Windows 10: Odd RAM Amounts

I have the impression that 10 uses RAM in a fairly even way, as in more RAM=faster performance. My experience with XP was that it had a "sweet spot", I always ran it with 2GB of RAM. But I'm wondering if the more is faster depending on amount is really true for one thing, but also what about if you have odd amounts like 5 or 6GB?

Thanks!

:)

 

Total Amount Of RAM Not Available

Hi Simon,

Welcome to Microsoft Community and thank you for your interest in Windows 10.

I will definitely assist you.

If you’re using a 64-bit version of Windows and see a difference between the amount of installed memory and the amount of usable memory, you might need to change some settings in your computer’s basic input/output system (BIOS). For more information,
check with your computer manufacturer.

BIOS Disclaimer: Modifying BIOS/ complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that
may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of BIOS/CMOS settings can be solved. Modifications of the settings are at your own risk.

If you need further assistance with Windows, let us know and will be glad to help.

 

Usable RAM

The RAM is recognized. In BIOS it shows exact amount installed, Windows also shows exact amount installed but limits usable RAM.

 

Within reasonable limits more RAM will always provide better performance but there will always be a point of diminishing returns after which there will be little gain. That point is dependent primarily on the workload. More RAM will never be slower.

I believe odd RAM sizes could cause problems with very old versions of Windows but that is no more. Odd memory sizes are quite common when running an OS under a virtual machine. But to get 5 GB RAM you would need to use mismatched RAM modules and that can cause problems. For best results it is best to use matched memory modules.

 

In order to get good performance, you should have at least 4 gigs of ram
I reccomend that you have about 6-8 GB of RAM
Also, to get 5 GB RAM you would need to have mismatched RAM modules (like LMiller said) which is bad lol

 

It depends on what software you use. I do quite often work with big files in Photosho and the only way is to have 16GB. My HTPC have only 2gb but it works perfectly and it is a 7 years old PC with older hardware.

 

So then as an example, 6GB would be OK, and an improvement over 4GB, if it was installed as matched pairs of 1GB and 2 GB?