Thinkpads Forum

Hello all,

I remember reading elsewhere that graphics memory is mapped into the available address space of the OS, thus reducing the already limited space under 32 bit OSs. In particular the 2 GB that come with NVidia card, subtracted from the addressable 3.5 GB under Win32, would leave me with a rather crippled system. My question is therefore, whether it is at all advisable to activate the NVidia card under 32 bit OSs. Any comments?

thanks,
chris

I think you'd be able to use around 2.9GB with a 32-bit OS. If you have discrete only, I suppose you can hit it with ReadyFor4GB, which doesn't play nicely with integrated graphics.

the dedicated card has its own memory, and does not subtract any from the system ram. Intergrated graphics use system memory, but they are limited to a certain amount to ensure that they do not interfere with performance, and they do not "lock" it - if you need more ram, it will lower the amount allocated to the video card. with 32-bit, you will have 2.99gb of ram max, and the video card does not affect that.

Indeed. If you don't plan on using Optimus, then you might want to consider ReadyFor4GB. It's a quick and painless patch that is easy to reverse (choose a different option in the bootloader). Breaks XP mode though.