Computer not detecting RAM

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ejremin

ejremin

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Jun 19, 2014
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So, I built this computer a number of years ago, when I did not know as much about computers as I know now. Recently, when getting a better processor, I noticed that I had 32GB of RAM installed. Now, I realize this is a bit excessive, but the problem is my computer is only detecting 8GB installed. It runs fine, but I'd like to get the most out of my computer that I can.

Here's the dxdiag: http://pastebin.com/neqMj2B8

I've done a bit of google searching for a solution, but I can't seem to find anything that works, and I can't figure out how to access the bios settings for this computer.
 
Solution
dwatterworth
Ah, problem solved. The computer shop employee was wrong, and Corsair did not help the situation with their confusing labeling.

So what you have are (4) 2GB sticks of memory to make up the total 8GB. Each stick is part of a 4-pack / kit of memory, so the 8GB portion of the label refers to the total, not each stick (unfortunately). I can think they only did this to identify that they are a matched and certified set of 4 sticks. Normally a manufacturer will label what each stick capacity is, not the total kit amount.
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ejremin

ejremin

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Jun 19, 2014
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Nah, I haven't changed the OS since I got it. I guess I'll have to crack it open and look at the cards when I get the chance. It kind of sucks that there's a limit on the amount of RAM it can use. I don't know what I was thinking buying so much, there may have been a sale or something. May donate the unused ones to a family member or something.
 
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dwatterworth

dwatterworth

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To test the memory sticks, pull all of them out and test each one, one at a time, in the primary memory slot, that's a quick and easy way to check for a faulty stick. Next, take one of the known good sticks and try it in each dimm slot to make sure all the slots are fully operational.
 
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ejremin

ejremin

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I'd have to turn the computer off each time right? I might try that later today. I keep my tower on the floor so it's kind of a pain to get to work. Also, when I got a new CPU, the computer wasn't working, and I took it into a local computer repair shop. They updated the bios, but they also said they tested the RAM sticks (it was the guy at the shop that mentioned that I had a lot of RAM), would that process be what they would have done? I'll go ahead and repeat the process, and if that doesn't work I may just take it in again.
 
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dwatterworth

dwatterworth

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Hmm, updating the bios is definitely the right thing to do, it might be as simple as one or more of the sticks aren't plugged in all the way or something.

Yep, you'd need to turn the computer off in between each stick testing. Make sure to discharge any static electricity on a bare-metal surface before reaching into the computer.
 
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ejremin

ejremin

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Jun 19, 2014
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I took two sticks out and now it's only showing 4 GB installed when it should be 16. I know the hardware uses some of the ram, but losing this much seems odd.

The contacts seem clean, and they were all seated and locked in place. I'll continue to test them individually I guess, but I'm starting to think it's just the OS not listing things correctly.

At the repair shop, they said they updated the bios to the most recent version. I dunno, I'll keep testing them and post results when I'm finished. Just at a glance though, only 1/4th of total RAM is being detected by the computer, as far as I can tell.

If it helps, the RAM is Corsair XMS3 8GB (4x2GB), and I had 4 sticks total.

EDIT: Could it be that my computer is using more than the usual amount for background hardware stuff? Maximum Memory in msconfig isn't checked though, and I haven't found any other settings or options for this.
 
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ejremin

ejremin

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CMX8GX3M4A1333C9

I mean, I read the stickers myself, they clearly say 8GB on them.
 
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dwatterworth

dwatterworth

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Ah, problem solved. The computer shop employee was wrong, and Corsair did not help the situation with their confusing labeling.

So what you have are (4) 2GB sticks of memory to make up the total 8GB. Each stick is part of a 4-pack / kit of memory, so the 8GB portion of the label refers to the total, not each stick (unfortunately). I can think they only did this to identify that they are a matched and certified set of 4 sticks. Normally a manufacturer will label what each stick capacity is, not the total kit amount.
 
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Solution
ejremin

ejremin

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Appreciate the help, now I feel like more stupid than before. Man, that's some shady labeling, but I didn't think I would have bought that much RAM. I guess it's time to update that too. In the end, I'm hoping for a lag free experience.

Again, thank you for that, I never would thought to look up the serial number and stuff.
 
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JimPap

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Did your system detect 32 gig of ram before you replaced your processor? If so, I'd be checking to be sure that the processor is compatible with the motherboard. Also check to be sure that your ram is compatible with the mb.

 
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ejremin

ejremin

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The processor was compatible, and the RAM definitely was. I'm satisfied with dwatterworth's answer.
 
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