Perhaps wise to ask here...

[gravyonmychin]

Think may have put this in wrong thread, let me know if I did..
Im in the throes of getting some parts together for a top spec PC and was looking to utilise DDR2 PC2-8500 1066mhz ram,2 sticks eack 2GB.
I was told I would need a 64bit operating system so as it would run and be recognised. I have XP Pro but the 32bit version so thought I had better ask. I have a choice of dropping down to the PC2-6400 800 mhz ram, what do you recomend and was I told right about the OP software. Cheers....Alan

[staffsMike]

What CPU do you have? That governs what RAM you really need.

And no you don't need 64bit if you have 4GB, 32bit simply won't utilise all of the RAM, 3.3GBish... plenty of threads on it if you do a search.

[Webby]

As Mike says it is the quantity of memory that is the issue with 32 bit operating systems (maximum of 4GB of addressing which includes memory, chipsets, graphics cards etc.) which means on the whole you will see about 3.25GB of memory when you have 4GB installed.

Also as Mike says the speed of memory you will require will depend on your CPU and if you plan to overclock at all.

[jackvdbuk]

there really is no point IMO going above 800mhz ram if your going stock or a small overclock.

just not worth the price difference!

[gravyonmychin]

The processor is an Athlon Phenom 9850, Mobo is a MSI K9N2 SLI Platinum - Socket AM2 - NVIDIA nForce 750a SLI - DDR2 667/800/1066 . Graphics will be a BFG 8800 GT and my PSU is a Tagan BZ 700 Modular. I am using the 2 x 500GB Sata's from my current pc (which my son will inherit) Just though it daft to have these parts and scrimp on Ram for the sake of getting Vista 64 bit OS. Cost is of no consequence just didnt want to drop a b*****k , always a wise move to ask, another thing though was program compatability, I do hear that some programs dont get on with vista..any thoughts..cheers for the help...have a nice day.

[Webby]

With an AMD Phenom system you will actually see an improvement in performance by moving to 1066MHz memory so go for it

If you get Vista 64 then you will see all 4GB if you use 32 bit then its likely you will see ~3.25GB (but this will cause you no problems in of itself) as far as Vista compatibility is concerned the are not hard and fast rules some programmes work with no problems others may need patches, if the is a particular program you need then check its website for potential problems or updates if the is nothing in particular that you need then don't worry about it an go ahead and get the 64 bit OS.