Solved Memory upgrade not all usable

[Bobthebass]

Hi there,

I have just added 4Gb Crucial memory (2x2Gb) to my existing 2Gb RAM (2 x 1Gb) for 6 Gb total. The system info shows 6Gb but only 4.94Gb usable.

Any suggestions as to the difference and how I might get more usable memory?

n.b. When only 2 Gb was installed it all appeared usable.

(I have looked and Max Memory is unchecked in msconfig)

Screenshots attached of System screen and the memory tab of resource center

 

[richc46]

Welcome
I know that crucial tells you what you should use, but the first rule is dont mix and match, nothing but trouble
Second take a memory test to see if its the slots or the sticks or neither
Guide to using Memtest86+ - Geeks to Go Forums

To the future posters, lets not get into the mix and match thing. If thats not the problem, here fine, lets just find out what is the problem.

 

[Bobthebass]

Aha, and the Crucial tool looked so helpful for picking the right kit

I will download and use the Memtest program.

Do you think it is worth updating the BIOS for my mobo??

 

[richc46]

After we know the results of the test, we go to the next step.
Be sure to run all the sticks for 8 passes.
Then take a good stick and test each slot for 8 passes.
This will let us know something.
It might not be mix and match in your case, but it is a no no. In the future, just spend a few bucks more and get all at once.

 

[LiquidSnak]

Your machine is recognizing all 6 GB, but only five are available due to one being "hardware reserved." I am not sure what is using it, but something is, and needs to be corrected, as you have no problems using 2GB, and you do not have onboard graphics that are in use from what I gather from your system specifications.

 

[Bobthebass]

I think I solved it without checking the memory.

Based on other posts, I decided to check the BIOS options while rebooting.

Memory remapping was disabled. I enabled it, and now no memory is showing up as hardware reserved.

I have the full 6Gb!!

 

[richc46]

Great glad that you got it sorted.

 

[Bobthebass]

Thank you for the advice. I am really enjoying SevenForums. It is full of kind, helpful, knowledgeable folk!

Next task - upgrade graphics card (And yes, I'll be back here if it goes wrong!!)

 

[LiquidSnak]

Glad to hear it. It's always nice when it's not a hardware issue, but machines thinking too hard about what they should be doing lol.