The 32-bit, 4 GB problem

[darren_garrison]

Okay, just upgraded my RAM from one 2GB DIMM to two 2GB DIMMs. I was well aware of the 32-bit problem, but thought that 3.5GB of that 4GB should show up-- but only 3GB does.

I know that there is no way to see the full 4GB in 32-bit Windows-- but is there a way I can bring it up to 3.5? Any way to limit PCI memory range in the BIOS or something? I have a 256MB PCIE video card, but am not a gamer and really don't need any more memory than is necessary as a frame buffer for both my monitors at full resolution.

http://webpages.charter.net/garrison6328/cpuz/cpuz.htm

my motherboard:

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/mb/content.php?S_ID=315

my video card:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3128199&Tab=11&NoMapp=

 

[jerreece]

CPUZ is indeed showing your full 4GB of RAM. Part of the problem with the way 32bit Windows uses your memory, is that it counts your video card's memory into the total it can use.

My understanding, is that you'd typically be limited to 3.5GB of RAM. In your case, apparently you're not going to get all that. Whether that has to do with the 256MB RAM size of your video card, and the way Windows is forced to allocate things, I'm not sure.

 

[alvine]

if you want to see all 4gb of memory and put it to use you need to install 64 bit operating system

 

[B-Unit]

Check your bios and make sure that intigrated graphics are turned completely off. That may free some up.

 

[megamanx00]

Make sure you turn off your onboard graphics. Also disable any onboard devices you don't use, such as onboard USB connectors you haven't attached a header to.