New installed RAM not being used. Very weird!

[PCguy]

I uninstalled two 512MB DDR667 [1GB] and installed two new Kingston 2GB DDR800 [4GB total] in my computer.

OK now here is the weird part. My system is stating i have 4GB of RAM which is correct BUT in Task Manager it says i have a total of 894mb of RAM. Which is the exact same before I installed the new RAM.

Why is my total amount of RAM not being used?
I am so puzzled right now!
WTF is going on with my computer?


Note. i am using 128mb for on-board graphics.

 

[masterjaw]

What OS do you use?

Try running CPU-Z and see if your mem is detected and working fine.

 

[PCguy]

I'm using Vista 32-bit OS. I downloaded and installed CPU-Z. The memory checked out ok. It says i have 4096MB of DDR2800.




But Task Manager still stating 894mb total.

 

[masterjaw]

Just note that your 32-bit OS would only be able to use up to 3.5 out of 4gb ram you installed. Have you checked the system properties if it shows the same thing (894mb)?

 

[PCguy]

System properties says i have 4GB of RAM. Yes i know 32-bit vista supports a little under 4GB of RAM but that doesn't explain why my computer is only using 894mb.

 

[masterjaw]

Could you paste a screenshot of the task manager side by side with the system properties?

 

[PCguy]

Here is my screenshot uploaded to flickr.

 

[PCguy]

I guess no one knows.

 

[omnimodis78]

Please specify your system specs - I see that it's an HP so it's a retail rig, but I'd like to know exactly what's installed in there... Have you explored all of the BIOS setting options? Maybe setting it back to optimal or default settings? Have you tried one ram stick at a time?

 

[win7man]

that's a thought one, all i could think, is that maybe u could try installing all updates or vista, like SP2, that and if not, windows 7 will be out soon, u should get it and it wont be a problem then, until that time though, i would either not worry about it, unless its a big problem for u

 

[masterjaw]

The system properties should only be showing around 35** mb of memory, not 4gb. One thing is for sure, the hardware is detected. Btw, you haven't listed your system specs yet.

Try to solve it in the software level first. Reinstall drivers, if not then try reinstallation of OS.

 

[win7man]

a bios update might work, but I wouldn't say for sure cuz if it were with bios, wouldn't it atleast show up right in task manager? and, r I sure u have all ur ram simms the same speed?

 

[m1esk]

Here's a very late reply but hope it could help a few frustrated souls...

Situation: I upgraded my laptop from 1GB to 3GB (1GB + 2GB config), did so by inserting my new RAM into slot 2. BIOS and sys prop shows 3GB, but Task Manager only shows 894Mb (~1GB). Tried putting the 2GB RAM into slot 1 and the old RAM into slot 2 - no use.

Solution:
1. Power off computer.
2. Remove ALL RAMs from all slots.
3. Insert the 2GB RAM into slot 1.
4. Start computer and check memory in Task Manager (mine said about 2GB)
5. Power off computer.
6. Insert the 1GB RAM into slot 2.
7. Start computer and check Task Manager - hopefully it shows 2831MB.


Cheer up, you haven't wasted your newly bought RAM