Hi,
I'm using 64 bit Windows 7 Ultimate. My motherboard is an ASRock G31M-GS R2.0. In the manual it says it can take up to 8GB (2 x 4GB) of DDR2 RAM. I recently purchased a set of 2 Kingston sticks of RAM of 4GB each. When I installed them and started up everything appears to work fine, but when I check my System Properties under "Installed memory (RAM)" it says "4.00 GB (3.19 GB usuable)". Please can someone tell me how to use the ful 8GB?
Thanks,
Joe
Hello success mate some syte specs would be very helpful because all we know is you have Windows 7 as the OS so we don't know what we are working with
System Info - See Your System Specs
Now what I would like to see is that you use this ditty of mine and send a pic / snip of the RAM like mine I have attached.
Using HW Info
You can test the volts on the PSU with HW Info HWiNFO, HWiNFO32/64 - Download < download the right bit version and close the right hand window select Sensors and scroll down to the power section where you will see what the volts are doing see my pic.
The original right hand window shows the machine running and is handy for that but for looking at the components in some detail close it and use the main left hand side panel
FOR OTHER COMPONENTS
Open each small square with + in it on the section the components are in and then click on the individual component/s (it will highlight in blue) - in the right hand side will appear all sorts of details including brands speeds and other essential info that particular device. See pic for example.
Just use the latter part.
The other thing you can do is open the Task Manager > right click on the taskbar > Start task manager > in the windoe that opens click on Performance and see what is happening there.
Most likely one of the sticks is not working - you either did not seat it properly in the slot or it's defective. Make sure both sticks are in (should hear the clicking sound). If after this it still shows 4GB, try starting the computer with just one of the sticks, if it boots fine, try the same with the other stick.
Yes mate the doctor has a point there and why we need to see what those two suggestions I made come up with. If you like just the Task Manager one will show if the sticks are indeed installed. The other problem may be that one stick is cactus and not even going to function at all.
Well, I don't have your full sys specs, BUT, that motherboard has integrated graphics, audio, and network. Unless you have a dedicated graphics card, that "lost" memory most likely is used as graphics memory buy the integrated graphics controller. In that case, you might be able to adjust the video memory amount in bios. Other than that, you would need a dedicated card to have "all" of your memory. Please follow the suggestion by ICIT2LOL to post your FULL system specs. Hope this helps you. :)
No disrespect to the others who are helping, but I think the problem is as simple as I have stated. I usually start with the simple, kinda obvious, things first...then go from there.
Have a great day guys.
Ok lets wait until the OP gets back to us because without those specs and what I asked for it we cannot do anything apsr from just second guessing. It could be a myriad of causes in any case.
Thanks for the suggestions. I've tried reseating the RAM twice, but it hasn't made any difference. I've attached the screenshots.
Ok mate now check the labels on those RAM sticks because HW Info is telling us there is only 4GB onboard (2x2GB), if the seller sold you them - and I have to be honest I have not seen 4GB sticks of DDR2 - and ask for a refund as it clearly states what you have in those shots you have sent.
Now looking at the board it only has two RAM slots so I can only suggest you look around for sticks of a greater capacity but I am not so sure you will find any and is so they might be very expensive.
Here's what it says of the labels:
Kingston KVR KVR667D2N5K2/4G
99U5316-03.A00LF K1T OF 2 3563922-8416920
1.8V ASSY IN CHINA
Kingston KVR KVR667D2N5K2/4G
99U5316-03.A00LF K1T OF 2 3563922-8417004
1.8V ASSY IN CHINA
Quote
The simplest and most obvious thing to do when missing half of a pair of RAM sticks is to check and see if you seated it correctly.