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Unkown BIOS errors and significant RAM loss in dual channel mode

Tags:
  • Dual Channel
  • RAM
  • BIOS
  • error
  • Memory
  • faulty
Last response: in Memory
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January 13, 2014 7:35:02 AM

I wasn't quite sure how to word my title as I'm a bit lost as to what the potential issue is.

First of all, system specs:
OS = Windows 8.1
Mobo. = Asus m5a78l-m
CPU = AMD FX-8350 (stock speeds)
RAM = Corsair cmx4gx3m2a1600c9 (2x2GB)
Graphics Card = Geforce GTX 770
Using a 850W PSU

Basically, with both sticks of RAM, my computer (only recently might i add) is detecting 3.48GB as opposed to the 4GB it used to display as "usable" AND has recently started giving me random "unknown bios error" messages.
The processor is relatively new and is the second i've used, as the first one they sent to me stopped my pc from being able to boot when memory was configured in dual channel. Considering that, i thought maybe there was a chance it is another bad processor, especially since memtest86 comes back with no errors.
However, I have just tried both sticks of RAM individually (each in both slots on my board) and both display "2048 installed 2031 usable"... So, for starters, where is the 500mb disappearing too when they're both installed?
Secondly, one stick of RAM gave me no trouble, the second prompted the "unknown bios error" 90% of the time that i booted...My judgement would lead me to believe it's a faulty RAM module, but then should i listen to the mighty memtest86... ?
Another thing that might be worth noting is that my RAM speeds have always been set to 1333mhz even though it is advertised as 1600mhz. Around the same time i got my processor, i have overclocked the RAM to run at the advertised speed.

Some thoughts on possible culprits or even a fix would be much appreciated. If not, i was planning on buying some more RAM anyway so it isn't such a big kick in the teeth.

Hopefully i haven't missed anything too vital. Thanks for any replies and any input on the situation.

More about : unkown bios errors significant ram loss dual channel mode

January 15, 2014 11:23:24 AM

I enabled "Memory Hole Remapping" in the BIOS and returned the 1600mhz clock setting to "auto" and my PC now recognises 4GB usable RAM again.

Hardware reserved memory is now down from 530mb to 18mb.

I noticed that although i set the ram to run at 1600mhz it was running at the lower 1333mhz speed regardless. So i'm not sure which alteration actually solved the problem, but hey.
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