title: Understanding max JVM heap size - 32bit vs 64bit
body: <p>I've <a href="https://stackoverflow.com/questions/171205/java-maximum-memory-on-windows-xp">read</a> the max heap size on 32bit Windows is ~1.5GB which is due to the fact that the JVM requires contiguous memory.  Can someone explain the concept of "contiguous memory" and why you only have max 1.5GB on Windows?</p>
  
  <p>Secondly, what then is the max heap size on 64 bit Windows and why is this different than what's available on 32 bit?</p>