Windows XP SP3 (32-bit)

[Wavid]

I built my first computer from scratch about 5 days ago, but one problem is that XP recognizes my 955 BE as 2.08 Ghz, not 3.2. (and 3.25 useable RAM). Is this a limitation of 32-bit XP or have i got a defective processor?

i know i have to have a 64 bit OS to use >4GB of RAM. same with processors?
CPU-Z sees Core 0 as 800 Mhz with a 4.0 multiplier. Which comes out to be 3.2 GHz, right?

[Apoptosis]

leave CPU-Z open and fire up a benchmark like Cinebench - http://http.maxon.net/pub/benchmarks/CI ... 11.529.zip

I bet you are at an idle state for power savings, but when you put the CPU at full load it will jump up to the proper speed...

This is called AMD Cool'n'Quiet Technology. You can read up on it here - http://www.amd.com/us/products/technolo ... quiet.aspx

[Wavid]

ooh, that's why. ok, i'll download cinebench and see what happens. thanks!

[JMMD]

I've found this with Intel CPU's as well, I just turn off the power saving stuff in the bios.

[Major_A]

Your computer is only recognizing that amount of RAM because your video card(s). All 32 bit Windows operating systems can only address a total of 4GB of RAM. What it does is subtracts the RAM from video card(s) and other items from 4GB so that Windows can address that much. For you to use all 4GB of RAM you'll need to install a 64 bit OS (XP Pro x64. Vista x64, Win 7 x64).

[Wavid]

alright, thanks. better upgrade to 7 then. home premium here i come!