seen, most netbooks support a max of 2GB, so my remark was
assuming the worst case scenario of a netbook limit of 2GB.

Of course, later on in that post the OP does contemplate the idea
of getting a dual core "computer", so that can include other types
of computers besides a netbook. In that case, 4GB is the way to
go, even if some of it will be wasted if using a 32 bit OS Saga

PS: Thanks for the brand recommendations. Both make quality
products

 

[Electro Lytes]

A) 2GB if you're a home/basic user.

B) 4GB for people like me @home (home-based Engineering consulting -
ECAD/EDA, MCAD (2D/3D, reseaarch/wordprocessing doesn't count), when I
need to focus alone, extra work.

Hey ****WIT - You are suppose to leave a "snippit" of the post you are
replying to so others can follow your response. You are just to stupid to
realize that. What a RETARD.

 

[Electro Lytes]

Perhaps this duscussion is a waste of breath.

First of all it's "discussion" not dUscussion you idiot. You really should
learn how to spell. You are correct that your discussions are a waste of
breath.

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Just FYI

 

[ray]

Really ? I completely disagree. There are many reasons for using a
netbook , aside for Internet surfing .

Aye - and we do that. With 1gb RAM and an Atom processor. You start
adding much more and you no longer have a netbook - you have a laptop.

 

[cbcb52]

Whitch is just what I want - A Netbook , that is as good as a
laptop .
I know it sounds crazy , but it it´s related to weight , and the
way I sit to work . And , the Laptop Stays . The netbook is just an
extra option .