memory - If I run a 32 bit OS on a computer with more than 4GB of RAM, which RAM sticks are used

If I run a 32 bit OS on a computer with more than 4GB of RAM, which RAM sticks are used?

Is it random, determined by some algorithm or is a percentage of each used?

Let's say for example, I have a computer with 6GB of RAM, two 2GB sticks, and two 1GB sticks, going 2-1-2-1. If I run 32 bit Windows 7 on this computer which RAM sticks are used? Also, is there any advantage to adding more than 4GB of RAM to a computer that is running a 32 bit OS?

Thanks

Answer

Which sticks are actually in use depends on how your motherboard is physically wired. You should be able to find this information in your motherboard manual (if you didn't throw it out :) ).

As for having more than 4GB of RAM in a 32-bit operating system, there really isn't any benefit, since no program can make use of it, nor any home edition of Windows. If you have 4GB or more of RAM, you should install a 64-bit operating system.