Very strange memory problem 8gb installed 3.74gb usable

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  1. Posts : 67
    Windows 7
       #1

    Very strange memory problem 8gb installed 3.74gb usable


    I recently swapped in a new motherboard to upgrade my graphics. the board came from a model in the same Pavilion dv6 3xxx series.

    Everything booted fine, the bios recognizes the processor and windows installed all the missing drivers right away.

    However I can only get half of my installed memory to work. I have 64bit processor and windows 7 ultimate 64bit.

    This memory issue is a real mystery. I have tried almost every trick;

    -Uncecking memory box is msconfig advanced boot options.
    -Ran memtest86 - 6 passes took 8 hours and came out clean
    -Ran Windows memory diagnostic with no problems
    -Ran bios memort check with no issues

    Now here's the strangest part. Even though the bios and windows can detect that 8gb are installed(as in both 4gb ddr3 memory cards), the computer WILL NOT boot on on memory card in the bottom slot. there is no bios, no display but it starts. Does this not indicate a bad memory slot? I can boot with the same card in the upper slot and run fine

    But in task manager I see In a grey box "hardware reserved 4358" which is the half of the memory I cant use?

    What is the fix??
      My Computer


  2. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #2

    Can you show us this page: Control Panel\System and Security\System
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 67
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    whs said:
    Can you show us this page: Control Panel\System and Security\System
    Yes, thanks for the reply. This is the updated experience index too so you know.



      My Computer


  4. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #4

    Is Resource Monitor, sort the various memory usage columns to find what is the hardware hog there. Something is using way more that its share.

    Very strange memory problem 8gb installed 3.74gb usable-resmon.png
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 4,161
    Windows 7 Pro-x64
       #5

    Check for dirty contacts and be sure both modules are the same make, type and speed. A matched pair is essential.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 67
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Hi, here is a screen shot of that. Thanks.

      My Computer


  7. Posts : 67
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #7

    carwiz said:
    Check for dirty contacts and be sure both modules are the same make, type and speed. A matched pair is essential.
    You know the contacts look messed up, as you can see here. The bios or computer can;t be booted when using this slot by tself, but the other can. I am definitely thinking it is bad contatcs, however ALL the 8gb of ram shows in bios and in total physical memory installed in windows, so I have no way to prove this is the cause

    Open image in new window to zoom

    these are pictures I took and sent to the retailer in hopes to get a refund for this mobo. My question is WHY has this not shown up in any diagnostic programs like memtest86 or windows memory diagnostic??

      My Computer


  8. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #8

    Resource manager is no help, unfortunately.
    What is the picture of? It does look like there are 6-7 solder lugs shorted.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 4,161
    Windows 7 Pro-x64
       #9

    Oh yeah, that's toast. Looks like someone raked a screwdriver across it. A couple look like they're broken. Memory can be recognized but not functional. The BIOS just does a quick test.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 67
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #10

    carwiz said:
    Oh yeah, that's toast. Looks like someone raked a screwdriver across it. A couple look like they're broken. Memory can be recognized but not functional. The BIOS just does a quick test.
    I know. brutal


    But not 6 and a half passes with memtest86???

    Britton said:
    What is the picture of? It does look like there are 6-7 solder lugs shorted.
    That's half of the dimm slot contacts for the ddr3 memory
      My Computer


 
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