Hi, I recently upgraded the RAM on my computer from 1GB (512x2) to 3 GB (512x2 and 1GBx2). In BIOS it correctly displays 3GB of RAM but in system properties it only detects 2.5GB? Does this mean it is not using the 3GB or it isnt just displaying all of it. I know that, that amount is not being used for graphics because I also have a nVidia GeForce 8500GT 512MB graphics card. Is there a way I can fix this or do I not need to worry about it? Thanks in advance for the help. I have searched the forums and google to no avail.

 

 

 

P.S. Here are my system stats:

 

About the only thing I can think of you trying would be to do Start -> Run -> "msconfig" (without the quotations). Go to Boot.INI and then click the Advanced Options button. From there, verify that the MAXMEM field is unchecked. Again, that's the only thing I can think of it being. Maybe someone with a bit more building/diagnosis ability than me can help you if this doesn't work.

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: Short of what I have told you to modify, DO NOT modify anything else, as I have no clue what other changes might bring about.

All of the options in the advanced window are unchecked. thanks for contribution anyway.

right click on my computer > properties > advanced tab > performance > advanced tab

 

 

 

Yell me how much memory it says under virtual memory.

 

 

 

The reason for this is that Windows XP 32bit has a hardware limitation that it can only access 4GBs of total ram (including video ram, physical ram and virtual memory). You may be over this limit with your new ram upgrade.

it says 3000MB which is now quite 3 gigs. if you add it all up then i would have a total of about 6.5 GB should i reduce the size of the virtual memory?

Google "PCI memory remapping" and you should find a answer. I apologize for being lazy and not spoon feeding you.

Google "PCI memory remapping" and you should find a answer. I apologize for being lazy and not spoon feeding you.

 

 

 

ok thanks, ill look that up later

I looked up PCI Memory Remapping and found no information that could help me. I read about an option in BIOS to go around the "PCI Memory Hole" but found no option in my BIOS or even anything editable in the Memory department.

it does sound like a windows problem rather than hardware,

 

as the bios recognises them

 

 

 

but lets start with the basics..

 

 

 

what's ur mobo?

 

 

 

are the chips all the same frequency.

 

 

 

have you run a memory checker?

 

 

 

have you swapped the order of the chips?

 

 

 

are they paired? ie 1gb 1gb 512 512 (rather than matching branded pairs)

 

 

 

which chip is closest to processor.

 

 

 

are any of them high density.

 

 

 

are they definately all seated properly?

 

 

 

I know these are pretty basic questions, but you wouldnt believe the amount of times i've tried to help on a post, spent hours just to find out someone had the wrong ram or a mobo that only accepted a certain amount of memory max etc..

 

 

 

so best to start with the basics I always think.

 

 

 

isn't remapping generally a 4gig+ issue? he only has 3 gig.

 

 

 

if all those are good then it is definately windows related, we'll go from there.

what's ur mobo?: Dell 0WG864

 

 

 

are the chips all the same frequency? : yes

 

 

 

have you run a memory checker?: yes it passed all tests in Quik Tech 8 (my boss has it a work)

 

 

 

have you swapped the order of the chips?: i tried and when i attempted to boot up my computer made an odd buzzing sound for a second or 2 then i turned it off. it refused to boot with the ram in different slots.

 

 

 

are they paired? ie 1gb 1gb 512 512 (rather than matching branded pairs)?: yes

 

 

 

which chip is closest to processor?: the first 512 one

 

 

 

are any of them high density? what do you mean?

 

 

 

are they definately all seated properly?: Yes i triple checked that

Your problem is that you're using Windows XP. 32 bit processors support 4gb yes, but Windows XP limits it to 3.2-3.5 depending on some other stuff you have in your computer.

Even though your question has been answered....

 

 

 

 

 

Just so you know, some of your ram goes to your video card, and oddly, my comp gives some to data recovery.

oh well, my computer is still a lot faster so i guess it doesnt matter

Even though your question has been answered....

 

 

 

 

 

Just so you know, some of your ram goes to your video card, and oddly, my comp gives some to data recovery.

 

 

 

Only if he has an integrated graphics card, and he doesn't. You would know that if you read the whole thread.

Start -> Run -> DxDiag.

 

 

 

See how much RAM it tells you there.

 

 

 

If not reinstall the RAM from largest 1g to the 512's.

Start -> Run -> DxDiag.

 

 

 

See how much RAM it tells you there.

 

 

 

If not reinstall the RAM from largest 1g to the 512's.

 

 

 

i did dxdiag and it said 2558MB. i ran CPU-Z and it says 3GB. i tried putting the RAM in different slots and i got weird beeping sounds when i tried to boot up the computer

Hi coldvenom,

 

 

 

Thanks for your helpful info. =D> Will you tell me any website for more information.

 

 

 

Thanks,

 

 

 

Mark.