32 GB RAM installed, 16 GB usable

Jack Daniel

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Jul 27, 2013
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Hello, I just built my first computer. When I go to the properties window for the computer it says: Installed memory (RAM): 32 GB (16 GB usable). Also, when I go to the resource monitor and click on the memory tab on the bar at the bottom it says Hardware reserved 16384 MB and half the bar it grayed out. Any idea why this is and what to do to be able to use all of it? CPU-Z recognizes 32 GB and it seems to show that all 4 chips are working. Thanks! Here are some specs:

ASRock 970DE3/U3S3 motherboard
3.8 Ghz AMD FX-4130 Quad core
32 GB Crucial Ballistix Sport (8 GBx4) 1600 Mhz
Windows 7 64 bit
Geforce GTX 660
 
Solution
Which Windows 7 service pack? As far as I know - only Windows 7 Ultimate (SP3) supports 32GB. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Edit:

I quickly googled it and Windows 7 Pro and Ultimate support 32GB.

4slime

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Jun 9, 2013
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Which Windows 7 service pack? As far as I know - only Windows 7 Ultimate (SP3) supports 32GB. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Edit:

I quickly googled it and Windows 7 Pro and Ultimate support 32GB.
 
Solution

Jack Daniel

Honorable
Jul 27, 2013
7
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10,510
Thank you...I just looked it up also. The guy at the store said Windows 7 home premium could use up to 32 GB...it was microcenter, so I assumed he knew what he was talking about lol.
 

4slime

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Jun 9, 2013
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Take the disc back and tell them you were wrongly advised to get it. They might be able to help you further. (I have never been to a microcenter - so I don't know if they do returns or not)

Just make sure to wipe your HDD or you'll have 'stolen' the software.
 

Jack Daniel

Honorable
Jul 27, 2013
7
0
10,510
Thanks 4slime... I did that, and after speaking to the manager and told him what happened he let me return the windows home premium and gave me a store credit that I could use to upgrade!