6GB RAM Installed, only 3GB RAM Usable

[Dominic Warden]

ok, i have 6gb ram installed but only 3gb ram is usable why is this and how can i get it back to 6gb again.

thanks

 

[yowanvista]

In order to use all your RAM you will need a 64-bit version of Windows 7. 32-bit versions of Windows are limited to 4GB of RAM(minus memory allocated to hardware= 2.8-3.25GB of RAM usable)

 

[patio]

You need a 64bit OS to see/use any more than approx 3.5G of RAM...

 

[seavixen32]

Your system specs reveal you are using the 32-bit version of Windows, which can only recognise and utilise up to 3.25GB of RAM.

To get the full benefit of 6GB RAM you would need to install the 64-bit version of Windows.

You cannot upgrade from the 32-bit version to the 64-bit version, it would have to be a clean install.

 

[Dominic Warden]

oh ok thanks anyway.

 

[seavixen32]

You're welcome.

I would just mention that if you have a retail version of Windows it should come with two discs: one for the 32-bit version and one for the 64-bit version.

You can install one or the other, but not both at the same time.

 

[alphanumeric]

You can switch form 32 to 64 or 64 to 32 bit with OEM versions too. You just have to get your hands on the DVD you didn't get in the box. Oh, and you can't upgrade from 32 to 64, you have to re-install.

 

[Lemur]

One last thing. It's important to note your Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q8300 processor has 64-bit architecture, which allows up to reinstall your operating system to 64-bit.