Windows 7: all the installed memory (RAM) not usable??

Doesn't a graphics card use up ram as well, i'm sure i read that somewhere.

[IMG]file:///C:/Users/PIMPC%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png[/IMG]I have this same problem. People are saying under 4 GB needs to be a x86 Windows 7 operating and over 4 gb needs to be a 64 bit system. How bout right at 4bg? 64 bit I'm guessing because I have 4 gb on a 32 bit and it's not all usable?
thanks,
chris

Cougs837:

There are many many posts on the 32/64 issue, including at the level of 4 GB RAM.

Nothing has been resolved, just as nothing has been resolved in 80 years of Ford or Chevy. And for the same reason.

You can Google and find page after page about the wonders of 64-bit---none of which may mean the slightest thing in your case.

The "proper" choice is based on a complicated algorithm involving what you do on the PC, what hardware you have, what software you use most frequently, the value you place on your time, your degree of obsessiveness, your inclination to take advice from total strangers on the Internet, how often you upgrade, yada yada yada, ad nauseum.

I think most newly manufactured systems with 4 GB of RAM have 64-bit installed. I suspect that is mostly for purposes of standardization by OEM builders and that the majority of users justifiably could not care less.

That is true.

In order to move your video memory out of the 4 gig space, you need to have the 64bit version of WIndows installed. Now there are some motherboards that are not exactly 64bit friendly and even if you put 64bit windows on it may not have the capability of routing the video memory outside that limit. But most decent boards in the last 3 years or so should.

Otherwise with 32bit windows the hardware has to live in the same 4 gig as the OS/Programs.

Cool thanks guys. I just ordered a new hard drive to upgrade my 160 gb. When I get it I'm going to reinstall a 64 bit windows 7 and see how the ram looks. I'll let you know.

Thanks, Chris

Hey Guys,
Please Please help!
this is really doing my head in.. :-(
i have just installed windows ultimate X64
Windows shows i have 6GB installed memory but only 3.12GB is avaliable.
i have looked over the last week to find an answer but to no avail...

I checked in my Bios (After updating through ASUS website) but i cant seem to find any memory setting to change? or that would limit my memory.
Under system info in bios it says
6 GB of Memory
2.9GB Perpetuated
3.2GB avaliable.....?

i have an ASUS P5L-VM 1394 and it says it will take up to 8GB of memory on there website.

I have checked though CPU ID and it registers the 6 gig of ram.
I though it might be my Graphics card (Geforce8800 GTS 640) but surly it shouldn't effect the memory this much should it?

Guys im really baking my head over this , please any help i would be greatly appreciate.

Well i do feel stupid now....
I read 2 reviews on the spec for this mother board and they b0th said this board can take up to 8GB of memory... i have just read off Google shopping..... it cant
Its Maximum of 4GB

but I think as it was showing up in the bios and in windows, this just baffled me?!
anyway i think im going to try and upgrade a stage at a time.
I just read you can buy motherboard that support bother DDR2 Memory and DDR3 Memory >
Gigabyte GA-P35C-DS3R - motherboard - ATX - iP35 - LGA775 Socket

I just installed the 64-bit windows 7 and all 4gb are in and useable now. So it for sure is due to 32-bit only having ability to run 2gb or so.

I could not find in the Bios where to max out the memory. Can someone attach a screenshot of theirs and maybe I can figure it out from there. Thanks

I got 8 gig installed with 3.25 available, Windows 7/64, i7950, Gigabyte X58A-UD3R

====================

**Solved**

I did 2 things Not sure which did the trick.

First I updated the bios. Then I restarted and checked again. Still had the same (8 gig installed with 3.25 available)

Second I reinstalled Win 7 Then checked again. BINGO it said 8 gig installed. With no mention of "available".

So I'm not sure which fixed it or if it needed both to fix it but it's fixed.