What's The Lowest DDR Memory To Run Windows 7?

[sirchai]

Hey and Sawasdee khrap,

I'm getting more and more familiar with putting on new programs,understand more and more about soft and hardware. Now I thought I wanna give my first PC a chance and install Windows 7 on it.

Problem might be the low memory, I think it has only 1024 MB. Okay, a bigger VGA card with 512 MB seems to help the system.

My questions are: 1. How do you differentiate memory cards? i mean there're cards you can't use, but would fit in this slot.

2. How much memory do I need to run Windows 7? Any useful ideas are deeply appreciated.

Cheers-

[Pib]

Here's what Microsoft recommends...consider it the "minimum" for slow performance. More RAM...better performance. You should probably upgrade to 4GB RAM which will be more than fine for day-to-day use.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements

Windows 7 system requirements

If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes:

• 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

• 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)

• 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Edited April 9, 2014 by Pib

[sirchai]

Here's what Microsoft recommends...consider it the "minimum" for slow performance. More RAM...better performance. You should probably upgrade to 4GB RAM which will be more than fine for day-to-day use.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements

Windows 7 system requirements

If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here's what it takes:

• 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

• 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)

• 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

I'll give it a try and put W7, 32 bit on tomorrow.I do have a good graphic card, which will also make sure that I don't lose too much memory for the system.

Thanks a lot, it's very difficult to get some of these DDR Ram cards. And they're not cheap either. Cheers-

[sustento]

If you're using 32 bit Windows there's no point in installing more than 4GB of memory. 32 bit operating systems won't use it.

[RichCor]

They're not really called ram cards... more like DRAM Modules, or Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) for PCs or Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) used in laptops.

And they have a pin count and rating: capacity, form factor, voltage, speed and rate (DDR, DDR2, DDR3) -- matched to the motherboard, so if you're looking you'll need the preferred specs from the motherboard manufacturer.

The motherboard may have other specifications or restrictions -- but usually you can find a memory supplier online, like Kingston Technology, that will list the min/max specs for your system/motherboard. Once you have the specs then you can go comparison shopping.

[dharmabm]

good advice both sustento and richcor... but to give good advice the OP needs to specify what computer he has, or at least what motherboard/chipset he has, without that information it is impossible to advise what type or how much memory his system is capable of!

BTW, you graphic card has really nothing to do with this

[RichCor]

[snip]

BTW, you graphic card has really nothing to do with this

Some motherboards have VGA/HDMI ports and the chipsets 'share' main memory with the processor, and by share I mean hoard. So having a separate video card *might* free up some 'shared' memory.

[sustento]

If the OP goes to Crucial.com and downloads their system scanner and runs it it will tell him all he needs to know to upgrade his memory.

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/

[sirchai]

They're not really called ram cards... more like DRAM Modules, or Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) for PCs or Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) used in laptops.

And they have a pin count and rating: capacity, form factor, voltage, speed and rate (DDR, DDR2, DDR3) -- matched to the motherboard, so if you're looking you'll need the preferred specs from the motherboard manufacturer.

The motherboard may have other specifications or restrictions -- but usually you can find a memory supplier online, like Kingston Technology, that will list the min/max specs for your system/motherboard. Once you have the specs then you can go comparison shopping.

Thanks a lot. A very useful post. This PC won't be used a lot, mainly to check E-mails and if 1024 MB work well, I'm fine.Thanks again.

[sirchai]

[snip]

BTW, you graphic card has really nothing to do with this

Some motherboards have VGA/HDMI ports and the chipsets 'share' main memory with the processor, and by share I mean hoard. So having a separate video card *might* free up some 'shared' memory.

I thought that all motherboards would have such a VGA/HDMI connection? Once you install a separate video card, which I did, you're not taking memory away from the motherboard,as you're using the video card's memory.

I do have a 512 MB video card installed

Am I right about that? Thanks.

Edited April 9, 2014 by sirchai

[sirchai]

If the OP goes to Crucial.com and downloads their system scanner and runs it it will tell him all he needs to know to upgrade his memory.

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/

Thanks a lot for this link. Tried it with my other PC and it shows all specifications I need to know. Great. Khop Khun Khrap.-

[RichCor]

Some motherboards have VGA/HDMI ports and the chipsets 'share' main memory with the processor, and by share I mean hoard. So having a separate video card *might* free up some 'shared' memory.

I thought that all motherboards would have such a VGA/HDMI connection? Once you install a separate video card, which I did, you're not taking memory away from the motherboard,as you're using the video card's memory.

I do have a 512 MB video card installed

Am I right about that? Thanks.

