More than 4 GB RAM requires 64 bit OS!

[poub]

Hey everyone. First of all I want to say that I've bought and built my computer with the specific purpose of running Pro Tools. With the only insist that it had to be a Windows system, since I'm totally noob in Mac OS.

My question concerns the 64 bit issue. I've read a lot of threads on the forum concerning that issue. But none of them seem to get into the main reason why one would want to run a 64 bit OS: RAM!

As we all know Pro Tools requires lots of RAM, the more the better. I find it a bit of a paradox that Digidesing recommends all the RAM one can afford, but create Pro Tools as 32-bit program which limits it to 4 GB. (Since Windows XP/Vista 32 bit supports max 4 GB)

Q1: Any one out there who's figured out how to exceed 4 GB RAM on a Windows system?
Q2: I know Pro Tools a 32 bit program. But... any one out there who's got any experience on installing and running Pro Tools on Windows XP/Vista 64-bit?

My system:
Windows system
DIGI 002 Rack
CPU: Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
MB: Asus Rampage Extreme
RAM: 4 x 2 GB OCZ Flex EX DDR3 PC3-16000
HD: 2 x WD VelociRaptor 150 GB 10000 RPM in RAID 0 config

[promixr]

My question is, what *specifically* do you need to do that requires a 64-bit operating system that you cannot do on the 32-bit system you have now...?

[Jason Grooms]

I'm guessing its in the subject of the thread - install more than 4GB's of RAM and actually have it used.

[TOM@METRO]

There are discussions on this here in the DUC that go on until your eyes burn. Start here and read a little into this thread.

Then do a search on the DUC for '64 bit'... this has been covered many, many times over.

[JMS40]

Originally Posted by TOM@METRO

There are discussions on this here in the DUC that go on until your eyes burn.

[mykhal c]

we need a tab that say's..'don't look here'

[Benoni]

If you want to get technical a 32bit OS can use from 3.25 - 3.50gb of ram. And PT can only access around 1.7-2.2gb, unless you do the 3gb Switch.

[albee1952]

From the OP signature:
"HD: 2 x WD VelociRaptor 150 GB 10000 RPM in RAID 0 config"
RAID is not supported by Digi. How does this work?

[Jason Grooms]

Originally Posted by Benoni

If you want to get technical a 32bit OS can use from 3.25 - 3.50gb of ram. And PT can only access around 1.7-2.2gb, unless you do the 3gb Switch.

Actually if you want to get technical, a 32 bit OS can "address" 4 GB of RAM, the limitation comes from the size of a 32 bit integer that can be stored within the registers of the processor, 4GB happens to be that limit.

Then the OS comes along. Windows, by default, immediately divides the 4GB's between itself (the OS) and applications. Whatever remains of the 2GB application space will vary due to the options you have installed in the OS, additional programs running, virus scanners and other system tray applications, etc.

Then there is Pro Tools and any other applications (plug ins, BFD, etc) left with what is remaining withing the 2GB applications space. Technically, Pro Tools lives by the same rules as the OS and from a programming perspective can also address up to 4GB's of memory. Problem is, Pro Tools has to ask Windows for more memory and as we just discussed Windows manages its memory using the "2GB split" so Windows won't give it more than that. This is where the 3GB switch comes into play telling Windows to only reserve 1GB for itself, freeing up 3GB for applications.

While I've seen posts from Digi saying 64bit isnt a big deal for Pro Tools I can't agree. When is tossing 32gigs of RAM at something a bad thing? :)

It will happen in time - we are just in the transistion between 32 and 64 bit.

[M-ManLA]

Originally Posted by poub

Hey everyone. First of all I want to say that I've bought and built my computer with the specific purpose of running Pro Tools. With the only insist that it had to be a Windows system, since I'm totally noob in Mac OS.

My question concerns the 64 bit issue. I've read a lot of threads on the forum concerning that issue. But none of them seem to get into the main reason why one would want to run a 64 bit OS: RAM!

As we all know Pro Tools requires lots of RAM, the more the better. I find it a bit of a paradox that Digidesing recommends all the RAM one can afford, but create Pro Tools as 32-bit program which limits it to 4 GB. (Since Windows XP/Vista 32 bit supports max 4 GB)

Q1: Any one out there who's figured out how to exceed 4 GB RAM on a Windows system?
Q2: I know Pro Tools a 32 bit program. But... any one out there who's got any experience on installing and running Pro Tools on Windows XP/Vista 64-bit?

My system:
Windows system
DIGI 002 Rack
CPU: Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
MB: Asus Rampage Extreme
RAM: 4 x 2 GB OCZ Flex EX DDR3 PC3-16000
HD: 2 x WD VelociRaptor 150 GB 10000 RPM in RAID 0 config

It will be supported on Windows 7 64bit.

http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?...0&itemid=38973

Originally Posted by albee1952

From the OP signature:
"HD: 2 x WD VelociRaptor 150 GB 10000 RPM in RAID 0 config"
RAID is not supported by Digi. How does this work?

That is because RAID 0, isn't really RAID at all. What RAID 0 does is use two or more drives, and use them to write and read simultaneously, technically using the two drives and seeing them as one. They don't mirror like the other RAID levels do. If one drive fails, then all your data is lost. I can see why RAID 0 would still work.