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[Solved] BIOS/Windows recognizes half memory

Forum Motherboards & Memory : Memory - [Solved] BIOS/Windows recognizes half memory

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Best answer from mongox.

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Hello all,

I'm having problems with my memory. To clarify, here's the problem:

- BIOS recognizes 2 GB
- Windows 7 recognizes 2 GB

- CPU-Z recognizes the full 4 GB though.

Specifications:

ASUSTeK Computer INC. Rampage II GENE Rev 2.xx
OCZ 1333 2x2GB DDR3 (OCZ3RPX1333EB4GK)
2.67 gigahertz Intel Core i7 920 (O.C. to 3.2)
Windows 7
ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2

I had Windows Vista installed before I installed Windows 7, but that would hardly explain why the BIOS only recognizes half of my memory...

Add a reply

Lorum, when I answered above about checking the RAM voltage I hadn't learned as much as I know now about the i7 and its standard of nothing higher than 1.65V. I was just wondering in another thread about why anyone is still making higher voltage DDR3 RAM.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] le-channel

Quote :

OK sounds good, You're right, I was looking at the duals. But I wasn't aware that ALL triple channel RAM was 1.65V either. So if they make 1.9V dual-channel, do they make 1.9V 3-channel?

Makes you wonder why anyone would make 1.9V DDR3 RAM anymore at all. I see so many issues related to voltage requirements in this forum, even with DDR2. Maybe Intel's standard will force all companies into tighter standards. I suppose that 2.2V say is cheaper to manufacture?

But it seems clear that from the user's standpoint, 1.8V-2.0V for DDR2 and 1.5V-1.65V for DDR3 would make a lot of sense. And would reduce the need, and demand, for such a wide variety of modules.

Had I remembered this thread before, I could have emphasized the voltage thing again and helped you save some time, so sorry for that. But great that you found a solution!

I guess again, this points out the problems of manufacturers making ANY DDR3 that's over 1.65V. And answers the question of what happens if you do put non-i7 type DDR3 into an i7 board --- odd things.

Another thing that's odd is that I keep seeing the statements in motherboard manuals about "Intel doesn't allow/recommend use of RAM higher than 1.5V-1.65V, etc..." immediately followed by the motherboard's list of approved RAM, most of which specifies higher voltages - and those voltages listed right in the manual as above 1.65V!!!!

I know nothing about Win7, but you might try making notes of your changes to the BIOS, or saving it, then choosing to load the Optimized Defaults. Try the settings w/o the OC.

One thing strikes me is the tRFC - shouldn't it be around 28? What the SPD look like in CPUz? And does it show two slots filled?

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to mongox

mongox wrote :

I have already tried loading it with the default settings, no changes.

Reply to lorum

I'm not sure but doesn't the GPU and other hardware reserve part of the RAM also? I doubt you should loose 2GB RAM for that!

Message edited by shadow703793 on 09-13-2009 at 07:52:09 PM

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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3815217176_0a5be7955d_o.gif

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3818083596_1a772f7162_o.gif

Reply to shadow703793

~~Are you sure you're using a 64-bit Windows in order to operate the 4 GB capacity? I know 32-bit limits the computer to 3GB, but maybe it is your OS.~~

My bad, you´re using a 64-bit.

Try cleaning the modules. I clean them with an eraser (white pencil one) on the contacts. Just remember not to let any eraser-left-overs in the module or you may fry it.

Message edited by zehpavora on 09-13-2009 at 07:55:53 PM

Reply to zehpavora

Thank you all for the tips, but I forgot to mention one thing;

Before I was using Windows 7 I was using Windows Vista, and it showed up as 4 GB there. After I installed 7 It went back to 2 GB

Reply to lorum

^Try re-installing.

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Reply to shadow703793

I thought I would ask here first because I'm not quite sure what the impact of windows is if the BIOS doesn't recognize it either.

Reply to lorum

OK, you got this RAM running at 1.5V - need to change it to 1.85V and it'll start recognizing itself as 1333 instead of 1066. I hope! That may fix the other problem.

Change the timing to the correct specs:

@ 1333 Timing 7-6-6-24-32 (622)
@ 1066 Timing 6-5-5-10-27 (533)

Anyway, the most likely cause of your problem is the RAM isn't in the right slots. You need to have these two modules in slots A1 and B1.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by mongox on 09-13-2009 at 08:18:12 PM

Reply to mongox

mongox wrote :

OK, you got this RAM running at 1.5V - need to change it to 1.85V and it'll start recognizing itself as 1333 instead of 1066. I hope! That may fix the other problem.

