Solved 4GB Installed only 2GB usable?

[RoasterMen]

Hi! I need help with these problem pissing me off since yesterday.

I bought a stick of 4GB DDR3 1333mhz. I installed it on my PC, motherboard detects it no problems until I log on to my PC and go to system information only to see this:

and to the task manager and resource monitor:

I've tried every solution I found on the internet and they don't work. Is this normal? I'm supposed to get around 3.60 GB of memory usable.

 

[townsbg]

I'm not sure if this would make a difference but the specs say ddr2 and either 667 or 800 mhz.

Memory upgrade information

• Dual channel memory architecture
• Two 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets
• Supported DIMM types:
  • PC2-5300 (667 MHz)
  • PC2-6400 (800 MHz)
• Non-ECC memory only, unbuffered
• Supports 2GB DDR2 DIMMs
• Supports up to 4 GB* on 32 bit PCs
  • 32 bit PCs cannot address a full 4.0 GB of memory.

HP Pavilion a6540d Desktop PC Product Specifications | HP® Customer Support

 

[RoasterMen]

I've already changed my motherboard. Check my system specs

 

[Alejandro85]

Note that you have a 32 bits version of Windows. Those simply refuse to use all your memory beyond 4GB, and a little more actually because of installed hardware. This is a known design flaw.

Another thing to account for is the hardware, especially the video card. Those tend to use the RAM address space for its own memory, preventing the system use it. Since x86 Windows refuse to enable PAE mode, the only possible solution is to migrate to 64 bits version.

 

[RoasterMen]

Ah...I understand now. Thank you very much!

 

[AddRAM]

These are the specs for the board in specs, it supports 8 GB of memory, so install 64 bit and 8 GB of ram, and get a Core 2 Quad in that thing

The cpu you have in it only runs at 800 MHz where as the core 2 quad will run at 1333 MHz

BIOSTAR :: Motherboard


Supported Core 2 Quads

BIOSTAR :: Motherboard


Find a Q9550 on Ebay

Intel® Coreâ„¢2 Quad Processor Q9550 (12M Cache, 2.83 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB) Specifications

 

[RoasterMen]

I think I might invest in a atleast 430 or 450 watt power supply first. Core 2 Quads are so cheap in here and the Core 2 Duo E8400 is cutting it really close with the price (It sells at around $15-$18 where as the Quads sell around $20-$30)

 

[AddRAM]

OMG that is sooo cheap, get the Core 2 Quad, I can`t believe you can get one for that price.

Your PSU is fine for now, you`re not running anything intensive, upgarde the cpu and ram 1st.

When you get a decent card, then worry about a PSU.

And here`s another thing about memory found in the MB specs, because your CPU is only running at a 800 MHz Front Side Bus, your 1333 MHz memory you bought will only run at 800 MHz.

Support Dual Channel DDR3 800/1066/1333(OC) MHz
2 x DDR3 DIMM Memory Slot
Max. Supports up to 8GB Memory
Note: FSB800 CPU only support DDR3-800

The 4th line that says Note: States that.

Post a shot of CPU-Z showing the Memory Tab.


That motherboard would run so much better with a Core 2 Quad Q9550 and 8 GB 2 x 4GB sticks of 1333 MHz


And why oh why are you running a 5400 RPM hard drive ??????

Put a Samsung EVO 850 250 GB in that case for the operating system.

Then install Windows 7 SP1 64 bit, we will post you the link to download the iso file.

 

[RoasterMen]

Ah...I thought the memory clock speed will stay at 1333mhz. I guess I just got used to DDR2 memory

I have another 4GB DDR3 but this time it's 1600mhz, also have 2GB (1GB/stick) which has 1333mhz clock and will try if I can swap it with a Core 2 Quad.

 

[AddRAM]

You can try the 1600 MHz stick, it may work it may not, but remember it will only run at 1333.

Try the 1600 memory stick by itself to see if windows boots, if you ever get the quad.

Good Luck