Motherboards meant for high-end gaming stations or dedicated servers generally don't have embedded A/V chip systems.

Motherboards meant for workstations generally come with embedded A/V chips and the BIOS controls whether having an added video card partially frees up that memory. Some BIOS allow you to use the onboard video for a second monitor (separate, extended or mirrored) or allow the amount of shared memory used to be preset. Other BIOS may completely disable onboard video if an Video Adapter is detected.

Different motherboards, different options.

[sirchai]

Some motherboards have VGA/HDMI ports and the chipsets 'share' main memory with the processor, and by share I mean hoard. So having a separate video card *might* free up some 'shared' memory.

I thought that all motherboards would have such a VGA/HDMI connection? Once you install a separate video card, which I did, you're not taking memory away from the motherboard,as you're using the video card's memory.

I do have a 512 MB video card installed

Am I right about that? Thanks.

Motherboards meant for high-end gaming stations or dedicated servers generally don't have embedded A/V chip systems.

Motherboards meant for workstations generally come with embedded A/V chips and the BIOS controls whether having an added video card partially frees up that memory. Some BIOS allow you to use the onboard video for a second monitor (separate, extended or mirrored) or allow the amount of shared memory used to be preset. Other BIOS may completely disable onboard video if an Video Adapter is detected.

Different motherboards, different options.

The PC I'm talking about is at least 15 years old. I remember that I had upgraded it from Celeron D to Pentium 4 a few years ago.

After all,, I'm sure that I've replaced almost all with new parts.Will check on it tomorrow. Thanks a lot for your time.

Edited April 9, 2014 by sirchai

[RichCor]

The PC I'm talking about is at least 15 years old. I remember that I had upgraded it from Celeron D to Pentium 4 a few years ago.

After all,, I'm sure that I've replaced almost all with new parts.Will check on it tomorrow. Thanks a lot for your time.

15 years old? Drivers will probably be an issue, though many people have posted in forums that it runs fine.

Usually have no problem running Linux on them.

[Somtamnication]

Sirchai. New motherboards come with and without graphics. The last 2 generations of Intel cpus come with built in graphics and it gives you pretty good graphics if enabled with the motherboard. But doing 3d stuff or high end games, you are better off with a graphics card with 2 gig of ram. 512 does not cut it anymore.

I just upgraded my computer and rather than boring you with the specs, I am now using 8 gig of ram, ddr3, 1600 speed. The older boards use ddr2 and at half the speed.

While for the past 5 years I see my cpu going at 100% when loading 12 tabs in chrome, now with my i5 chip, it never goes past 50%. While Win 7 does not see ram above 3.5 gig, the remaining memory can be used as a ramdisk (google ramdisk or ram drive) and speeds are increased with often used applications.

Seriously, if your system is as old as you say it is, a motherboard, cpu, memory and graphics card will send you to heaven. If you buy a socket 1150 systemboard, it is upgradeable to the new chips coming out this year with Intel, so no need to buy a new motherboard.

[rhythmworx]

^ Funny that.

Win 7 pro see's 4 sticks of 8 gb ram on my machine.

[Somtamnication]

Miine sees 4 gig, 3.5 usable. Win 7 32 bit. Hilarious.

[ignis]

Thanks a lot, it's very difficult to get some of these DDR Ram cards. And they're not cheap either

Yes the old type RAM is far more expensive......... if you have DDR ? 1GB is around 800 baht......... DDR2 is around the same price for 2GB..... DDR3 is around 1,000 baht for 4GB..

If you ever go to Zeer Ransit there is a big section with many stalls that sell used parts, may well be able to get the RAM you need at a fraction of new price...

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Some motherboards have VGA/HDMI ports and the chipsets 'share' main memory with the processor, and by share I mean hoard. So having a separate video card *might* free up some 'shared' memory.

I thought that all motherboards would have such a VGA/HDMI connection? Once you install a separate video card, which I did, you're not taking memory away from the motherboard,as you're using the video card's memory.

I do have a 512 MB video card installed

Am I right about that? Thanks.

Motherboards meant for high-end gaming stations or dedicated servers generally don't have embedded A/V chip systems.

Motherboards meant for workstations generally come with embedded A/V chips and the BIOS controls whether having an added video card partially frees up that memory. Some BIOS allow you to use the onboard video for a second monitor (separate, extended or mirrored) or allow the amount of shared memory used to be preset. Other BIOS may completely disable onboard video if an Video Adapter is detected.

Different motherboards, different options.

The PC I'm talking about is at least 15 years old. I remember that I had upgraded it from Celeron D to Pentium 4 a few years ago.

