Hi all:I just upgraded my memory from 1.5GB of memory to 4GB of DDR PC3200 400Mhz (4 1GB sticks)I was just wondering if there are some FS9 settings to change or system settings to change to take full use of all the new memory?I am seeing improvements, don't get me wrong, just never done this kind of upgrade before and just wanted to make sure there wasn't something else I need to do.I have a P4 2.4Ghz Desktop - now with 4GB of DDR PC3200 400 Mhz memory512 MB nvidia 7600GS video card20.1" wide screen LG LCD monitorThanks Paul.

Paul- somehow when AVSIM transferred your post to this forum they failed to transfer my response. Have a look back at your posting in the FS9 forum to see my reply.Alex reid CYYJ

>I just upgraded my memory from 1.5GB of memory to 4GB of DDR>PC3200 400Mhz (4 1GB sticks)>>I was just wondering if there are some FS9 settings to change>or system settings to change to take full use of all the new>memory?Short Answer: NoLong Answer: A 32-bit operating system can only address a maximum of 4GB of address space. The operating system will automatically 'grab' 1GB of address space for its own purposes, the memory on the Graphics Card will also need to be allocated address space so if you've got a 512MB graphics card that is another 0.5GB of address space utilised. Consequently Windows only routinely assign 2GB of address space for RAM....you can put in a software switch which will allow the use of up to 3GB max.Consequently your 4GB of RAM will never be fully utilised (until you upgrade to 64-bit)..however 4GB may be still be faster than 3GB depending on your FSB architecture and the number of RAM sticks installed.RegardsJim

Jim- Similar question. I'm running triple GeForceFX5200 cards, each with 128 MB memory. Since the processor has to deliver the data for 3 different views+popups on 3 monitors, can my system profitably use more RAM than the present 1.28GB ? When I increased from 768 to 1.28 there was a 20%+ boost in FPS. Would replacing this RAM with 2 1GB matched sticks accomplish anything? Incidentally, setting Virtual Memory to "Let System Manage" also seemed to have positive benefits.Regards Alex Reid CYYJ

Alex,2 GB will undoubtedly yield a performance boost but can't predict how much. It will again depend on your FSB architecture and how many RAM slots you have. 4 x 512 may be quicker than 2 x 1GB or vice versa depending on how your chipset allocates memory?? Have a read of your Motherboard manual to see if that gives any clues to memory optimization. What Motherboard do you have?regards Jim

Jim- MBoard. is an ASUS A7N8X-x with 3x184-pin DDR DIMM sockets- max 3GB unbuffered PC3200 DDR RAM. I presently have 2- 500's and 1- 250 for the total 1.25GB. Can't see anything in the manual re mem optimization. I suppose I could bump up the 250 chip- for what size? Is there any optimum arrangement for chips of different sizes?Any thoughts on configuring RAM here? Thanks for your interest.Alex Reid CYYJ

Jim- MBoard. is an ASUS A7N8X-x with 3x184-pin DDR DIMM sockets- max 3GB unbuffered PC3200 DDR RAM. I presently have 2- 500's and 1- 250 for the total 1.25GB. Can't see anything in the manual re mem optimization. I suppose I could bump up the 250 chip- for what size? Is there any optimum arrangement for chips of different sizes?Any thoughts on configuring RAM here? Thanks for your interest.Alex Reid CYYJ

Sorry- double post. First time post seemed to hang up in a an unfulfilled loop! AR

>Jim- MBoard. is an ASUS A7N8X-x with 3x184-pin DDR DIMM>sockets- max 3GB unbuffered PC3200 DDR RAM. I presently have>2- 500's and 1- 250 for the total 1.25GB. Can't see anything>in the manual re mem optimization. I suppose I could bump up>the 250 chip- for what size? Is there any optimum arrangement>for chips of different sizes?>Any thoughts on configuring RAM here? Thanks for your>interest.>Alex Reid CYYJAlex, my advice is replace the 250 with a 1GB to bring your total up to 2GB. You'll need non-ECC, unbuffered with a latency of 2.5 However if your 500's have a different latency then match those if possible. You can run with different latencies but the system will only run at the highest value (slowest).RegardsJim

Jim- That's good news indeed. The extra Ram refit should help to extend the life of my "Smithsonian" class computer! Heck, if the US Air Force can add another 30 years to the life of the B52s by a refit, why not me too?Not sure about my RAM latency spec- is it marked on the strip itself?I'll let Mrs Claus know what I want for Christmas- Oh, did I hear someone say NOW is the best time to buy RAM?Cheers and thank you- Alex Reid CYYJ

Don't worry about the latency!!Jim

Good grief! For the past 70 years I thought "latency" was all about not getting to school on time. NOW, you tell me not to worry!Thanks again Jim.Alex Reid CYYJ