Windows 7 64 bit only using 3.24/4GB RAM.

[Thatguy2007]

I installed Windows 7 professional 64 bit RTM on:
Dell Inspiron E1405 with 4 GB RAM
i have the latest drivers and BIOS that came out. I know that 200MB went to help the chip-set shared video memory. But wheres the rest? i need know whats going on??

Attached is a picture of the system.

Thank you,

P.S. should i just downgrade to a 32bit, since almost everything runs on 32 bit, and i'm not really benefiting from 64 bit??

 

[DeaconFrost]

Check in your BIOS for a feature called memory mapping, or something to that effect. Some people with this issue have resolved it by enabling that option, if it exists.

 

[Thatguy2007]

I have a Mobile Intel 945GM express chipset family, i will check to see if i can do that, but i doubt it, thanks tho.

 

[DeaconFrost]

The system may also be using more memory for video than you think, depdning on how that is configured as well.

 

[Thatguy2007]

i checked the BIOS it is only using 256 of video memory:

Do you think i should just down grade to a 32 bit, since I'm not using 100% of the RAM? ( plus almost everything runs on 32 bit)

Thank you.

 

[Freelancer852]

Why downgrade to 32bit? Just keep 64bit so if you ever increase your installed RAM you won't have a problem. Plus, there's not a lot of programs out there any more that you can't get running on a 64bit OS!

 

[Thatguy2007]

True but my laptop can only handle a max of 4 GB RAM (200-pin SODIMM, DDR2 PC2-5300 • CL=5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-667 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64 { i didn't find more RAM that has these exact specs}) .but yea w.e. its all good.

Thanks guys.

 

[FZ21Z]

Have you updated your Bios?

- Dell Support

 

[Thatguy2007]

yes i have (BIOS A10)

 

[zigzag3143]

Im writing this on a 1405 4gigs 32bit. 32 has a bunch of benifts. easier to find drivers, run cooler, takes lees HD space, uses less resources.

One way to find out is to backup first install 32 if there is enough space dual boot. then pick the one you prefer and delete the other

Hope this helps

Ken

 

[AlexRD]

what version of windows are you using? is it ultimate or ??

 

[FZ21Z]

Well that doesn't look good...

The tables below show the Dell systems that have been tested and are capable of running the Microsoft® Windows® 7 operating system. Please refer to the System Requirements section at bottom for additional information.

- http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/document?c=us&docid=360683&l=en&s=gen

 

[zigzag3143]

i checked the BIOS it is only using 256 of video memory:

Do you think i should just down grade to a 32 bit, since I'm not using 100% of the RAM? ( plus almost everything runs on 32 bit)

Thank you.

Why downgrade to 32bit? Just keep 64bit so if you ever increase your installed RAM you won't have a problem. Plus, there's not a lot of programs out there any more that you can't get running on a 64bit OS!

FZ

My sentiments exactly. Mine will not, really didnt think his would. Besides that 2 memory slots max memory 4gigs no upgrade so the masx usable memory is 3.25. with that memory 64bit would be thin if it can be done at all

Plus its 945 intel chipset for video and their 64bit driver s**ks.

Believe me If it could I would


Ken

 

[Thatguy2007]

hey,

Alex: I'm running windows 7 professional 64 bit RTM (build 7600).

FZ: Thats weird, i ran the Windows 7 upgrade advisor ( Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor ) and they said it was fine.

Ken: you make a good point, it most likely would run smoother, and plus ALOT of stuff is compatible on 32 bit and not so much on a 64 bit.

ALL: Do you think i should install 32 bit windows 7 professional or stick with this? (pros and cons)


Thanks

 

[FZ21Z]

hey,
FZ: Thats weird, i ran the Windows 7 upgrade advisor ( Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor ) and they said it was fine.

I think, but don't quote me, that you'll be able to run it, as you clearly are, but your bios doesn't allow it to run properly, or at least x64, evident by it only using 3.24GB, but that page would indicate that Dell won't be supporting it for use with Windows 7.

 

[zigzag3143]

win 7 32 bit

cons only able to use 3.25 gigs ram. is somewhat slower in some situations. Is an older OS

pros drivers are easier to find, it can run legacy 16 bit apps, runs cooler than 64, and is more stabile.

win 7 64

Cons drivers, heat in desktops, bigger footprint and higher ram needed. cant run 16bit, NO 64 BIT ADOBE FLASH PLAYER.

Can take tons of ram up to 192 gigs (not on destops) runs instructions more quickly so it feels faster. Is the shape of the future (2-3 years out) handles intense apps better like photoshop, and video editing.

I run both and the only time I notice a difference is when I need bleeding edge performance, like rendering, or photoshoping.

You make the call

Ken

 

[Thatguy2007]

Thanks alot Ken, I'm thinking about doing what you said earlier, splitting the hard drive and installing 32 bit windows 7 and seeing how it goes.

all i do is surf the web (firefox) do some mindless work, papers, excel etc etc etc... and the occasional games, but i heard some games don't run on 64 bit, and i feel since 32 bit is going to be smoother / faster (since it uses less resources, etc) to would run it better, my system sadly can't hold more than 4 GB of ram so i think that 32 bit is the best option.


Is there an other benifits to 64 bit other than handling more RAM and "future" and heavy apps?

Thanks again

 

[Antman]

...Is there an other benifits to 64 bit other than handling more RAM and "future" and heavy apps?

Kewl factor. With that, all the benefits are addressed. Benifits too..

 

[chrisf8657]

The 945 chipset in your laptop does not support 4GB.

From Wikipedia:

Lakeport (945xx) chipsets lacks support for remapping memory; the size of addressable memory space may be less than 4 GB, regardless whether the processor operates in 64-bit mode.

Sorry

 

[Zidane24]

The 945 chipset in your laptop does not support 4GB.

From Wikipedia:

Lakeport (945xx) chipsets lacks support for remapping memory; the size of addressable memory space may be less than 4 GB, regardless whether the processor operates in 64-bit mode.

Sorry

I was reading the thread and I went straight to wikipedia and was about to post this...

Chris is correct...the reason is the chipset not anything else. I would still recommend sticking with 64-bit because it takes full advantage of the processor and is faster in some situations but as Ken said it is up to you...

Just to clear a little confusion that might arise...eventhough there is no Flash Player for x64 most people use IE(32-bit) on Windows 7 x64 regardless. It is the default pinned IE on the Superbar at installation. I am making this statement to make sure folks don't take Ken's statement as "No Flash Player possible for x64 systems"