After all,, I'm sure that I've replaced almost all with new parts.Will check on it tomorrow. Thanks a lot for your time.

The first Celeron D was introduced less than ten years ago and the latest, eight years ago. But I know that you don't let the truth get in the way of a good story.

[bendejo]

16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit)

Well yeah, it'll install, but by the time you add your applications etc you'll be out of space, I would say 25Gb min

[ETatBKK]

16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit)

Well yeah, it'll install, but by the time you add your applications etc you'll be out of space, I would say 25Gb min

I guess it is referring to the processing space ( 16GB ) for the Windows 7 system, that not including applications and data. well, as the windows updates build onto the system, you probably need and 8GB of process space.

tight processing space directly reflects the speed and the performance of the windows system.

[Rama]

My laptop with Win 7 is over 5 years old.....with 4G memory and 64 bit dual processors........you are going to run into hardware compatibility issues sooner and not later with software drivers and bus speeds if you try and cobble a solution together. You should just let your PC die a dignified death. Even a 5 year old used computer with Win 7 will do better than what you have. Different mother boards and different processors are made to handle different DDR memory card sets and sizes - your processor and/or motherboard amy not be able to handle the memeory card set or memory size you want. you're creating a lot of work for yourself................

[sustento]

^ Funny that.

Win 7 pro see's 4 sticks of 8 gb ram on my machine.

Then it's the 64 bit version.

[sustento]

Miine sees 4 gig, 3.5 usable. Win 7 32 bit. Hilarious.

Nothing really hilarious about it. It's simple maths. If you raise two to the power of 32 (that's what the 32 bit is all about) you get 4GB which is the maximum number of addresses that a 32 bit operating system can handle. Take off a bit for Windows own stuff and you have 3.5GB.

2^32 = 4294967296 = 4GB

Edited April 10, 2014 by sustento

[Pib]

See this Microsoft webpage showing the maximum physical memory limits for the various Windows operating systems: Link

And below is a cut and paste from the webpage for Windows 7.

[RichCor]

Miine sees 4 gig, 3.5 usable. Win 7 32 bit. Hilarious.

Nothing really hilarious about it. It's simple maths. If you raise two to the power of 32 (that's what the 32 bit is all about) you get 4GB which is the maximum number of addresses that a 32 bit operating system can handle. Take off a bit for Windows own stuff and you have 3.5GB.

2^32 = 4294967296 = 4GB

I'm pretty sure he knows this but chooses to stay with the 32bit version over the 64bit that could access more physical memory. The original 'funny' and then his 'hilarious' retort were probably meant to be sarcastic.

[sustento]

Miine sees 4 gig, 3.5 usable. Win 7 32 bit. Hilarious.

Nothing really hilarious about it. It's simple maths. If you raise two to the power of 32 (that's what the 32 bit is all about) you get 4GB which is the maximum number of addresses that a 32 bit operating system can handle. Take off a bit for Windows own stuff and you have 3.5GB.

2^32 = 4294967296 = 4GB

I'm pretty sure he knows this but chooses to stay with the 32bit version over the 64bit that could access more physical memory. The original 'funny' and then his 'hilarious' retort were probably meant to be sarcastic.

Mai pen rai. Everyone who reads the thread will get a lesson on binary arithmetic for free

[sirchai]

^ Funny that.

Win 7 pro see's 4 sticks of 8 gb ram on my machine.

Then it's the 64 bit version.

The first Celeron D was introduced less than ten years ago and the latest, eight years ago. But I know that you don't let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Do you really wanna call me a liar? I bought the PC about 12 years ago and it was second hand, used by a Dutch guy.

By the way, I'd just found out that I've only got 766 MB, but have Windows 7 installed.

Edited April 10, 2014 by sirchai

[sirchai]

^ Funny that.

Win 7 pro see's 4 sticks of 8 gb ram on my machine.

Then it's the 64 bit version.

The first Celeron D was introduced less than ten years ago and the latest, eight years ago. But I know that you don't let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Do you really wanna call me a liar? I bought the PC about 12 years ago and it was second hand, used by a Dutch guy.

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[RichCor]

By the way, I'd just found out that I've only got 766 MB, but have Windows 7 installed.

Yep, quite possible. You either have two memory modules (512MB + 256MB), or if you have a 1GB memory (in whatever configuration) the OS has removed access to memory were onboard and add-in peripheral devices/firmware/hardware share the same physical lower memory addresses -- or, as I mentioned before, the BIOS is hoarding memory for the onboard video.

In my case, Windows7 running on my Laptop removes 680MB of RAM out of 4GB installed (the OS reports 3.32GB usable). It's just how the processor memory access architecture and the OS are designed.