Solved 4 GB of Physical Memory but 1.74 GB Usable

[Murphy1138]

Just came across this, First thing you need to check with stuff like this is your Motherboard Chipset.

For instance I have an Old Dell M90 Precision - Dell says you can stick 4GB in it - You can, however the Intel Chip set that is in the M90 - the 945 cant address over 3.3GB regardless of OS installed.

I would be that HP just chucked in a newer models MOBO that can address all the space...
I have seen this with many off the shelf systems that you can buy from PC World...

 

[Ahurtado]

I know I'm very late to the scene, but my laptop is a tad bit old. I have the HP Presario CQ62. I bought memory for the ram and I basically experienced the same issue. I did absolutely everything suggested except take it in for repair...because it's 2016 and there's no more warranty.

So, based of the solution I read on page 8 (or 7, can't remember), I'll need to replace the motherboard?

Here's my dilemma... I wanted to restore this laptop for myself. I did a factory reset, installed windows office (which I can't redo apparently) and bought memory, all the while being currently unemployed. I don't have the funds to by a new laptop... I was hoping to use this laptop for school, studying and one day work if needed. In other words, I'm on a budget... so I have time make sure I understand the solution to this problem.

Is the solution to buy and replace the motherboard? Any other recommendations?