Windows 7: 4 GB of Physical Memory but 1.74 GB Usable

Hello All,



I have of course read extensively on this issue and of course there are all sorts of opinions out there about if Windows 7 is using the correct amount of memory. However, it seems to me that my computer is using more than everyone else.

Some specs:
Windows 7 Home Premium x64
Hp Pavilion DV6 3160us laptop
Quad Core AMD CPU
4 GB of installed RAM. Showing 1.74 GB usable. The performance monitor shows that over 2GB is being held for hardware.

Attaching CPU Z screen shots.

I cannot access BIOS settings to enable remapping (its not even available as an option).
The msconfig fix that people are posting has been done.
Any thoughts on how to reduce the usage?

Check your motherboard. It showin the 1.74827362 number because some of that ram is saved for video ram.

The BIOS has reserved the 2.3Gb for hardware use. There should be an option in your BIOS to set the video "aperture" size. Even when set to auto, I've never seen it that large though. There could be a problem with your BIOS recognizing the hardware you have installed. First check to be sure your BIOS is up to date. Then check the options under the System menu for memory mapping. It could be called something else. I'm not familiar with the BIOS used in HPs and they're a little stingy with info but check to see if there's hardware options turned on for things you don't have. (Bluetooth, multiple LAN adapters, touch screen, etc.)

Are you using the onboard video or a separate PCI-E videocard?

Laptop folks,

HP Pavilion dv6-3160us Entertainment Notebook PC Product Specifications HP Pavilion dv6-3160us Entertainment Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Start with checking the the memory sticks are inserted properly,

How to Upgrade and Install RAM Memory HP Pavilion dv6-3160us Entertainment Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

You might also check your MSCONFIG settings by typing "msconfig" (no quotes) in the search bar and making sure the Maximum memory box is not ticked.

The only thing in BIOS that I could change is SVM Support which I have. There is no option for changing mapping. Bios is up to date.
Will look at some of the devices that are on the computer. I do know that there is bluetooth adapter that is usually on.

When you say check your mother board... what do you mean?

I'm using the on board video card.

I will look into the memory sticks. But if they are being recognized and used then wouldn't that mean there shouldn't be a problem with them being seated properly?

By the way I LOVE how on the spec page at HP the graphics are "icthable" instead of "switchable"

[QUOTE=sygnus21;1649304]You might also check your MSCONFIG settings by typing "msconfig" (no quotes) in the search bar and making sure the Maximum memory box is not ticked.

Yes, did that. Was no turned on. Plus the number of CPU processors was not ticked as well.

It is possible that one of the sticks moved a bit from a bump or even just every day use. You would think they wouldn't move, but it is possible. It also doesn't take much for a stick to be misaligned in a slot for it not to be read/used corrected. Could even be that there is/was a bit of dust in the slot or on a stick when they were inserted, and that too can cause what you are seeing.

This is a good point. Will check it out right now, post back any results