Why is only half of my RAM usable?

[LMiller7]

The problem is that you are using a 32 bit OS. For all 32 bit client versions of Windows the maximum RAM is 4 GB of which roughly 3.25 will be accessible.

The only way to access all (nearly all) 8 GB is to install a 64 bit OS. That would mean a clean install of the OS plus all applications.

 

[essenbe]

I'm having the same issue.
I have reseated each of the 4 RAM modules.
With all 4 modules installed it shows 8.00 GB (3.21 GB usable).
I have booted with only 2 installed, and it shows as 4.00 GB installed, but still the 3.21 usable.

You are running a 32 bit OS. An X86 OS is only capable of recognizing about 3.5 GB of ram no matter how much you install. An X64 OS would probably recognize all of it.

OOps, I didn't see LMiller's response before I posted.

 

[AddRAM]

You could always make another partition and install 64 bit windows Pro and see if it indeed does change anything. Your 32 bit key will work for 64 bit.

 

[brucehobson]

I had the same problem. My answer was to disable shadowplayonsystemstart from Nvidia from my system boot. I then got all of my memory back.

 

[essenbe]

The thread you are posting to is an October 2013 thread. Plus you are running an X64 OS.