8 GB Ram, 3.46 GB Ram usable, 4.5 GB Hardware Reserved

joneslaw · May 28, 2017

I've had a problem today when starting my PC, it says only 3.46 GB usable out of 8 GB installed. On task manager, hardware reserved is 4.5 GB. I had experienced this before (about 3-4 times already) and after research, I went as far as resetting CMOS (with shorting it), and swapping my 2 RAM sticks, and even reseat-ing processor (all of these done randomly until it seemed to solve the issue).

For today, I've done them too and other things as follows (and have not solved the issue yet):

-run Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool (no reports of error)
-confirming "Maximum memory" is unchecked in System Configuration (boot-->advanced options)
-trying to find and enable Memory Remapping in BIOS (can't find it)
-adjusting RAM voltage to 1.65V (from 1.488[Auto]) in BIOS

I'm running out of ideas on how to solve this. It used to run at 6.96 GB usable for a long time already, and I'm hoping somebody could help me.

My parts:
AMD A8 7600 3.10 GHz (CPU)
MSI A68HM-E33 v2 (MoBo)
Kingston HyperX Fury 2x4gb @1866 MHz (RAM)
Seagate 1TB 7200RPM HDD (Storage)

Note: I'm running @ 64-bit Win10 so no reason to ask anymore.

pics of my system info and task manager:
http://imgur.com/NAEHQcU
http://imgur.com/GZ5Ha6B

drkatz42 · May 28, 2017

does the bios report the correct amount of ram? if so, try a reinstall of OS.

Rexper · May 28, 2017

Try using a single stick of ram in each slot of the motherboard. If the computer boots in both slots, that ram stick, and motherboard slots are fine. If your computer doesn't boot in any of those attempts, that specific ram stick is not working as it should. If your motherboard only boots for one of those ram slots, the other ram slot isn't working as it should.

Repeat the process with the second ram stick.

Rexper · May 28, 2017

I just noticed something very odd. Your motherboard (A68HM-E33 V2) only has 2 physical ram slots. However, your task manager is displaying "2 out of 4".
Try what Drkatz suggested first, and then mine if BIOS didn't display correct amount.

Also, are you using a dedicated graphics card? Or are you using the integrated graphics?

joneslaw · May 28, 2017

Rexper :

I have already checked amount of ram in bios prior to drkatz42's reply, and it's always 4096MB today. (In fact, it's where I always check if the problem is resolved or not). I have not reinstalled OS though, maybe one of last resorts since rebuilding software programs is a hassle.

For the thing that you noticed in task manager, I never noticed that before. However, I have seen one case already (long time ago), in my CPU-Z, where there are four slots in SPD tab (Slot #1 & #3 empty and Slot #2 and #4 containing what's installed) as shown here: http://imgur.com/8E8PilW

Also, under the memory tab in CPU-Z, it says "Channel #: Single", instead of dual. Shown here: http://imgur.com/f6DjDTC

I haven't tried your solution though...but will be trying it tonight. I'm using just integrated graphics.

joneslaw · May 28, 2017

Ok, I have just tried your solution. PC only booted fine when I tried RAM stick#1 on slot#2. Then after shutting down and re-cleaning the ram sticks with clean cloth and both slots with a toothbrush, it booted fine and surprisingly, BIOS showed 8192 MB! and in CPU-Z, Dual Channel instead of Single. Writing this answer after this fine boot.

I don't know what's the reason behind this instability, since I've been cleaning both rams and slots all day long. Anyway, thanks so much for the help!

casiusperez.cp · Dec 7, 2017

Hi I hope you can read this but I also have the exact issue as yours. EXACTLY THE SAME. I also have msi bios. Regarding your solution, seriously is that the only thing you did? I'm really having a hard time searching for solutions. Hope you'll notice this

casiusperez.cp · Dec 7, 2017

joneslaw :

Hi I hope you can read this but I also have the exact issue as yours. EXACTLY THE SAME. I also have msi bios. Regarding your solution, seriously is that the only thing you did? I'm really having a hard time searching for solutions. Hope you'll notice this

joneslaw · Dec 8, 2017

casiusperez.cp :

Don't worry, as long as I have access on my e-mail, I can see replies like these on topics I posted. Anyway, for this problem, I would always suggest to follow the following:
1. shut down pc
2. turn PSU switch off and unplug power cord
3. press and hold power switch for around 10 seconds (this is to drive off all remaining capacitor and CMOS charges in the motherboard)
4. start working on testing out just 1 ram stick on the first slot then test it if it will successfully boot, then try the same for the second ram stick on the same slot until you have used both sticks on each slot (this is to determine which ram stick/s and/or ram slots are defective)

NOTE: Always do steps 1 to 3 when going through step 4 to avoid motherboard damage. Remember that you must touch any grounded metallic objects (without painted coating) before working on anything on the motherboard. I have damaged my motherboard once and did a replacement because of not doing this and eventually damaging MoBo with static electricity. Also have a piece of cloth beside you if you have sweaty hands.

Last but safest option I can give you is have it repaired or examined by the PC shop where you have it built, that is, if it is under your warranty. Repair fees will be collected otherwise.

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