4GB of ram installed, 2.8GB available...wtf?

[jas420221]

Ok I know the system takes up some memory. But I have never seen less than 3.2-3.4GB available unless it was an SLI machine. I dont have SLI and its only a 512MB card.

I do have X-fi extreme gamer, but it only has 64mb onboard.

Any suggestions on where that other 400MB+ may have went?

EDIT: Let me try to be more clear...

I only see 2.8Gb allocated. I know in 32bit vista I should only be able to see 3.2-3.4Ghz allocated. Im missing about 400mb. After I boot Vista (~800mb), I only show 2GB free of 2.8Ghz. Im wondering why my system has allocated more than what I usually see which is ~3.2Gb.

[ExodusC]

Ok I know the system takes up some memory.
The system takes memory, but it should be shown under your maximum available memory. You're probably on a 32-bit operating system, aren't you? A 32-bit operating system is only able to address 4GB of memory at one time, so it has to address your graphics card's 512MB of memory, etc.

Now exactly where the rest of your RAM has gone, I don't know. Why don't you just use a 64-bit operating system? It would most likely solve this problem.

[jas420221]

The system takes memory, but it should be shown under your maximum available memory. You're probably on a 32-bit operating system, aren't you? A 32-bit operating system is only able to address 4GB of memory at one time, so it has to address your graphics card's 512MB of memory, etc.

Now exactly where the rest of your RAM has gone, I don't know. Why don't you just use a 64-bit operating system? It would most likely solve this problem.I have 4GB total, it registers it. However, vista gadgets, and task manager and anything else, only shows 2.8GHz. Like I said, I know my system has it allocated b/c I run 32bit, but how is so much allocated? I never saw anyone have so little available in a non SLI system.

Oh and as far as moving to 64bit, I only have the 32bit version and dont want to plunk down cash. Not to mention, 64bit os still show about the same free, it can just allocate more.

[ExodusC]

I have 4GB total, it registers it. However, vista gadgets, and task manager and anything else, only shows 2.8GHz. Like I said, I know my system has it allocated b/c I run 32bit, but how is so much allocated? I never saw anyone have so little available in a non SLI system.
That doesn't sound right; if you're on a 32-bit operating system, it will not be able to allocate all 4GB of memory along with your other hardware. I'm not sure, but Vista may detect it, but it certainly cannot allocate and use it, or at least as far as I know.


Oh and as far as moving to 64bit, I only have the 32bit version and dont want to plunk down cash.
If I recall correctly, you should be able to call Microsoft and have them send you a 64-bit DVD. Can anyone confirm this? I believe some people have done this with Vista in the past.

[jas420221]

That doesn't sound right; if you're on a 32-bit operating system, it will not be able to allocate all 4GB of memory along with your other hardware. I'm not sure, but Vista may detect it, but it certainly cannot allocate and use it, or at least as far as I know.


If I recall correctly, you should be able to call Microsoft and have them send you a 64-bit DVD. Can anyone confirm this? I believe some people have done this with Vista in the past.Right...I agree. Simply what Im saying is in this situation, you usually see about 3.2-3.4Gb available. Im wondering why my system only shows 2.8Gb available. Add windows vista into it taking 800mb at boot, and I show 2Gb free. Sorry if I was unclear.

[Serpentarius]

if u mind the message ... you could still use your winxp .. like normal ..
it'll still utilize your 4gb RAM .. they only thing is .. the winxp GUI printed wrongly about the total RAM, yet it still utilize all your RAM

if u still have doubts .. check it with cpu-z

[jas420221]

I have Vista...same problem there too?

[Ethelred]

32-bit shows 3.3gb of ram...you're at 2.8gb shown (3.3gb-512mb=2.8gb).

It's all good, just get 64-bit Vista.

[jas420221]

OK... weird. I always thought people saw ~3.2 WITH a 512mb videocard...

[Ethelred]

I think its a Vista thing, my friend just added another 2gb to his system and it showed the same thing.

[wallywest]

http://tweakguides.com/
Dl the guide I remember seeing a fix for this problem there.

[jas420221]

PAE is enabled and no change.

Solid guide though!

[Truckchase!]

PAE is generally for servers only and can result in a major performance hit when enabled. (due to the way memory is addressed) Not for workstations, and definitely not for enthusiasts. Time for a 64bit OS.

Oh and quick edit: make sure you have "remap memory" type option enabled in the BIOS to get your missing 400MB back. Some mobos don't have the option.

[jas420221]

Ok... I will disable PAE then... and see if my bios has a Remap Memory option in it.

So many conflicting opinions... what is right?

Contrary to Ethelred's post, I installed 4GB on a friends 32bit Vista system with a 512mb videocard and he shows 3.2Gb as well. As I look through threads here and EOCF, I see ~3.2GB as well.

SOOOOOOOOOOO confused!

[Surago]

I have found that the amount of ram available to your 32Bit OS will vary from motherboard to motherboard.

For example, i had a Supermicro mobo, installed 4x 1gb sticks, and after ram was taken away for addressing peripherals i had 3.7gb available (only had a 256mb video card).

Yet the same equipment on a different motherboard was down to 3.5/3.6gb

I have experienced some motherboards that indeed only show 2.8gb no matter what i do (i.e. is the same with a 768mb Video card, or a 512mb video card, so it definitely something more to do than memory being used for hardware addressing).

Unfortunately the 'Memory Remap' option isn't available on a great range of motherboard/bios's.

So you can either shell out for 64bit OS, shell out for a different mobo (tho that isn't gauranteed to help) or just put up with it.