Windows: Trapped at 2 GB

If the motherboard allows, a PC can have 4 GB max. (Excepting some Xeon
server boards and 64bit hardware). Windows XP/2000 can see 4GB max. 2GB is
given to the OS and 2GB is given to the apps. On the typical workstation,
the OS is rarely using over 100MB, so installing more than 2GB for the
applications is pointless since none of it over 2GB is utilized.

Microsoft gave us the /3GB switch (XP) that gives 3GB to apps and 1GB to the
OS. MS states the app must be written to take advantage of this and there
may be other issues when using the /3GB switch.

My research concerning AutoCAD 2004 or higher, if it can utilize more than
2GB is inconclusive. Anyone with 4GB in their box try this?

The problem is that we have huge 3D models and are pushing up against the
2GB limit.
Thanks, -S

 

Not sure if 64bit XP is an option for you...

From: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/evaluation/top5.mspx

"Windows XP Professional x64 Edition supports up to 128 gigabytes (GB)
of RAM and 16 terabytes of virtual memory"

We tested a 64bit XP box with LDT. Noticable difference regarding size
of surface models it could handle.

 

Probably not. XP 64 can run 32 bit apps in a 32 bit emulation mode called
Windows on Windows. This can result in a performance reduction. Probably has
the same memory restrictions as well. I don't want to be an early adopter
until hardware manufacturers get 64 drivers for their devices and app
developers port apps to 64 bit. Don't be fooled into thinking 64 bits will
make programs run faster. Most assembly code writers and compiler code
writers know that 64 bit is way overkill for a large majority of the code.
-S