New RAM problems

[Tohst]

Alright so i just installed 2 4GB sticks of ddr3 into my system and on my computer properties it says it only has 3.12 GB of RAM.

First of all, im taking it one stick isnt working but even then shouldnt that number be closer to 4??

And are there certain slots you must install RAM into? Ive heard closest to the CPU but im not sure...

Thanks for your help

 

[Rancid504]

Is your operating system 32bit or 64bit? If it is 32bit it will not be able to use all of the memory you installed. If your OS is 32bit then it would see just above 3 gigabytes available.

 

[Tohst]

It is indeed 32 bit. Do i have to upgrade to 64 bit to take advantage of all my memory? (If so, do i need an official windows CD?) Why is 32 bit designed that way? That seems illogical

 

[Rancid504]

yes, you will need a Windows disc with a 64bit copy of Windows on it. you cant upgrade to 64bit without a reinstall of Windows so make sure you backup your data. it is not illogical, 32bit worked fine until systems had more than 4gb of RAM, and for the mainstream that was not until recently.

 

[Rancid504]

yes, you will need a Windows disc with a 64bit copy of Windows on it. you cant upgrade to 64bit without a reinstall of Windows so make sure you backup your data. it is not illogical, 32bit worked fine until systems had more than 4gb of RAM, and for the mainstream that was not until recently.

 

[Tohst]

Best answer selected by Tohst.