HUGE problem with Memory Detection

I bought my EVGA x58 FTW3 right when it came out, have not updated it since then, updated it like 2-3 weeks ago updated again done all the updates possible with no change. I still believe its a windows 7 problem and I can't think of anything that would change my mind other than windows 8 showing me 8 gigs.. i dont know if its just me or people arent using vista anymore but I have read many posts about this problem and none of them had anyone with windows vista having the problem.. everyone was with windows 7

as i mentioned before, ive had a double boot a couple of months back and back then i was worried i talked to evga and have been assured that this is perfectly normal.. then the problem just went away by itself

xxking, per Layback's comment, I've gone through the thread again and don't see where you've said what the BIOS shows. Does it show all 12 gigs or no? If it does then you might try installing the Windows 8 Developer Preview if you have a partition you can install it to. Check out the Windows 8 Forums for info on installing. We may be a year away from the final Win 8 but this could show itself to be interesting since nothing else has worked for you.

If the BIOS does not show all 12 gigs then we're back to hardware, i.e. motherboard.

it seems as i have 8388608 in there.. so it may actually be a hardware issue, what i cant figure out is how come layback, myself and other people have the same problem? so this is actually a chipset problem from what i can figure out and it is an intel problem and not a windows one ?
cpu pins or socket arent damaged, all memory modules checked by both of us layback even sent his mobo back and forth and it is still the same..
either way, i dont have the time to take my computer apart send it then wait for it to arrive.. i guess ill have to live with it..

xxking and Layback Bear, you have different make motherboards, but who makes your BIOS?

I have a pheonix bios

A search for BIOS problems particular to Phoenix and this platform turns up nothing really. People with my motherboard (Asus P6T) and a American Megatrends BIOS have had the same problem anyway. I looked up the approved memory list for your board and the modules you have for it are on EVGA's approved list. Problem is, some have had the problem with approved memory, and solved it with modules not on the list. Go figure.

Something is in conflict (BIOS/memory controller) as I've said previously and if you tried to track it down, say by replacing the motherboard, you'd probably still have the problem as some have done this and still not resolved it. Others have replaced the memory modules and not solved it. Replacing both the board and the memory modules probably would solve it, but then obviously you may as well throw in a new CPU and have an all new computer.

It stinks but it looks like you're stuck with it until you do decide to build a new box.

What i am wondering though is what guarantees me that a new build wouldnt have the same problems.. do you know by any chance if anyone with the p67 platform has it or is it an x58 disease ? it really does stink and as I previously said I am done upgrading this computer especially after what you just said that this is a conflict between bios and mem controller and not an issue that can be resolved by simply waiting for windows 8..

I would like to also ask you something - does this problem provide a cause to problems to come or can the computer function like this for years ?, game wise I dont notice any difference only when using programs that require lots of ram is where I see the difference. why am I asking this - because I am a gamer and I dont want to be throwing money in the air for new games to come out and later turn my computer on and it would be not functional if you know what I mean..

and once again thanks for all the help seems like my conclusions were changing and being wrong over and over

xxking said:

What i am wondering though is what guarantees me that a new build wouldnt have the same problems.. do you know by any chance if anyone with the p67 platform has it or is it an x58 disease ? it really does stink and as I previously said I am done upgrading this computer especially after what you just said that this is a conflict between bios and mem controller and not an issue that can be resolved by simply waiting for windows 8..

I would like to also ask you something - does this problem provide a cause to problems to come or can the computer function like this for years ?, game wise I dont notice any difference only when using programs that require lots of ram is where I see the difference. why am I asking this - because I am a gamer and I dont want to be throwing money in the air for new games to come out and later turn my computer on and it would be not functional if you know what I mean..

and once again thanks for all the help seems like my conclusions were changing and being wrong over and over

A new build say with the P67 chipset may not have this problem, but keep in mind that electronics can be problematic. A quick search (using "intel p67 chipset total available memory less than installed") on the P67 chipset doesn't turn up anything other than the usual 32bit operating system limitation, while changing P67 to X58 in the search turns up numerous instances of the problem. Looking through Newegg reviews I don't see mention of this problem, even though both the X58 and the P67 have integrated memory controllers. Electronics of any kind can be problematic but the majority of builds done with any motherboard will go well.

To your question about future failure of this board, it may run for years like this. What bothers me about your case though is you've said that it showed 12GB when you installed the second set, then later lost memory down to 10GB, then 8GB. This could mean the controller is failing and whether it will completely fail or continue to recognize the remaining channels only time will tell. If the computer begins to have many crashes, BSODs, then it could be the controller is continuing to fail, or one day it may simply not allow a boot.

Because of what you said about the memory going down it could be the controller itself, but I'd keep an eye on the EVGA site for any new BIOS they may put up for this board. I haven't completely given up on the idea that the BIOS itself is skewed and maybe an update flash of it later will just set it right again.

If I were in this situation and did not wish to spend cash to build new, I'd run it, and enjoy it. 8GB of memory runs Windows 7 very well (setting aside the understandable anger that you have 12GB). It may well run until you're really ready to build again.

What bothers me about your case though is you've said that it showed 12GB when you installed the second set, then later lost memory down to 10GB, then 8GB. This could mean the controller is failing and whether it will completely fail or continue to recognize the remaining channels only time will tell.

If it is the IMC then changing the motherboard won't do anything as it is integrated into the CPU.