12GB RAM Installed but only 3.46GB usable?

Glaceon

Reputable
Jan 8, 2017
19
0
4,510
Hi! The title says it all.

Link of my specs --> http://imgur.com/a/1UGRf
RAM 8GBx1 & 4GBx1

Message that appears --> http://imgur.com/a/DnaQH

I don't know why and what happened but I do hope that I can find a way to fix it. All comments would be greatly appreciated.

Note: I am aware that I have a built-in video card and there is a possibility that the rest of the reserved memory were used by my video card. I don't think though that it is being used by my video card because I have been using my computer for gaming and also in 3D rendering for a few months now and I was still able to use the 12GB RAM I had. I do not know why this just popped out randomly and told me I can only use 3.46GB. After that, my games started to lag and my computer hanging that's why I always had to reset the CPU. I was also able to switch the RAM's slots and back but still no solution.
 
Solution
32bit was my 1st guess too until I saw 2nd screen shot.

I have noticed that just cause CPU Z can see doesn't mean windows will use it.

how long ram been in PC? Wonder if its cause ram is in dual channel mode, might ignore the other one cause different size

Could try running free version of memtest on the 8gb stick, remove the 4gb while you do. Any errors too many, replace stick if you get any.

Glaceon

Reputable
Jan 8, 2017
19
0
4,510


Hi! I am running a 64-bit Windows 7 Professional though :(
 

Colif

Win 11 Master
Moderator
32bit was my 1st guess too until I saw 2nd screen shot.

I have noticed that just cause CPU Z can see doesn't mean windows will use it.

how long ram been in PC? Wonder if its cause ram is in dual channel mode, might ignore the other one cause different size

Could try running free version of memtest on the 8gb stick, remove the 4gb while you do. Any errors too many, replace stick if you get any.
 
Solution

Glaceon

Reputable
Jan 8, 2017
19
0
4,510


I've been playing games and rendering 3D Animations with my 12GB ram used for 2 months now. So, since November 2016. Just this last Sunday, 8th of January 2017, this happened, only allows me to use 3.46GB. :(