Renzatic on 6/11/2019 at 17:57
The most probable worst case scenario would just be a borked Windows installation, though considering you're trying to push more than 4GB hard limit in a 32-bit based machine, there are some questions about your hardware, what kind of RAM you're using, and whether you're mixing and matching different types of RAM that should be addressed.
As for the legality of it all, it may void your warranty, but it's otherwise perfectly kosher.
Old and Cunning on 6/11/2019 at 19:46
Thank you Renzatic! I kind of suspected it wasn't outright illegal because Microsoft is noticeably silent on the subject. And it offers no explanation (that I could find) for placing that limit on the 32-bit machine. I have stayed strictly away from mixing memory sticks, and have cloned my original system to a SSD, so I am reasonably safe from the permanent affects of a bork-up. (-:
I'm leaning toward trying it unless someone can see a reason that it wouldn't work on my system. Per Speccy:
Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit SP1
CPU
Intel Pentium D 945
Presler 65nm Technology
RAM
8.00GB DDR2
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0RF703 (Microprocessor)
Graphics
EA193Mi (1152x864@75Hz)
Intel Q965/Q963 Express Chipset Family (Dell)
Intel Q965/Q963 Express Chipset Family (Dell)
511MB NVIDIA GeForce GT 430 (ZOTAC International) 36 °C
ForceWare version: 391.35
SLI Disabled
Storage
931GB Samsung SSD 860 QVO 1TB ATA Device (SATA (SSD)) 33 °C
1862GB Western Digital WD easystore 25FC USB Device (USB (SATA) ) 28 °C
Optical Drives
ATAPI DVD A DH24AAS ATA Device
Audio
SoundMAX Integrated Digital HD Audio Driver
Here is the memory information:
Memory slots
Total memory slots 4
Used memory slots 4
Free memory slots 0
Memory
Type DDR2
Size 8192 MBytes
Physical Memory
Memory Usage 61 %
Total Physical 2.99 GB
Available Physical 1.16 GB
Total Virtual 5.98 GB
Available Virtual 3.76 GB
SPD
Number Of SPD Modules 4
Slot #1
Type DDR2
Size 2048 MBytes
Manufacturer Micron Technology
Max Bandwidth PC2-5300 (333 MHz)
Part Number 16HTF25664AY-667G1
Serial Number 3912894968
Week/year 16 / 10
Timing table
Frequency CAS# Latency RAS# To CAS# RAS# Precharge tRAS tRC Voltage
JEDEC #1 200.0 MHz 3.0 3 3 9 12 1.800 V
JEDEC #2 266.7 MHz 4.0 4 4 12 16 1.800 V
JEDEC #3 333.3 MHz 5.0 5 5 15 20 1.800 V
Slot #2
Type DDR2
Size 2048 MBytes
Manufacturer Micron Technology
Max Bandwidth PC2-5300 (333 MHz)
Part Number 16HTF25664AY-667G1
Serial Number 3747461631
Week/year 10 / 10
Timing table
Frequency CAS# Latency RAS# To CAS# RAS# Precharge tRAS tRC Voltage
JEDEC #1 200.0 MHz 3.0 3 3 9 12 1.800 V
JEDEC #2 266.7 MHz 4.0 4 4 12 16 1.800 V
JEDEC #3 333.3 MHz 5.0 5 5 15 20 1.800 V
Slot #3
Type DDR2
Size 2048 MBytes
Manufacturer Micron Technology
Max Bandwidth PC2-5300 (333 MHz)
Part Number 16HTF25664AZ-667H1
Serial Number 3781733885
Week/year 52 / 10
Timing table
Frequency CAS# Latency RAS# To CAS# RAS# Precharge tRAS tRC Voltage
JEDEC #1 200.0 MHz 3.0 3 3 9 12 1.800 V
JEDEC #2 266.7 MHz 4.0 4 4 12 16 1.800 V
JEDEC #3 333.3 MHz 5.0 5 5 15 20 1.800 V
Slot #4
Type DDR2
Size 2048 MBytes
Manufacturer Micron Technology
Max Bandwidth PC2-5300 (333 MHz)
Part Number 16HTF25664AZ-667H1
Serial Number 3781733886
Week/year 52 / 10
Timing table
Frequency CAS# Latency RAS# To CAS# RAS# Precharge tRAS tRC Voltage
JEDEC #1 200.0 MHz 3.0 3 3 9 12 1.800 V
JEDEC #2 266.7 MHz 4.0 4 4 12 16 1.800 V
JEDEC #3 333.3 MHz 5.0 5 5 15 20 1.800 V
Microwave Oven on 6/11/2019 at 20:31
I would think that unless you're trying to run tons of processes (like a server), PAE won't do you much good on a 32-bit system, since all apps will still be stuck with a 2GB memory cap. Your CPU seems to support 64-bit operation, so why not just switch to 64-bit W7?
Renzatic on 6/11/2019 at 20:40
It looks like you're using two oh so very slightly different sets of 2x2GB RAM sticks, which usually isn't recommended, but since your timings look identical between the two, it shouldn't give you any issues.
I'd say you're pretty well set up. Back up all your important data, and give it a go. If it acts flaky, then roll it all back. Though really, your best bet is just to grab a 64-bit copy of Windows 7, since your processor can support it.
Old and Cunning on 6/11/2019 at 21:24
Quote Posted by Microwave Oven
I would think that unless you're trying to run tons of processes (like a server), PAE won't do you much good on a 32-bit system, since all apps will still be stuck with a 2GB memory cap. Your CPU seems to support 64-bit operation, so why not just switch to 64-bit W7?
So, you're saying that my old games -- which have grown in their memory needs with fan missions and the like -- will not be able to access the memory I make available? What would cause that?
Renzatic on 6/11/2019 at 21:55
It depends on what environment you're running your app, and whether it's large address aware or not. I'm kinda vague on some of the finer details since it's been about a decade that I last had to think about this stuff, but from what I remember, 32-bit apps on a 32-bit OS can only address 2GB memory. On a 64-bit OS, 32-bit apps can address the full 4GB gamut provided they're large address aware. If they're not, they're still bound to 2GB.
Old and Cunning on 6/11/2019 at 22:12
Well, I'm going to give it a try. I may end up paying for a 64-bit W7 yet, but I'm going to fool with this first ... just because it's interesting. I will report back, even if it's a fail. Just for the sake of increasing the knowledge pool. :D
Renzatic on 6/11/2019 at 22:37
Best of luck!
If you do end up going the 64-bit OS route, I'm pretty sure you can use your current keycode to activate a 64-bit copy of Windows 7. Pretty being the operative word here.
voodoo47 on 7/11/2019 at 08:50
generally, PAE is not really worth the hassle, unless you are in a very, very specific situation (cannot leave the 32bit environment, tons of processes, doesn't matter that each is still limited). and yes, bitness (now that's a nice word), doesn't play a role, if you have a valid windows7 key, it will work for both 32 and 64 bit builds of whatever edition you have (so if you have win7 home, you can grab a 32bit or 64bit iso of home, install, use your key and it will be fine, I've actually verified this with ms support some time ago, so I'm sure).