How much RAM can a CPU handle?

billybilly
Posted:
in General Discussion edited January 2014
I heard somewhere that a 32-bit chip can only handle up to 2 gigabytes of RAM. IF there was enough room on the motherboard would the chip be able to handle more? Also, would dual processors or multicore processors help? What is the max that a 64-bit chip can handle?

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 7
    smithjoelsmithjoel Posts: 240member
    It's 4 GB. That's all it can adress, dual CPU's don't help, because they are both 32-bit. I can't remember how much memory a 64-bit CPU can adress, but it's some rediculusly large number(Terabites I think). I'm sure 4 GB seemed unbeliveable when the first 32-bit ones come out.
  • Reply 2 of 7
    billybilly Posts: 34member
    Okay, thanks. Also, I was wondering what advantages 64-bit has over 32-bit in the high end workstation area. What besides being able to handle more RAM?
  • Reply 3 of 7
    airslufairsluf Posts: 1,861member
  • Reply 4 of 7
    billybilly Posts: 34member
    Oh, so a higher performance version of the current 32-bit PPC could be used in a workstation with some modifying to the OS. Most workstations won't need more than 64 GB except databases and servers, etc.

    Edit: Also, besides more RAM capabilities what advantages does 64-bit have over 32-bit?



    [ 10-13-2002: Message edited by: Billy ]</p>
  • Reply 5 of 7
    xmogerxmoger Posts: 242member
    Actually, 64-bit addressing is good up to 4 exabytes or 4 million gigbytes. Does anybody know of an applications currently in use that need more?
  • Reply 6 of 7
    smithjoelsmithjoel Posts: 240member
    [quote]Originally posted by xmoger:

    <strong>Actually, 64-bit addressing is good up to 4 exabytes or 4 million gigbytes. Does anybody know of an applications currently in use that need more?</strong><hr></blockquote>



    It might get me another FPS. <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
  • Reply 7 of 7
    zozo Posts: 3,117member
    4exabytes will get me playin Pong like a dream!
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