Dell 3520 has 8gb. Bios sees 8 but windows sees 4

KAJCHERNANDEZ · Jun 9, 2016

i have a Dell inspiron 3520 with Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit. Bios version: A03. I have 8gb of ram installed and in the Bios its reading 8gbs but when i boot into Windows, its only showing the 4gbs. Ive reseated them and rebooted and nothing seems to work. They both seem to be working fine, just not in windows. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Update: Windows says: Installed memory 8GB (3.38GB usable)
I know it shows that message when it is 32 bit however this is 64 bit. Im pretty sure the remainder of the 4 (3.38) is because of shared Video memory correct?

brispuss · Jun 9, 2016

Check that the "Maximum memory" box is unchecked; [Start > type msconfig, press enter key > select boot tab > select Advanced options; if have to uncheck Maximum memory box, then do so > OK > Apply > OK > Restart].

KAJCHERNANDEZ · Jun 9, 2016

brispuss :

I checked that and the box was not checked. I took the ram out and here is what they said :
4GB 2xR8 - 12800 -11-11-F3
4GB 2xR8 - 10600S -9-10-F2

So ones bus speed is 12800 and the other 10600? I thought if that was the case that it would just use the slower of the 2 but still work?

brispuss · Jun 9, 2016

Yes, that is correct. The memory (if compatible with the system AND compatible with each other) should run at the lower frequency and at the rate of ~ 10600 MB/s.

What are the part numbers of both modules? They should start with a capital letter.

KAJCHERNANDEZ · Jun 9, 2016

brispuss :

4GB 2xR8 - 12800 -11-11-F3
M471B5273EB0
4GB 2xR8 - 10600S -9-10-F2
M471B5273CH0

brispuss · Jun 9, 2016

Thanks for the details.

These two Samsung memory modules are using slightly different memory chips. Because of this, it appears that the laptop memory controller can't handle this variation in memory chip arrangement. If this were a desktop, there probably would be adjustments available within BIOS to improve the chances of getting both memory modules to work. But being a laptop, the BIOS is severely limited in functions and memory parameter adjustments are not available.

There appear to be two options available -

1) Try getting another memory module with the EXACT SAME part number as one of the existing modules and see if they work together. This may take a few attempts in order to find a compatible combination owing to variations in memory module characteristics (even for modules with the same part number).

2) Get a known system compatible 2 x 4 GB dual channel kit, where the two modules are guaranteed to be compatible. This may be the better option as this could save time and money in the end. The existing modules could be saved as backups or sold.

KAJCHERNANDEZ · Jun 10, 2016

brispuss :

Thanks for the details.

These two Samsung memory modules are using slightly different memory chips. Because of this, it appears that the laptop memory controller can't handle this variation in memory chip arrangement. If this were a desktop, there probably would be adjustments available within BIOS to improve the chances of getting both memory modules to work. But being a laptop, the BIOS is severely limited in functions and memory parameter adjustments are not available.

There appear to be two options available -

1) Try getting another memory module with the EXACT SAME part number as one of the existing modules and see if they work together. This may take a few attempts in order to find a compatible combination owing to variations in memory module characteristics (even for modules with the same part number).

2) Get a known system compatible 2 x 4 GB dual channel kit, where the two modules are guaranteed to be compatible. This may be the better option as this could save time and money in the end. The existing modules could be saved as backups or sold.

Unfortunately, Thats what i was kind of thinking. I appreciate all of your help!

Thanks!

Search

Dell 3520 has 8gb. Bios sees 8 but windows sees 4

KAJCHERNANDEZ

Commendable

brispuss

brispuss

Splendid

KAJCHERNANDEZ

Commendable

brispuss

Splendid

KAJCHERNANDEZ

Commendable

brispuss

Splendid

KAJCHERNANDEZ

Commendable

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page