8GB of RAM installed, only 1.92GB usable


  1. SebMarsh
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit
       New #1

    8GB of RAM installed, only 1.92GB usable


    Hey all,

    I've recently built a new PC with 8GB of RAM installed on the motherboard (2 sticks of 4GB). The operating system is Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit. When checking over my specifications, everything was in order apart from the RAM which stated 8GB was installed, but only 1.92GB were usable.

    I know that the wasted RAM is something to do with the 32-bit operating system but is there anything I can do to slightly boost this while I try to get my hands on a 64-bit operating system? Also, will installing a 64-bit OS definitely ensure that all 8GB are being used?

    Thanks in advance!
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  3. strollin
    Posts : 3,371
    W10 Pro desktop, W11 laptop, W11 Pro tablet (all 64-bit)
       New #2

    32-bit Win 7 can use between 3 and 4GB of RAM, usually around 3.6GB. 64-bit should be able to use the whole 8GB. The fact that you're only using 1.9GB suggests that part of your RAM is being used by the system for something else. You may need to peruse your BIOS to see if any of your RAM has been diverted to serve another purpose. I would guess shared video RAM but see in your system specs that you have a discrete video card so that wouldn't be the reason.
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  4. Gator
    Posts : 1,810
    Dual Boot: Windows 8.1 & Server 2012r2 VMs: Kali Linux, Backbox, Matriux, Windows 8.1
       New #3

    Did you try using Readyboost?

    ReadyBoost - Setup and Use
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  6. SebMarsh
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    I've never heard of ReadyBoost, I'll look into it.

    I'll look through my BIOS for some information there and post back, thanks :)
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  7. SebMarsh
    Posts : 3
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    Alright, sorry for the late reply, been buys with other stuff.

    I've looked through my motherboard settings, but there doesn't seem to be anything actually telling me where the memory is being used, just that there's 8GB detected. Anyone have any idea how to see where memory is going on a MSI X79A-GD45?
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  8. strollin
    Posts : 3,371
    W10 Pro desktop, W11 laptop, W11 Pro tablet (all 64-bit)
       New #6

    Here's a link to the MS website for things to try: The usable memory may be less than the installed memory on Windows 7-based computers
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  10. stormy13
    Posts : 6,879
    Win 7 Ultimate x64
       New #7

    Great suggestions from all of the above, but the only solution in this situation is to install 64 bit Windows.
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  11. AddRAM
    Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       New #8

    You have the activation key, just download the 64 bit version of Ultimate, burn it to a dvd and install it.

    And no, simply installing 64 bit does not guarantee it will all be used, it`s all about the motherboard.

    Open resource monitor, it will show you where the memory is being used.

    Task Manager>Performance>Resource Monitor>Memory


    If you read the specs for your board, it clearly states it can support up to 64 GBs.

    http://us.msi.com/product/mb/X79A-GD45.html#/?div=Basic
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