16GB installed 15GB Usable?

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footbrake4life

footbrake4life

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I have had my build for a while and about a week ago my usable ram dropped to 8gb but after switching the sticks around I got my PC to claim 15GB usable. Why did this happen and how can I fix it? I am on Win 7 Ultimate, also PC specs are below ↓↓↓↓
 
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COLGeek

Understood. Check out the DIMM slots (actually look inside the slots for dust in particular) and run memtest. Another thing to try would be to clock-back (under clock) the memory from 1600 to 1333 to see if any behavior changes (only after doing the first 2 things).
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menetlaus

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If it says anything over 4GB usable it isn't being limited by the 32bit address limit so that's not your issue.

Sounds more like your hardware/windows has a small amount of ram reserved for internal/background processes and is leaving 15.x GB "available" for windows.
 
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COLGeek

COLGeek

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Here is an example of what menetlaus is saying. If you are using an integrated video adapter and it is assigned 1GB of memory in your BIOS, then only 15GB of 16GB will be available.

In this case, it sounds like the DIMMs may not have been seated properly in the slots. I would also suggest running memtest to make sure the memory is operating correctly.

Get it here:

http://www.memtest.org/
 
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footbrake4life

footbrake4life

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Ok so I am running a 7970 twin frozr so there should be no need for windows to save 1gb for itself because the 16gb is all for windows. Also like I said it used to have all 16 usable but for some reason now its not.
 
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COLGeek

COLGeek

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Understood and you are correct. One entry was an example of when such an occurrence will happen.

The other entry regards your memory. I would suggest you remove both DIMMs and make sure the slots are free of any debris. Then firmly re-install them ensuring the retainers click into place.

Have you run memtest yet?
 
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footbrake4life

footbrake4life

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No, I am currently at work. But I have re-seated my ram about 6 times and depending on the config I get 4gb usable 8gb usable or 15gb usable. P.S. I have 4 x 4gb sticks
 
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COLGeek

COLGeek

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Understood on 4x4. Are you overclocking that memory at all? Sometimes, systems have trouble maintaining an overclock when all DIMM slots are occupied. When that happens, all sorts of goofy things (like mis-reading memory and lock-ups) can occur.

Try dropping back to stock (if OCing) to see if that helps as well.
 
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footbrake4life

footbrake4life

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The memory isn't OC'd
 
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COLGeek

COLGeek

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Understood. Check out the DIMM slots (actually look inside the slots for dust in particular) and run memtest. Another thing to try would be to clock-back (under clock) the memory from 1600 to 1333 to see if any behavior changes (only after doing the first 2 things).
 
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footbrake4life

footbrake4life

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Ok I will post what happens. Thank you!
 
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