4GB Installed only 2GB usable

[RoasterMen]

Sorry guys, I had to post another topic about this.

I already understand why PAE isn't enabled on 32-bit versions. This is making me uncomfortable seeing that only a half of the memory is being used and the remaining is sitting there doing nothing. I'm not even getting better performance it's basically just the same with my older setup.

Before I had 2GB of ram installed (in a 1 X 1 format, in dual channel) and System Information reports 2GB with no usable for additional information.

Now that I've swapped in a new motherboard (which is a DDR3 one), System Information reports that I only have 2GB usable out of 4GB (Single Stick 4GB)

I've checked hardware reserved, here's what it said:

According to my research, it should be using around 3.50 to 3.80GB for the RAM and the rest for the hardware. I've already tried using my 1GB graphics card on another identical system and is reporting 3.60GB of ram usable.

Is there a way of pushing it to atleast 3GB?

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hello Roaster maybe I am being a little over simplistic but have you tried the stick in the other slot?? and then looked in the Task Manager. I am asking because I am thinking maybe the stick is not good which in that case you might run a memtest on it.

 

[Layback Bear]

Your motherboard specs.

MEMORY 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

Your motherboard is dual channel. Which means with one stick of ram you are only in single channel.
It appears that each memory slot will only handle up to 4gb of ram.
You should have 2/4 gb ram modules.

BIOSTAR :: Motherboard

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Yep thats right Jack and why I wondered what if anything happened if the stick was put into the number two slot. Now it did also occur to me that some boards have a definite order of which slot to use first though I couldn't find anything on that board which is getting on in life.

 

[RoasterMen]

Just checked the second RAM slot, it's not working. I put in a 1GB stick, it boots but only detects the 4GB one. I put in the 4GB stick on the other slot (that I am using), computer will have power but will not boot. No sticks installed then it will beep like it's tapping too fast. I couldn't install my second 4GB ram because it's incompatible.

I will try to run memtest when I have time as I am currently in the university.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Having 2gb's as hardware reserved is ultimately your problem,
I'd look through your bios settings and see if you see any reasons for it.

 

[RoasterMen]

Just checked the bios. My 4GB ram is fully detected. It says "4096 MB"

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi
Yes but is there this setting and what does it show as reserved

 

[RoasterMen]

Hello

I went to the BIOS and this is what I could find. I have classes in the afternoon and I am currently on my way back when I posted this.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Possibly you should enable memory remapping Oops better memory hole or try optimize defaults ?
Something is off onboard graphic's should be disabled when a real gpu is installed
I have a grand total of 1mb hardware reserved even though the bios shows otherwise

It either that or you have changed something in msconfig boot advanced options

 

[RoasterMen]

Hello again, just lucky to be connected on someone's wireless connection.

I have the maxmimum memory checked off in msconfig, I have yet to set everything in default once I get back home.

Will post the results later.

 

[Layback Bear]

Good call Mike.

There has been a few other threads with people changing Advanced Boot Options.
Must be the gravitational pull of the moon or maybe global warming.

 

[RoasterMen]

Hey guys, just some heads up.

I went into the BIOS and set everything to default, applied it then proceeded to boot my computer to Windows. I checked the system information again but it's still saying the same thing.

I tried another method which is to set everything to default, went to the north bridge option then disabled the graphics memory option. I just can't find an option to completely disable the onboard GPU. I'm using a dedicated graphics card so I am wondering if the onboard GPU is off?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Do you have VMWare installed ?

 

[RoasterMen]

Nope, not a single virtual emulation software in my system.

 

[ThrashZone]

This is sort of interesting possibly Jack posted this earlier seeing you're on 32 bit might be another possibility

* The Max shared memory size will be available only when 4GB memory or more installed on Motherboard under the 64-bit OS.

BIOSTAR :: Motherboard

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hmm well personally the fact that the slot does not pick up the stick smacks to me of it (the slot) being bad and has me wondering about them board even.
What I would do is to put sticks in each slot and run the memtest if you get errors up with the second slot having some RAM installed then I would be very surprised if the slot was the problem. In that event then you are only going to get 3-4GB available eh? I am also saying this because your board is a considerable vintage now and just maybe the problem. The BIOS I am assuming it is up to date??

I am also assuming you have checked the speed of the 4GB stick as I seem to remember the RAM speed as being 800?? It could be that the wrong speed stick is causing issues with a lower speed stick or a higher speed not being accessed fully. Am just surmising here and maybe I could be very wrong.

Having said that the board does support 533- 1333 RAM. Just out of morbid curiosity what brand of RAM are you using??

 

[ThrashZone]

Yep it is looping back to the ram
What is the original ram and is it still functioning ?
Crucial.com - Crucial System Scanner

 

[ICIT2LOL]

In addition to Mikes suggestion you can run this HWiNFO, HWiNFO32/64 - Download < download the right bit version - when open close the small windows at the start and go to the left hand listings for the components - pick Memory - see my pic and you will see an in depth detail exactly what my RAM is

 

[RoasterMen]

Hello guys, I just came here to upload the HWiNFO screenshots. I couldn't do the memtest because I have a flu