addresing 3gb

Hi,

I came across this document

https://www.microsoft.com/whdc/syst [...] AEmem.mspx

which will allocate 3gb of virtual address space by putting in the boot.ini file this addition /3gb switch.I would like to get into video editing and my thinking is that if I increase my memory from 1gb of ram to 4gb of ram since memory is very reasonable it will improve my ability to run Xp faster.

Am I correct in my thinking ?

Will Windows Xp use the extra 1GB for the Windows Executive software ?

Might you know which software manufactures pre-configure their pplications to use Large Address

Awareness or it isn't necessary if I am able to automatically address 3gb using the /3gb switch.

Thanks

Arthur

As far as WinXP Pro 32bit OP/SYS 2G of memory is its sweet spot.

Its been my findings from individually testing 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G of memory that, 4G is definitely [Not the Mama], 3G will run but its performance level drops, 2G is the highest performing combination it out performs 1G at the same cas settings.

When I say performing I'm relating to benchmarking programs such as the 3DMarks 03,05,06, the memory used in my tests were all high performance modules with low cas settings.

I'm just addressing your post because I've actually tested what I'm telling you and discovered for myself that the best performance gains with WinXP 32bit OP/SYS was 2G of memory just because it can run more ram doesn't mean it does it with a significant performance boost its actually a performance loss.

WinXP 64bit and Windows Vista OP/SYS both perform better with higher amounts of memory, but thats just not the case with WinXP 32bit, hopefully this will keep you from buying the extra memory and learning what I'm telling you the hard way, but theres always Vista Ultimate.

WR2,4Ryan6,Sailer,

Thanks for your thoughts and advice. I appreciate it a lot. My main interest at this time is to do video editing of old vhs and dvd tapes. So I would appreciate knowing which high performance modules would you recommend to me to buy and use for XP/32 at this time.

If I were to invest in a 64 bit operating system, namely XP64 or Vista OP/SYS, which operating system would you recommend. I have Vista on my laptop and am not happy with operating and am thinking of rolling back to XP/32. The system at present I would increase memory is a Pentium 4, 3.2GHZ computer. I bought a Q6600 CPU and am looking to build a new computer system this summer and am looking around for deals on motherboards, coolers etc. Would it be in my interest to build the Q6600 CPU into a system and then consider doing video editing on this system ?

Would a XP/64 operating system do what I want on my 3.2GHZ Pentium 4 computer at this time ?

Thanks

Arthur

I've had XP64 for a year now on one of my computers and it does everything fine. Comparing XP64 and Vista 64, since your hardware is not new, XP64 would probably be best. There used to be a number of driver problems associated with XP64, namely the lack of 64 bit drivers, but that has pretty much been taken care of now. XP64 also has the advantage in being a seamless upgrade, that is, you don't have to learn anything new. In fact, most people using XP wouldn't know it if they sat down behind a computer using XP64. It really is that close in looks and details. The major difference is how much ram it can use and its a bit faster when running programs, sometimes a lot faster if the program is optimized for 64 bit operating systems.

@abrand888

[Scratches head, ? You have DVD Tapes?] I've done quite a bit of DVD editing, capturing, converting, I'm running a dual core AMD w 2G of Corsair Pro memory, WinXP Pro 32bit OP/SYS and none of anything I've done has really taken an excessive amount of time.

Now personally if I was intending on undertaking a project that could take a month or longer to complete, I'd consider changing up something on my machine but it wouldn't be the amount of memory I'm running or the Operating System I'm using.

I would go from 1 HDD back to a SATA2 RAID setup, probably a combination 0 & 1 RAID array, because when you can run everything from the HDDs omitting the slower optical drive you can seriously cut project time down.

However I would only do that if I had a major task ahead of me, say 50 movies or so, for something like 10 movies, I wouldn't change a thing.

I don't know the size of the task ahead of you, but the software you use to do it also plays an important role, some software is a lot faster than others at accomplishing the same ends.

You have to have a good program to be capturing from VHS and be converting to DVD, I presently use Pinnacle 700 USB 2.0 to capture to disk and Pinnacle 10 to convert to DVD.

I've been through a few different DVD capturing and editing programs to arrive at using the Pinnacle, as it has been the best so far of all I've used.

Are you aware that the only guaranteed lifespan of a computer burned DVD with the burning media available today is about 7yrs, most people think DVDs will last forever, but thats not the case.

I installed Windows Vista Ultimate and after the initial OOHs and AAHs and complete failure to resolve the soundcard issues I was experiencing, I removed it, compared to XPs performance Vista was like steering a whale, hopefully MSFT will get it cooking later on.

XP wasn't exactly a bull out the gate either, and XPs SP2 really was a complete overhaul to the OP/SYS, it may take SP2 for Vista to really get the bugs out of it, just something to think about adding to your confusion.[Smile]

Oh and personally I've used Corsair memory Modules for years, they've been excellent performers for me, of that brand I have no complaints what so ever.

@abrand888

Well you're definitely covered Pinnacle wise.

Looks like you have a good plan, biding your time and making some wise purchases.

Different speeds but basically the pro modules were the pick of the litter and I don't remember seeing any Pro modules except for DDR, so the question for you is what memory modules do you run? [IE; DDR, DDR2, ???]

I bought the Corsair DDR 3500 LL Pro, but I don't think those are available anymore, you may still find DDR 3200 LL Pro modules, but if you're running DDR2 memory you're in a different tech bracket altogether, so what memory do you require?

100 years? Thats a long time to cash in on your warranty!!! [Just a little humor Smile]

made a error in not completing a word.

I am open to suggestions to get the fastest memory for the 3.2GHZ Pentium 4 at this time. I understand that a memory stick with a low cas might be the preferred stick to buy. I believe I have DDR2 memory in my HP.

How can I verify what type of memory is in my computer at this time ? I would like to have 2GB of ram to do video editing.

Arthur