Upgrading Ram on Alienware Computer

[ULLYSES]

hey guys my computer is 5yrs old and im slowly going through the process of updating the old girl and started with the RAM.

i have upgraded the RAM from 3 GB to 8 GB and the computer is working the same as before but on the system page it says the following

Installed memory (RAM): 8.00 GB (3.00 GB Usable)

how can i get it to use the whole 8 GB??

Thanks in Advance

Ullyses

 

[rvbfan]

Are you using a 64 bit operating system?

 

[ULLYSES]

Are you using a 64 bit operating system?

no the 32 bit

 

[koolkat77]

You need 64bit in order to use all available ram.

 

[ULLYSES]

You need 64bit in order to use all available ram.

thats a bit of a let down i cant upgrade to 64 bit till i finish upgrades.... ok thx guys for the infomation....

 

[DeaconFrost]

You don't have your system specs filled in, but what processor do you have installed? The memory limit on 32 bit OSes is a commonly known fact. Always remember to do some quick research before making a purchase.

In fact, let us know your full system specs, and we might be able to save you some hassle. Depending on the system, it might not be worth your while to upgrade it.

 

[pparks1]

Also, what was the rationale behind upgrading RAM from 3GB to 8GB? Did you have a need for more RAM, or did you just assume that increasing the amount of RAM would make the system run faster. In most cases, going from 3GB to 8GB won't make a noticeable difference, unless you use applications that really make use of the RAM.

 

[ULLYSES]

Also, what was the rationale behind upgrading RAM from 3GB to 8GB? Did you have a need for more RAM, or did you just assume that increasing the amount of RAM would make the system run faster. In most cases, going from 3GB to 8GB won't make a noticeable difference, unless you use applications that really make use of the RAM.

well i've added what i can find of my system info, and i added the RAM becouse it was the easy first step to upgrading the whole system next im getting a Solid State Drive next and an Extra graphics card or maybe a whole new card i haven't decided on that yet it will come down to funds at the time i go to get it.

 

[Layback Bear]

IMHO we need to know exactly what motherboard you have. A little free program I use. Piriform Speccy.

 

[bobkn]

Your Core2 Q8200 supports 64 bit instructions:

Intel® Core)

As far as I know, all motherboards that support 64 bit CPUs will also support a 64 bit OS.

Why do you say "i cant upgrade to 64 bit till i finish upgrades"? Shouldn't cost you anything - your license key should work with both 32 and 64 bit versions. You'd have to do a clean install of the 64 bit version anyway; no in-place upgrades are supported.

 

[ULLYSES]

Your Core2 Q8200 supports 64 bit instructions:

Intel® Core)

As far as I know, all motherboards that support 64 bit CPUs will also support a 64 bit OS.

Why do you say "i cant upgrade to 64 bit till i finish upgrades"? Shouldn't cost you anything - your license key should work with both 32 and 64 bit versions. You'd have to do a clean install of the 64 bit version anyway; no in-place upgrades are supported.

when i get my new drive ill do it this one is neally full so im getting a SSD