16GB But only 7.96GB Usable

ItsRapidDave · Apr 24, 2017

Specs;
CPU: AMD FX-8350
GPU: R9 390 8GB
RAM: 16GB DDR3
MB: GA-990FX-Gaming
OS: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit

So I've got Windows 10 64bit, had it for ages, loved it, never had problems with it.
But today I noticed my RAM usage was abnormally high, 70%, i checked my RAM in PC properties to see that I have 16GB installed, but only 7.96GB usable.

I haven't dicked around with any settings or any BIOS features for this to happen.

The only thing I can think of thats making this happen is the fact that I have to reset the CMOS before boot else my computer won't boot up.

Anybody have any solutions for me?

Quarkzquarkz · Apr 24, 2017

Sure, just enter your BIOS from computer startup and sometimes everything reverts to a default setting. There should be an option there to unlock or select all 16GB of memory instead of the current 8, good luck!

Achint2000 · Apr 24, 2017

Always remember, first step: List system specs

Resetting BIOS using the 2-pin jumper cap shouldn't be a problem. It's named "CLRTC" on your motherboard.

UPDATE: If that doesn't work, try switching your RAM slots. First try both RAMs in the same channel, then different channels.

ItsRapidDave · Apr 25, 2017

Achint2000 :

I've absolutely no idea if my Mobo even has a 2 pin jumper cap, but whenever I boot up my PC i have to reset the CMOS beforehand anyway, doesn't that also reset the BIOS?

Achint2000 · Apr 25, 2017

How exactly do you reset the CMOS? By removing that battery?

And try switching your RAM onto the other two slots.

Seanie280672 · Apr 25, 2017

Achint2000 :

All he needs to do is this that you mentioned before: UPDATE: If that doesn't work, try switching your RAM slots. First try both RAMs in the same channel, boot to windows, check if its all usable, then shut down and then swap to different channels.

ItsRapidDave · Apr 25, 2017

Achint2000 :

My motherboard has a button on the board that resets it, but I've also found the 2 pin jumper, just have no idea what to do with it.

ItsRapidDave · Apr 25, 2017

Seanie280672 :

I'm switching the RAM around, haven't seen any improvements, at one point it went down to 3.96GB usable. (I have 2x 4GB sticks and 1x 8GB stick.)

Achint2000 · Apr 25, 2017

Using different RAMs is always a problem. It's always better to use the same RAM with the same size and clock speeds and timings.

Try using the 2x 4GB RAMs properly first. When you find their working combo, put the 8GB x1 stick into the remaining two slots to see if it works.

ItsRapidDave · Apr 25, 2017

Achint2000 :

I do actually have another 8GB stick from that kit, gonna try it now and I'm gonna scream if it works cause I should have tried that first.

Achint2000 · Apr 25, 2017

then put all of the RAMs at once. That can work. A complete channel of 2x 8GB and another complete channel with 2x 4GB can work.

EDIT: It's MUCH better to use the 2x 8GB Kit and leave the 2x 4GB one away because different RAMs always cause issues. You can get random bluescreens, crashes, freezing, etc.

ItsRapidDave · Apr 25, 2017

Achint2000 :

I've added the other 8GB stick and it's working fine now. 24GB. I'll take the 2x 4GB out when I sell my other computer.

Any clues as to why I have to reset CMOS before boot though?

Achint2000 · Apr 25, 2017

Great to know. Always use two kits when having different RAMs. Try running IntelBurnTest v2 on maximum stress to confirm the RAMs work fine and won't crash. Glad to have your problem solved

Achint2000 · Apr 25, 2017

ItsRapidDave :

What do you mean? Reset the CMOS? Do you remove the battery every time or use the jumper pins? Or do you go to BIOS and reset with restored defaults?

ItsRapidDave · Apr 25, 2017

Achint2000 :

There's a button on my motherboard that resets the CMOS, when the computer boots up it asks me if i want to restore optimised defaults and then boot, restore optimised defaults and then reboot, or enter BIOS setup. Loading optimised defaults and booting is the only way to get my system to boot.

Achint2000 · Apr 25, 2017

Okay so what if you don't use that button and just start using power button?

ItsRapidDave · Apr 28, 2017

Achint2000 :

The computer will freeze on post. Responds to absolutely nothing.

Achint2000 · Apr 28, 2017

Interesting and unusual... Try loading optimized defaults after resetting CMOS, then from Windows, restart and see if it works?

ItsRapidDave · Apr 29, 2017

Achint2000 :

Well whenever I boot that way it asks me to load optimised defaults anyway, Restarting the system has no effect, I still need to switch it off and reset the CMOS. Setting the system to sleep and then waking works fine though.

disinformatique · Apr 29, 2017

I am confuzzled as to why do you have to reset the CMOS every time you boot?

Achint2000 · Apr 30, 2017

ItsRapidDave :

I suggest you to select the best answer for your RAM problem start a new thread in Motherboards section for this problem. Motherboard experts will be able to help better

16GB But only 7.96GB Usable

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