How much ram does vista use running clean?

[SenorBeef]

I'm trying to figure out if I need more than 2gb of ram. I don't ever (or rarely) get above 2gb using XP... but the memory footprint of the OS upon bootup is like 200-300mb. How much is it for vista?

In a related question, I've seen posts by people saying that they see a performance increase with more ram even though they don't actually get past 2gb in terms of what's shown to be used. Is there any truth to this?

[kaiweiler]

I see 2gb as the minimum for Vista. I really recommend 4gb.
Vista uses it's RAM in a completely different manner than XP did. Research "Superfetch".
In short, with Vista, the more you have, the more it will use.

[nightelph]

If you load a full install of Ultimate, the boot up usage is something like 600mb+. 2gb is a good amount for Vista. What apps will you use? I use 4gb, and Vist64, but its certainly not mandatory.

[jjw0782]

2gb is fine unless if you heavily multitask.

[Supertrucker]

Running home premium, 2gb was not enough for me, i got lag spikes in WoW that never existed when i was running xp with the same exact computer, after the switch to 4gb, no more annoying lag. If you are looking at upgrading to vista, grab the 64 bit version up front, and get the extra 2 gigs of ram. The computer in my sig, minus 2 gigs, and running xp = no lag in WoW. Same computer with 2 gigs in vista 32, city lag. Same computer in Vista 64 with 4 gigs, no city lag. Oh and age of conan at 1920x1200 high details 8x af getting 35 in combat and 60-70 running is just so much fun.

[technoViking]

I'm running vista ultimate 32 and 2 gigs is fine here and I do always have a ton of things open and working on many different things at a time.

[BLHealthy4life]

2gigs for vista 32 is fine.

Vista has a built in RAM monitor. You can enable it via the sidebar....

[aoch88]

I changed from 2GB to 4GB, it gives a bit of difference - less laggy when I "Alt-Tab" from games to desktop, etc BUT it only shows I have 3GB.