Unusable RAM

I was running 32 bit Vista with 4GB RAM installed, and 2.99GB available. I installed Windows 7 32 bit and got the same, expected, result. I now have the Windows 7 RC 64 bit installed but still cannot access all the RAM.
It seems to be a BIOS problem because SIW lists the four RAM modules correctly, but the BIOS only finds 2.99GB.
Any ideas?

Roger

 

Hi Roger,

Check the motherboard manual. The motherboard will have a maximum amount of RAM that can be installed, it might be 3GB. Also read about arranging the RAM in the slots and what size modules it can use. For example, it may run 2 modules of 2GB, but if you install 4 X 1GB, it might only recognise 3GB.

Matt

 

Hi Matt,

I'm about to give up on this! Completely in line with the mobo requirements, two pairs of Kingston 1GB cards = 4GB - each individual card works OK if mounted singly,giving 1GB - each matched pair works OK, giving 2GB DDR at 3200.
Using the other matched pair:
Installing a third 1GB card gives 2.992GB at 2700, adding the last card changes nothing. Changing the order of installing the pairs gives the same result.
SIW shows four cards of 1GB installed, and all the timings are shown as identical.
I am now convinced that the mobo has a problem using four memory cards.

Roger

 

Just a follow-up.
Buried in the BIOS - Max usable memory . . . 2992mB!
Queried with Asus now.

Roger

 

As I said above Steve. Installed memory is as specified by the mobo manual to the stated maximum of 4GB. The BIOS has imposed a limit of 2992mB. I have asked the board makers, Asus, why.

Roger

 

Steve,

It Is NOT the mobo imposing this 2992mB limitation it is the BIOS. The maximum for the mobo is 4GB. Asus have suggested that I try the "memory remap feature" but unfortunately this feature is not shown in the BIOS nor in the mobo manual, so another question for them to answer!
Roger

 

What's the motherboard make and model number Roger?

 

It's an Asus A8V-X and there is only one bios available. I am still waiting for the Asus tech to explain about the 'memory remap facility'.
The mobo has been faultless up to now, but going into the bios set-up, and under Memory it just says 'Maximum usable 2992mB' although the manual says 4gB using 4 x 1gB cards.
Frustrating ! ! !

Roger

 

Seems like you have checked through the motherboard manual. When you mention Asus, I have always known them them to be fussy about RAM. It might be a slight incompatibility with the make of RAM module. The total amount might be higher than 4GB, say 4020MB, if that is more than the "limit" it might drop back to 3GB.

Matt

 

Yes Arie,
I have found out that I am not alone with this problem, I visited the Asus forums and there are several people complaining about the limitation. Basically, the only way to cure it is a new BIOS!

Roger