There is no 3.12GB limit. Reread the KB and you will see that this is only
an example that the author uses. The memory available for user programs
varies widely according to the BIOS as set by the mobo manufacturer. It can
range from as little as 2GB to 3.5GB (it ranges from 2.5GB to 3.5GB across
my own systems). Throw a pair of SLI video cards with lots of video ram
into your box and you will see the differences.

"Bob" wrote in message
. ..
Yes, it is wasted.

The 32-bit versions of Windows Vista limit the total available memory to
3.12 G.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605
-------
*Report back, please*
[When responding to posts, please include the post(s) you are replying to
so that others may learn and benefit from the issue]

[How to ask a question]
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

"Colin Barnhorst" wrote in message
...
The "shortfall" is reserved by the BIOS for things like memory-mapped IO
for your video card and such. It is in use but not by user programs.
There are two of you using the computer, you and the computer. Don't
worry about it.

"LL" wrote in message
...
i feel confused seeing different answers. some say it is wasted, some say
it
is not.
i heard that the rest of RAM is used for hardware addressing purposes.
can
someone clearify on that please?

HP says my notebook can run 64bit vista, but i dont think i'd spend time
to
change it fearing that something may not work.

"f/fgeorge" wrote:

On Mon, 24 Mar 2008 23:10:01 -0700, LL
wrote:

After installing SP1 on Vista, the system properties report that I
have 4Gb
RAM installed, which is true.
However it seems that from the Task Manager, it only can handle up to
3 Gb
RAM. So is the other 1Gb wasted? Or is it actually in use for other
invisible
purposes?

NO it is NOT wasted, yes it is available, just not reported.