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wila
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32 bits and memory limits

Hi,

Just wondering if you can use more as 4GB memory in your ESX server if the processors in the host itself are 32 bits (xeon).

The reason i ask this is that if you try to use windows with more as 3GB internally it's not really capable of using the memory.

| Author of Vimalin. The virtual machine Backup app for VMware Fusion, VMware Workstation and Player |
| More info at vimalin.com | Twitter @wilva
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wobbly1
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64GB is the size of 36-bit memory which is the maximum that a 32bit CPU with with 36-bit PAE can access.

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cheeko
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Yes, ESX can use up to 64GB Memory:

http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vi3_301_201_config_max.pdf

wila
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Thanks, well i was aware that ESX can address up to 64 GB itself, but won't the 32 bits processor architecture on the host be an issue?

It doesn't state there under what conditions the maximum is 64 GB. If there's no conditions it should be fine.

Besides that fact i know that ESX is 32 bits itself while you can run 64 bits VM's- on 64 bits processor- so your answer seems logical somehow.

Anyone that has uses this config with 32 bits processors who can confirm as well?

| Author of Vimalin. The virtual machine Backup app for VMware Fusion, VMware Workstation and Player |
| More info at vimalin.com | Twitter @wilva
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wila
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Actually now i come to think of it, the server has PCI-X slots.. those are 64 bits afaik.. so the address bus must be 64 bits. Duh..

Would still love to see someone confirm that it actually works though (easy points guys)

| Author of Vimalin. The virtual machine Backup app for VMware Fusion, VMware Workstation and Player |
| More info at vimalin.com | Twitter @wilva
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wobbly1
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64GB is the size of 36-bit memory which is the maximum that a 32bit CPU with with 36-bit PAE can access.

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wila
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Perfect, thanks

| Author of Vimalin. The virtual machine Backup app for VMware Fusion, VMware Workstation and Player |
| More info at vimalin.com | Twitter @wilva
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