My Computer properties tells me that I have 4 GB Ram gut only 3 GB usable. Would anyone know why that is? Also, I went to Microsoft to download a RAM tester but it doesn't work in win7. Does anyone know how I might test my RAM? Dell XPS 410 with 4 GB RAM, I installed two GB myself, the computer came with two. I would think if the computer finds 4 GB then it should all be usable?
Thanks...
With XP and Vista not 7 for the 32bit Windows XP is limited to approximately 3.12gb usable while Vista and 7 32bit versions see about 3.578gb in that area while the rest is mapped out to hardwares. This is the limitations on the 32bit kernel and to be expected. The properties is simply reporting the correct amount of physical memory installed on the system not what is available for use as far as active ram.
To see the full 4gb or more memory available for running large memory hungry demanding programs like CAD, graphics, video the move is then turned to running the 64bit Windows which provides far more memory addresses in nature and will see the additional memory available for use.
As you will see many here are running 6gb, 8gb, and some even more memory having the 64bit Vista and/or 7 installed. Most are running the 64bit 7 be default if everything has drivers available. Unlike waits on the 64bit as well as 32bit for Vista 7 support has been much better especially for the 64bit! MS insisted on that!
In the mean time you could theoretically make up for your "missing" ram using Windows Readyboost. It's not a permanent solution, but may increase your performance until you upgrade to a 64-bit OS.
Insert a flash drive of atleast 4GB, right click on it in explorer, Properties, Readyboost, Use this device if available.
Well - it's because your computer is most-likley(didnt read your specs) 32-bit. You need a 64-bit computer+drivers+OS to fully get support for 4 GB of Ram or Above. So - just upgrade the OS as soon as you can, and check if your hardware is 64-bit compatible.
-DD
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