Not using all the ram

I'm fixing a computer for my sister and she wanted Windows 7. The only problem (I think) is that it say's the computer has 4GB ram but it only uses 2.7GB ram. But in Vista (the previous install) it was 4GB. So the ram's not broken (I think...). But before I start a livecd to see if the ram works properly I was hoping someone could shed some light on the situation.

As always; thanks for reading ^^

Third3ye said:

I'm fixing a computer for my sister and she wanted Windows 7. The only problem (I think) is that it say's the computer has 4GB ram but it only uses 2.7GB ram. But in Vista (the previous install) it was 4GB. So the ram's not broken (I think...). But before I start a livecd to see if the ram works properly I was hoping someone could shed some light on the situation.

As always; thanks for reading ^^

Hi and welcome

32 bit win 7 (except for a few mobo's) can only access 3.3gigs of 4. In her case she may also have an integrated video chipset which uses 512mb of ram. It has been discussed around here in case you want to read more about it just do a search.

Hope this helps

Ken

I think Ken's explanation is the most likely one.

Although there have been some issues with certain hardware that limits the amount of physical memory that Windows labels as "usable".