2 sticks of 2GB RAM-Just 3GB

gheocaflorin · Jan 3, 2018

Hello guys. I've bought 2 RAM sticks of 2GB each, but I have a little problem. When I insert one stick, doesn't matter which, it shows me 2GB of each RAM stick, but if I insert them both, it shows me just 3GB, 2048MB + 1024MB. I executed memtest, but everything was OK. What can I do?
Thanks in advance.

COLGeek · Jan 3, 2018

What is the make/model of the motherboard you are using?

Math Geek · Jan 3, 2018

obvious first question....

you using 64-bit OS?? a 32-bit OS will only read 3 gb no matter how much you have installed.

best place to start is with the obvious problem then work toward harder ones

COLGeek · Jan 3, 2018

Math Geek :

This is true of the OS and for some older motherboards/chipsets, as well (thus the question).

We need to know whether you are using a 32-bit or 64-bit OS, as well as the make/model of your motherboard. Knowing the make/model of your memory would be useful, too.

geofelt · Jan 3, 2018

Memtest does not use an OS so 32/64 bit is not the issue.

Your results are strange, and it probably revolves around what your motherboard will support.
There is also the possibility that there is some ram conflict between the two ram sticks.
Ram is sold in kits for a reason, they must be matched.

gheocaflorin · Jan 3, 2018

Nanya Technology 2048 MB (DDR2-800) - P/N: NT2GT64U8HD0BY-AD with Windows 7 Ultimate x64
I've runned memtest, but everything was ok, no errors, and I've updated BIOS too, on the latest version, but hopeless.

COLGeek · Jan 3, 2018

gheocaflorin :

What make/model motherboard?

gheocaflorin · Jan 3, 2018

My motherboard is an Asus P5B.
And a screenshot from Computer-Properties: https://imgur.com/a/iUUkY

COLGeek · Jan 3, 2018

Wait...you asked about 2x2GB=4GB of memory, but your image shows 6GB. What other memory do you have installed?

If you remove that other memory, does the system show 4GB with the matched memory you indicated having earlier?

gheocaflorin · Jan 3, 2018

I've put another 2. Wait for me to remove them. But still 3gb shows, not 4.

COLGeek · Jan 3, 2018

What does the BIOS show for total memory? Do you have any memory allocated (in your BIOS) for integrated video?

gheocaflorin · Jan 3, 2018

I don't know.
UPDATE:With them both: https://imgur.com/a/r0Udw

@COLGeek, in BIOS it shows still 3GB. I don't use integrated video, I have a dedicate video card, nVidia GT 710.
It shows 2GB each separately, but togheter it shows 3GB...

COLGeek · Jan 3, 2018

You still need to verify if any memory is allocated to the igpu

gheocaflorin · Jan 3, 2018

How can I verify that?

COLGeek · Jan 3, 2018

In your BIOS, locate the setup for the integrated video adapter and adjust if needed.

gheocaflorin · Jan 3, 2018

Yeah, but I have no integrated video adapter on my motherboard. It's not there.

COLGeek · Jan 3, 2018

My mistake. You are correct.

With only 1 2GB stick of memory installed. Does it show the correct amount in each of your 4 memory slots (moving from one to the next, in succession)?

If yes to all, populate the first slot with the 2GB stick used above, and then perform the same test with the matched memory module. Intent is to isolate the issue to a particular slot.

COLGeek · Jan 3, 2018

There is also this issue from the mobo manual, "This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb
chips or double sided x16 memory modules."

http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socket775/P5B/e2620_p5b.pdf?_ga=2.110674252.830055271.1514939847-1514223885.1514939847

gheocaflorin · Jan 3, 2018

COLGeek :

I've tested all 2GB RAM sticks in each slot. I have the same issue.

gheocaflorin · Jan 3, 2018

COLGeek :

The sticks are the same, each model. What to do?

COLGeek · Jan 3, 2018

gheocaflorin :

So, one 2GB at a time, all 4 slots correctly show 2GB.

However, with 2GB in slot A1, and 2GB in any other slot, it shows 3GB total?

gheocaflorin · Jan 3, 2018

COLGeek :

gheocaflorin :

So, one 2GB at a time, all 4 slots correctly show 2GB.

However, with 2GB in slot A1, and 2GB in any other slot, it shows 3GB total?

Yes. The order doesn't matter.

COLGeek · Jan 3, 2018

Does it make a difference when you use your mis-matched memory as the second memory stick installed?

gheocaflorin · Jan 3, 2018

COLGeek :

No, there are no differences.

COLGeek · Jan 3, 2018

I think it is down to the compatibility of your 2x2GB memory and the motherboard itself. Honestly, I would just live with 5 of 6GB available and not worry about it.

The only other thing I can think of is to inspect the CPU for bent pins (often the cause of memory issues). However, there is some risk doing so and you won't gain any measurable performance getting the missing 1GB of memory back.

2 sticks of 2GB RAM-Just 3GB

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