Solved Upgraded RAM but not usable?

[kbronski]

So, I had 3GB RAM installed and 2.93 GB was usable, so I upgraded to 4GB. Just installed the new stick no more than 5 minutes ago. However, my computer is now saying, "4.00GB RAM, 2.93GB usable"

Can someone explain what's going on?
I have a 32 bit OS.

 

[yowanvista]

Note that 32-bit systems are limited to 3.25Gb Max but the actual usable memory is often less due to chipset limitations and built-in GPUs ,you need a 64-bit version of windows 7 to use all your RAM.

The 0.07GB was most probably hardware reserved

Uncheck Max mem from msconfig (Windows Key+R>msconfig>Boot>Advanced options)

Post a screen shot of the Memory Tab in Resource Monitor
You can view this in Resource Monitor. Start > type "resource" > Open Resource Monitor > Memory Tab > Physical Memory.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Your clue was that your PC could not use all of 3---let alone 4. If it had been able to use all of 3, then likely it would have been able to use some portion of the 4th gigabyte.

 

[kbronski]

Here is the memory tab. I'll try installing 64-bit (my processor handles 64 bit but was doing 32 bit instead)

 

[yowanvista]

Here is the memory tab. I'll try installing 64-bit (my processor handles 64 bit but was doing 32 bit instead)

1 GB is hardware reserved, you won't be able to use it unless you use 64-bit

 

[Dave76]

Win7 64bit will let you use all that RAM.

 

[kbronski]

Is there a way I can tweak my 32-bit to allow the RAM usage, or would lead to severe instability?

 

[Dave76]

Not possible, it's a pathway for communication to the CPU, only 4GB wide. RAM shares it with other devices, graphics, etc. leaving approx. 3.25GB or less for RAM.

Only way to overcome this limitation is to install a 64bit OS.

 

[yowanvista]

Is there a way I can tweak my 32-bit to allow the RAM usage, or would lead to severe instability?

No there is no such tweak

 

[kbronski]

Okay. Thanks for the tips and help guys! GREATLY appreciated! I'm backing up my data right now to install 64-bit.

 

[Dave76]

Good choice, the 64bit OS is the best step to take.

Let us know if you have any questions.

 

[kbronski]

All is working well now. Thanks again everyone. I even got this Tron theme working right now.

 

[Dave76]

So I take it you installed the 64bit OS and everything is good?

 

[kbronski]

Yes, everything is working good. Although I'm wondering whether the 57 updates it did were really necessary. It ran SUPER fast when I installed, then it did updates and takes longer to boot up. Hmm.

 

[Dave76]

Glad to hear it's running better for you.

Haven't had any problems with updates, yet, hopefully it will re-gain it's speed.