Memory Question

[johntwoods]

Going to keep it relatively vague.

 

I have 32gb installed (4x8).  I have Windows 7 Home Premium, so only 16gb is 'usable'.  I understand this to be the ceiling.

 

I believe my best option would be to upgrade, at least, to Windows 7 Pro so I can utilize the full 32gb.

 

But my questions is this:

 

Windows says only 16gb is usable.  Does that mean that other programs, i.e. After Effects, will only utilize the 16gb as well?

 

I'm pretty sure the answer is yes, but, would love for someone to weigh in it.

 

Thanks much.

[IsaacThePooper]

Windows 7 Home Basic only utilizes 8GB of RAM, while Home Premium has 16GB.

 

Pro and up can go up to 192GB of RAM.

 

So yeah, all applications and everything you run will only utilize 16GB of RAM.

[LogicWeasel]

Yes, when windows says usable, it means what it's going to use period.  Programs rely on how much RAM the OS is willing to give them, so with your OS ceiling on not having good enough windows to take advantage, the other 16GB of RAM sits idle and doesn't get used on the hardware level.

[johntwoods]

Thanks gents, the quick reply is appreciated.