16gb in Windows 8gb useable/8gb In Bios

JohnnyScene

Honorable
May 16, 2013
17
0
10,510
I know you get these questions a lot so I apologize ahead of time.

My issue just started happening after I turned on my computer the other day. I got a message overclocking failed but I don't overclock my hardware ever. So since then my bios only shows 8gb installed and it set it self to something random like 1470mhz when I've always used 1600mhz, I changed it back to 1600mhz and now when I boot into Windows it shows 16gb installed but 8gb useable.
I have tried swapping each stick around but still get same issue, my next attempt will be to reset/reseat cmos and see if that helps.

Windows 10 64bit
AMD FX 8350
MOBO is Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 w/latest bios

I should add that I have four 4gb sticks of ram but second pair timing is different that first pair but from my understanding it should automatically adjust to match 2nd pairs timing.
 
You refer to "second pair". Memory manufacturers guarantee memory in the form it is sold in not in combinations made by adding second pairs.

You might try:
lowering DRAM frequency
relaxing DRAM timings
increasing DRAM voltage

Such combinations such as yours are for "do it yourself" compatibility testing as no one guarantees such combinations to work or how they will work if you do get the PC to boot up.
 

JohnnyScene

Honorable
May 16, 2013
17
0
10,510
Sorry that was bad wording on my part.
First two sticks are 4GB Crucial Ballistix Elite 1600mhz 8-8-8-24 1.5v
Second ones are 4GB Corsair XMS3 1600MHZ 9-9-9-24 1.65V

NEVER had a single problem in the 2 years I've used these in combination
 

JohnnyScene

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May 16, 2013
17
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10,510
When I go to the Asus SPD Information in bios is actually shows each stick of ram with 4096 in each slot but I think I found the culprit. When I plug just one of my crucial sticks I get the overclocking failed so I'm assuming it may have it is going bad

I've never overclocked anything as I've never needed to do so
 

JohnnyScene

Honorable
May 16, 2013
17
0
10,510


Final update
Finally got windows to show 16gb again but not it says only 12gb usable so it's a start in the right direction. I think i am just going to assume one of my dimm slots has gone bad. This whole situation is just so weird because again my bios SPD Information shows each stick so i dont know anymore. Thanks for all the help guys I think i will just buy a new motherboard when i get the money