Vista 32-bit memory question

Hi there

I recently tried to upgraded my rig from 2GB RAM to 4GB in order to play games coming out this year but I guess 32-bit will only address 2813MB.

I've searched around, I read it's still possibl to show 3.25GB RAM with 4GB installed.

I currently have a Nvidia 768MB Graphics card, I was told only onboard graphics would use up memory.

I've tried to enable PAE mode but this didn't work, is there anything else I can do on 32 bit to play the latest games?

I had Vista home 32 bit premium pre installed when I bought the PC, If I did update to 64 bit (more money) would I have to re-install EVERYTHING, something I don't look forward to as it causes more issues than it fix.

Thank you

Hello Robert,

Double check in msconfig to make sure that you have the Maximum memory box unchecked.

In addition, check your BIOS settings to see if you may have any memory (RAM) set to be allocated to the onboard graphics chip. If so, zero it out or set it to none.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thank you for your response, maximum memory box is unchecked.

Now I can't make heads or tails out of BIOS.

Which option do i need to go into?

Shouldn't I have alteast 3GB RAM or does it depend on my motherboard? To be honest my brain lacks the ability to understand the explanation, all I get is memory is being allocated elsewhere but not for gaming....

Thanks again

It differs in what it may say exactly per motherboard, but that sounds like it may be the setting you found.

Could you write down what it says exactly and the options, then post back here with it? I may be able to tell better if it is the correct setting or not.

On the main BIOS screenI have these option

* Standard CMOS Featues
* Advanced BIOS Featues
* Advanced Chipset Features
* Intergrated Periphals
* Power Management Set up
* PNP/PCI Configuration
* System Monitor

That's going to be to basic.

Could you give the brand and model number of your motherboard, or the brand and model of your computer if it is a OEM store bought computer? I may be able to look up all the details from this to make it easier for us.

I know It's a Alienware Area 51 purchased in 2007.

EVGA Nforce 680i SLI MB REV D? Does that help?

Looking at the EVGA Nforce 680i SLI manual, it doesn't have a onboard graphics chip that would use any memory.

You might check to see if your motherboard's BIOS is the latest P33 version below. It includes some improved memory compatibility fixes that address this.

http://www.evga.com/support/drivers/

I tried running the update

I think the part is Alienware 6A61 1TT4 C-00

I got this message "The program file's part number does not match your system"
I tried the file from here EVGA 680i SLI - P33 BIOS Released

I wouldn't try again unless you were absolutely sure what the model number was. Doing so could kill your motherboard.

Is there a way to know for sure it would be the correct driver.

I've tried to identify my motherboard, this is what I've got from Everest

Motherboard ID 07/03/2007-alienware-6A61ITT4C-00
Award BIOS Type Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Award BIOS Message (691N2P29) NFORCE 680i SLI

Is that enough to go on?

Hi,
Hope you don't mind my intrusion?

It may be a good idea sometime robert7lee to download Speccy,then you would have your specs., then update on the forum.

Speccy - System Information - Free Download




Kesume

Thanks, this is what Speccy found

Motherboard
Manufacturer alienware
Model alienware
Version alienware
Chipset Vendor NVIDIA
Chipset Model nForce 680i SLI SPP
Chipset Revision A2
Southbridge Vendor NVIDIA
Southbridge Model nForce 680i SLI MCP
Southbridge Revision A2
BIOS
Brand Phoenix Technologies, LTD
Version 6.00 PG
Date 07/03/2007

Still jargon to me.

Do you think the update will be ok?

Hi,
My pleasure.
It's good to have your specs handy for this sort of thing.

As to the update question, I will let Brink (far,far more experienced than me) make that decision, as he has guided you through this thus far.

If that's ok?

But will follow the thread.
Glad to be of help.

Hey,
Your system specs look a lot better now when you press the button,right? Lol!

Ok Robert,

After some more digging, if this is your system, then the A10 BIOS version at the link below is the latest version instead.

Drivers and Downloads

No luck with that file, when I run the .exe I get this message "No Support this board". I've been trying to find my PC on that site for some time now but haven't been able to. It doesn't even recognise my service tag number.

Is it a new rig?
ll done!!

I've had it since Q4 2007, probably before alienware was dell

Yea, checked it out on the dell site -cool looking rig!
I nearly bought a laptop alienware 18months ago, nearly!

Bit pricey! Phew!