Windows reporting less memory usable

[tw33k]

I was having a debate about this issue and my friend suggested the problem could be that the heatsink is on too tight. I told him "That's ridiculous!" He pointed me to this site where it is listed as a possible solution to this problem. (see point 8 Asus X58 + 6/12GB memory overclocking - detecting less memory than installed - i4memory.com - different look at memory)

I've never heard of this and can't find reference to it anywhere else.

So my question is: Do you think this is a valid fix? Have you seen this fix the problem?

To be clear, the problem I mean is that in System Properties Windows reports, for example, 4GB RAM installed (3GB usable) in a 64bit OS.

 

[yowanvista]

To be clear, the problem I mean is that in System Properties Windows reports, for example, 4GB RAM installed (3GBusable)

Maybe its a 32-bit system

the heatsink is on too tight.

Heatsinks have nothing to do with RAM but some points in this list are true

 

[tw33k]

To be clear, the problem I mean is that in System Properties Windows reports, for example, 4GB RAM installed (3GBusable)

Maybe its a 32-bit system

I should have been clearer. I meant in a 64bit OS. Updated 1st post

The theory behind the idea is that a tight heatsink could have bent a pin or 2 on the CPU and that is why it is using less RAM. Doesn't sound right to me but maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Orbital Shark]

What results do you get running Resource Monitor (type resmon into the start box)? Click the 'Memory' tab...

 

[tw33k]

It's not my problem. It was a debate I was having with someone.

 

[Orbital Shark]

The reason I mention that is if there's any Hardware Reserved memory it's probably being used by his video card (if shared memory is present).

 

[tw33k]

OK..I'll be clearer. This is theoretical. The usual fixes don't work (it's not the graphics card, remapping in the BIOS, Max Memory is unticked) Some say that the heatsink has bent CPU pins and this is why it is reporting less RAM is available. Loosening the heatsink/waterblock is the answer (like it says in the link I posted)

 

[Orbital Shark]

Just trying to add more fuel for ya

 

[tw33k]

No need. He may be right but I can't find any evidence that suggests he is other than site I linked in the 1st post.

 

[Kliton x64]

I had such a problem, and the problem was in the processor because it does not suport to all my frame 6GB DDR3, but suporto Installed 6GB (4GB Usable),Ultimately I decided a little more powerful processor, and everything is set straight.

You apologize for my poor English

 

[Desslok]

Doesn't make sense to me. When we first started getting servers with that socket, me and a colleague did bend a few pins ona couple servers at first. Those things wouldn't even POST. And the way the pins bend, letting up pressure should make the problem worse theoretically because then you are airgapping those pins that were bent. Maybe that was a "Coincidental fix" for someone. You know how sometimes when trying to fix an issue, the simple fact of jostling something around "fixes" the issue, kind of like how Telcos fix a lot of problems by clearing the line to test it, report back "No Problem Found" and that magically clears the issue.

 

[tw33k]

That's what I think.

 

[GeneO]

I was having a debate about this issue and my friend suggested the problem could be that the heatsink is on too tight. I told him "That's ridiculous!" He pointed me to this site where it is listed as a possible solution to this problem. (see point 8 Asus X58 + 6/12GB memory overclocking - detecting less memory than installed - i4memory.com - different look at memory)

I've never heard of this and can't find reference to it anywhere else.

So my question is: Do you think this is a valid fix? Have you seen this fix the problem?

To be clear, the problem I mean is that in System Properties Windows reports, for example, 4GB RAM installed (3GB usable) in a 64bit OS.

If it were a hardware problem then it should show up as a deficit in installed RAM, not "Usable". "Usable" RAM is a Windows/BIOS memory management concept above the hardware.

Though I have heard of many weird things, this doesn't seem very plausible.

- Gene

 

[tw33k]

Thanks for the confirmation GeneO