macmini 32 bit Windows memory

[kevink2]

Does anyone know how much memory is available for 32 bit Windows (XP) when booted up via Boot Camp? This is for the current models for sale with, say, 4GB of RAM installed.

My 2008 Mac Pro only makes available 2GB.

I'm thinking that the Mini might make a nice replacement computer for a family member who already has a monitor and a cramped desk space. And cheaper than an iMac by at least a few hundred dollars.

I would hope they can migrate to using Mac OSX, but at first Boot Camp may suffice.

Thanks,

 

[wordoflife]

Does anyone know how much memory is available for 32 bit Windows (XP) when booted up via Boot Camp? This is for the current models for sale with, say, 4GB of RAM installed.

My 2008 Mac Pro only makes available 2GB.

I'm thinking that the Mini might make a nice replacement computer for a family member who already has a monitor and a cramped desk space. And cheaper than an iMac by at least a few hundred dollars.

I would hope they can migrate to using Mac OSX, but at first Boot Camp may suffice.

Thanks,

Windows XP is only 32 bit meaning it will only notice about 3 or so GBs of RAM and Video Ram combined. I assume your Mac Pro has a 1GB graphics card, so that is why only 2GB ram is noticeable (for a total of 3GB). Upgrade to Windows 64 bit and you can take advantage of all your memory, and your processor capabilities.

A Mac Mini will recognize 3 to 3.5GB of RAM because of the 256 integrated graphics card.

I'm considering looking into the Mac Mini. I kind of want one.

 

[kevink2]

Windows XP is only 32 bit meaning it will only notice about 3 or so GBs of RAM and Video Ram combined. I assume your Mac Pro has a 1GB graphics card, so that is why only 2GB ram is noticeable (for a total of 3GB). Upgrade to Windows 64 bit and you can take advantage of all your memory, and your processor capabilities.

A Mac Mini will recognize 3 to 3.5GB of RAM because of the 256 integrated graphics card.

I'm considering looking into the Mac Mini. I kind of want one.

I had figured that the 2GB limit was due to how Apple mapped the memory out. Since they used a PAE kernel that could address more memory, it didn't matter too much if only 2GB was available in a 32 bit OS. I've seen Windows PCs with dual video cards that showed 3GB in 32 bit Windows (8GB total), so I figured the 2GB was artificial.