Can see 8gb in BIOS, but only 4 useable

Britton30 · 04 Jul 2014

Layback Bear said:

I have had one bad memorial module when installed cut the bios memory in half.
That is why it is important to test one module at a time.
I don't really know how that happens. That is why I'm running 24 gigs instead of 32 gigs.
If I install 32 gigs bios will show 16 gbs because of the bad module.
Some day when I can get to the Post Office I will RMA the bad ram.

Exactly why I pointed out the one odd module there.

Layback Bear · 04 Jul 2014

My post was just a little verification that your recommended method do/did work because it worked for me. It did take some time with 8 memory modules.

nolube · 04 Jul 2014

Well, 19 passes while I drank beer and no errors. Bill please see attached..

Think I was trying to update the BIOS incorrectly, I think I need to put it on a CD and boot from that? Also I would like to back up my current BIOS first.. Could someone recommend a way to do that please?

Britton30 · 04 Jul 2014

Check your motherboard manual, some have a dual BIOS which keeps one in its ROM chip.

There are several suggestions here you should try too. One step at a time.

sygnus21 · 04 Jul 2014

Your owners manual should tell you how to update the BIOS, but no, no CD is needed. If needed, you can also get instructions here - GIGABYTE How to Reflash Motherboard BIOS

I have a couple of Gigabyte motherboards myself and prefer to use @BIOS, which is Windows based, usually in the form of an .exe. Some may tell you not to do it through Windows but it is the easiest way to update a BIOS. Just make sure you read and follow the instruction, and DO NOT restart the PC during the BIOS update unless told to do so.

Oh, and you might disable any screen savers or power management until the BIOS is updated. This keeps the PC from going to sleep or the monitor from shutting off.

Some of the warnings may sound intimidating, but doing it by @BIOS is very simple and quick. You'll need to download the latest BIOS from here first before proceeding to use @BIOS

Let us know.

nolube · 04 Jul 2014

I've got to go out but will look at this later, here are some other random snaps of my BIOS for the meantime. I couldn't find XMP in there... Also, should that 32-bit be changed to 64-bit because I have Windows 64-bit?

Britton30 · 04 Jul 2014

XMP may be listed under the MIT section, it's considered overclocking.
The HPET is High Precision Event Timer and 32 bit is fine.

nolube · 04 Jul 2014

My brother has the 'exact' same PC and his is OK.

Layback Bear · 04 Jul 2014

It would be helpful if you filled in your system specs the best you can.

Layback Bear · 04 Jul 2014

From post #1.
I don't know the bios of this motherboard but it seem that something in the bios is not allowing the ram to be used. The bios sees the ram. The ram slots are not enabled.
I know it shouldn't matter in bios but it keep bringing me back to Brittons30 # 4 post.

Can you boot into Windows 7??