8.00 GB installed RAM, only 3.99 GB usable?

[aeven]

Hi! I am wondering why there is only 4.00 GB of ram available on my computer when I installed 8GB. Does anybody know why this might be? Your help would be greatly appreciated!

My system specs are:

Processor:
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 CPU
760 @ 2.80 GHz

Ram: 8.00 GB (3.99GB Usable)
System type: 64-bit operating system

 

[nikorr]

Can u reset the BIOS?
Reset the CMOS memory the right way as is described in the motherboard manual using the clear CMOS link with the power cord unplugged.
How To Clear CMOS @ http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/tp/clearcmos.htm
[flash=480,270]http://www.youtube.com/v/rdHH9KrceR0?version=3&feature=player_detailpage[/flash]

 

[Dangi]

If this happened recently reset BIOS as stated before by nikorr

But if this isn't something that happened recently you should check your motherboards specs and see how many RAM it can handle

 

[aeven]

Hi Dangi,

This hasn't occurred recently so I will check my motherboard specs when I get back to the office. I think I ended up installing additional RAM to the motherboard that wasn't part of the installation. Originally I think I had 4 GB of RAM and upgraded.

I believe the mobo is a ASUS P97, but beyond that i'm not sure... Like I said, I will check when I get back to the office.

Is resetting the CMOS dangerous? I will back up all my data to begin with, but I want to be aware of a potential risk for down time since it is a business machine.

Thanks so much for your help!

Stephen