Computer No Longer Recognizes One Slot of RAM

Zeiblefestor · Nov 6, 2016

Im running a 64 bit Windows 10, and two sticks of RAM, a 4 and a 2 gb. My computer was only using half its ram, even though it recognized two installed sticks. I took the computer apart and switched the sticks in the slots. Now it only recognizes 1 installed stick, whichever one i put into the top slot.
Does this mean that I have a bad RAM slot? What should i do?

Natsukage · Nov 6, 2016

Hello.

I would first start by trying to clean out any dust in the ram slots using compressed air, or a very gentle brush.

When you install the cards in the top slot, do they recognize with their full capacity? (2GB 4GB) And what do you mean by half its RAM? What was the amount?

Zeiblefestor · Nov 7, 2016

In the top slot, whatever stick of ram i insert is not recognized. So i would have a 4gb in the bottom slot, and a 2gb stick in the top slot, but the computer isnt reading the ram which i put in the top slot, whether it is my 2gb stick or my 4gb stick.

Currently i have the 4gb in the bottom slot, and 2gb in the top slot, but when i run system analyzer with Webroot, in the full report it says that there is only one stick of ram installed, whereas before i had messed with the ram it recognized there being 2 sticks of ram installed, but still only used the ram installed in the bottom slot, therefore only using 4 of the 6gb.

I will try the air compresser if i have one, ill get back to you on that

Tradesman1 · Nov 7, 2016

Try cleaning the DRAM contacts

Zeiblefestor · Nov 9, 2016

Also, would a solution to this problem, if that doesnt work, be just getting an 8gb stick and putting it in the lower slot? Would that "wear it out" faster?

Tradesman1 · Nov 9, 2016

No shouldn't, DRAM failures are rare

Zeiblefestor · Nov 9, 2016

Btw... I opened the computer up and dusted it off, but i realized that the top slot of ram looked like it could be pushed in a bit more, so i applied some pressure. ^.^ It is now working. Thank God it was only through my stupidity!

So Happy right now :3

Thanks for you help, it appears that after all the times this thing had fallen over on its face, the RAM must have been dislodged

Thanks a lot for your help! WOOT!

Natsukage · Nov 9, 2016

It's alright, even as techs, we've all forgot to push it down at least once. ^^ Glad you solved your issue, and I hope you have a great day. ^^

Zeiblefestor · Nov 9, 2016

I dont know if its over yet. Should my computer be saying that it has 5.89 total memory and 3.22 gb available memory? Does that mean that the computer is using only half of its ram?

Should 1000 mb in my task manager be using 42% of my Ram if I have 6gb installed and working?

I think it might have simply reverted back to the first problem of saying it has 2 ram sticks installed and 1 actually being used...

Tradesman1 · Nov 9, 2016

No guarantees when mixing DRAM, may be a compatibility issue, try raising the DRAM voltage + 0.05

Natsukage · Nov 9, 2016

Errr, can you post screenshots of your task manager?

Zeiblefestor · Nov 9, 2016

How do i upload it

I took one but i cant drop it in and none of these buttons seem to do much ^.^

Natsukage · Nov 9, 2016

Use imgur for easy screenshots perhaps?

After pressing the PRNTSCRN button, go to
http://imgur.com/

Then click new post in green. Then press "CTRL+V" on your keyboard. (paste) It will upload the screenshot, and give share links.

Zeiblefestor · Nov 9, 2016

http://imgur.com/Rh1DtJY

Zeiblefestor · Nov 9, 2016

Also, should available memory be changing? I dont really know what it means so i have no idea xD But when i started it up after reninstalling the ram, it was 4.22 and now it is 3.22gb available memory :l

http://imgur.com/k8YBz6g

Natsukage · Nov 9, 2016

If you do not have a dedicated video card, and use the onboard integrated graphics, then your available ram is lessened due to shared video ram.
All seems perfectly normal. You have 6GB. 110MB is used by the video card. ( so 5.89GB left) As for available, that means the available RAM after the use of programs and shared memory. It's your current "free" ram.

Windows takes more if you have more ram. With 6GB of ram, windows will take 1.5GB of ram for itself. Add chrome to that, and you get 3.22GB of free, unused ram.

Please look at the Task Manager - Performance -> Memory section for better understanding.

Zeiblefestor · Nov 13, 2016

Actually That problem is not solved. 2 years ago or so, I used to be able to run Battlefield 3 smoothly, without glitches or any such problems besides high ping due to internet problems. Currently I cannot run that game because it is soooo laggy and glitchy. Something stopped working along the line and I dont know what

Natsukage · Nov 13, 2016

That would be for another thread usually. But 2 years ago?

With the same exact pc?

If yes, that means that you were with a completely other OS (win7). I suggest you update your graphic card drivers if you haven't done so.

Computer No Longer Recognizes One Slot of RAM

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