Change the timing to the correct specs:

@ 1333 Timing 7-6-6-24-32 (622)
@ 1066 Timing 6-5-5-10-27 (533)

Anyway, the most likely cause of your problem is the RAM isn't in the right slots. You need to have these two modules in slots A1 and B1.
http://home.roadrunner.com/~expertpc/genie01.jpg
http://home.roadrunner.com/~expertpc/genie02.jpg

It is running on 1.5 V because I just resetted the BIOS settings, I have always ran it at 1.85

I have the slots correct too, since that was in the manual.

I'm going to try the timings now, since I haven't done that yet. Ill post with the results!

Reply to lorum

Changed the timings, didn't work, so I reverted them to what says in the manual (AUTO seems to do the same).

I really don't want to reinstall windows again, but if there is no other option...

Reply to lorum

Were you using 32bit Vista?

I found this on a Microsoft board:
"I am running an ASUS A8N-SLI Premium and had the same issue. To fix the error is a setting you have to change in you BIOS.

Go into your bios, select the Advanced tab and select CPU Configuration. Then select DRAM Configuration. You will find a "DRAM Over 4gb Remapping" option. Disable this and you should be good to go."
http://social.technet.microsoft.co [...] 5a5f2ca3d8

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to mongox

mongox wrote :

I had already read that thread, but it is of no use to me because my BIOS doesn't have an option like that.

And no, I was running a 64 bit Vista.

Reply to lorum

Well - I'm outta ideas! And off to the Lake so good luck on it. Be sure to post the solution, because I think you'll find one.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to mongox

mongox wrote :

Well - I'm outta ideas! And off to the Lake so good luck on it. Be sure to post the solution, because I think you'll find one.

Thanks for your effort, I'll continue my search

Reply to lorum

try this

1) hit windows key + R (brings up run command)
2) type in msconfig, hit ok or press enter
3) go to boot tab
4) click on advanced options
5) on the top right sure maximum memory isn't checked

EDIT: though this won't help with the bios only seeing 2GB

Message edited by mindless728 on 09-13-2009 at 09:57:59 PM

Reply to mindless728

^+1. Totally forgot about that. Could be a reason.

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Reply to shadow703793

Hey,

I had already looked at that before you posted it, but unfortunately this was also not a solution.

Thanks anyway!

Reply to lorum

Try switching modules between slots. Who knows, maybe Windows just went crazy and a memory swapping may put him back in place...

Btw, did you clean the modules as I said?

Reply to zehpavora

If they're in dual channel slots, make sure Dual Channel mode is on?

Sounds dumb, but if it's looking for triple channel and only finds two, it might just revert back to normal mode. I don't have a DDR3 board, I'm just suggesting to check that, and that the motherboard supports dual channel (and doesn't require triple channel).

Just ideas for the pile.

Reply to SpidersWeb

I just reinstalled Windows Vista, and it also shows 2 GB RAM.

I upgraded to Win7 afterwards, and I still have the same problem.

Reply to lorum

Then you have some bad memory modules. Test each individually with Memtest86+.

CPU-Z and similar utilities only read the SPD contents, which has its own independent circuit. Meaning, the module can literally have no DRAM chips on it, but as long as the SPD chip is readable, CPU-Z will still report whatever amount of RAM is programmed into the SPD. It really has no clue how much RAM is physically addressed or present.

Message edited by tcsenter on 09-14-2009 at 12:45:48 PM

Reply to tcsenter

It has to be one of the sticks are bad or your not following the what the motherboard is telling you. If your ram is not in the right slots it wont show up right.

Reply to RahBoT

I doubt a memory module just breaks down all of a sudden right after I installed Windows 7 because it's faulty...

I'll email ocz or post on their forum now then. Thanks for the help anyway!

Reply to lorum

I have asked this question on the official OCZ forums, and appearently it's because my RAM works on 1.9 V while my processor can only handle up to 1.65 V.
I have ordered a new triple channel kit that works on 1.65 V which should arrive today.

Thanks for your answers all

Reply to lorum

Best answer

Quote :

Reply to mongox

Just installed Windows 7 with an Intel (R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6400 @ 2.13 GHZ, 3.20 Hgz

Installed memory accd to System is 4.00 GB with 2.94 usable.

64 bit operating system.

It says that about 1GB of the memory is being reserved for the Bios and drivers for other peripherals. So Windows recognizes the 4GB but is only letting me use about 3GB. Any solutions? It seems others have had issues with their BIOS or the memory module itself. Mine seems to be software related. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Reply to nabilalk

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