32-bit Vista run at 3.5 GB depending on MB/BIOS

[dfumento]

microsoft.public.windows.64bit.general
Re: Any good reasons not to run Vista 64?

XS11E <xs11e@NOSPAMyahoo.com>

11/21/07


Can't be 3.12GB, my 32-bit Vista reports 3.5GB, 62-bit Vista reports
the full 4GB.

I believe it depends on the BIOS, motherboard, CPU, video card and who
knows what else.

The only thing I do know for sure is that people who run Vista 32 all
seem to report different amounts of RAM which are always less than the
actual amount installed while those with Vista 64 all seem to report
the actual amount installed.


_____
Note, it is possible that the X61 is different than the T61. Also, it is clear that some people get Vista 32 running with 3.5 GB apparently depending upon motherboard and BIOS. There is also a possibility that a BIOS update could fix things. That is why I was asking, as of now, if anyone had direct experience. The reason for cross posting between 'X60' and 'T60' forums is that it is possible that the different systems act differently.

Since BIOSs change over time, it is not a good idea to lock a topic that might change with a BIOS update.

[erik]

a post on a newsgroup is useless without knowing what system and BIOS are being used since every manufacturer will be different.   in other words, other people's results have absolutely no bearing on a thinkpad's results unless those people are also using thinkpads.

if you have personally tested this on an X60 or T60 and have definitive evidence that >3GB can be addressed by the system then please report your findings with pictures and exact system details.   if you can provide this evidence then i will add your findings to the sticky.   however, if all you have is speculation and anecdote from non-thinkpad users then the answer you seek has already been provided in the sticky.

i have yet to see any evidence that an X60/T60 can address over 3GB, regardless of BIOS version or OS.   if a T61p with 4GB installed cannot address over 3GB with XPP 32 and vista 32 installed then there is no way that a T60/p or X60/s/T will address over 3GB.   to help back up this point, below i've added a link to a thread with an X61 owner who installed 4GB and vista 32 only shows 3063MB.

the reason why your threads were locked is because this topic has been discussed ad nauseum and addressed by a sticky in the T6x forum answering this question in detail.   per the forum rules, the mod/admin staff reserves the right to lock posts which ask questions that have already been answered and could be re-answered via proper research.

with that said, here are some other threads to reference regarding this very same topic:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=51477
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=52763
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=41554
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=53034 (recently added)