W8.1 Ram usage seems VERY efficient compared to previous

Hi there
Windows 8.1 seems to have a much better RAM usage algorithm than previous versions

On this 16GB machine it shows 15.7GB is useable -- this is much better than I remember from old XP machines where only around 3GB was useable on a 4GB machine.

Running W8.1 Enterprise x-64 -- with integrated video as well. No complaints here. (Integrated Video driver also has no probs at full HD output 1080p either).


Cheers
jimbo

The difference between total RAM size and what is usable is primarily determined by the hardware. The problem in a 32 bit OS is that the 4 GB physical address space is shared by RAM and memory mapped hardware devices that must have priority. RAM used by the video system will also be unavailable. A 64 bit OS has a much larger physical address space and the otherwise inaccessible RAM can be remapped to a higher address where it can be accessed. Whether that 64 bit OS is XP or Windows 8 makes little difference. Same for a 32 bit OS.

Windows 8 does have some new methods of making more efficient use of the RAM that is accessible.