Comp Failing to recognize new RAM - Help

**iravedic** · 10-03-07, 06:03 PM

I'm not sure my system is recognizing the new RAM I just installed. Running XP Pro, on a Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz w/ 533 MHz FSB. Original equipped with 512 MB Dual channel DDR SDRAM at 333MHz. Awhile back added 2GB DDR SDRAM RAM with no problem. It showed I was running all 2.5GB of RAM. When I replaced the original 512MB with 2GB it doesn't seem to recognize all of the 4GB memory installed showing only 3.4GB.

Am I missing something, I'm not the most computer literate person on the planet but have installed hardware upgrades with no problem before.

**~~Cecil900~~** · 10-03-07, 08:44 PM

It might be the max supported memory on your mobo.

**SapiensErus** · 10-03-07, 10:34 PM

Your 32 bit OS should only see 3 gigs. And only 2 of those 3 are available for applications to use. You say 3.4? Thats a strange number if it is because of your OS.

does it show 3.4 gigs during the post or from the system properties?

FYI If you want to use all 4 gigs you need a 64 bit OS. But if its during post (bootup) that is shows 3.4 there is another issue than the OS.

**iravedic** · 10-04-07, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

Your 32 bit OS should only see 3 gigs. And only 2 of those 3 are available for applications to use. You say 3.4? Thats a strange number if it is because of your OS.

does it show 3.4 gigs during the post or from the system properties?

FYI If you want to use all 4 gigs you need a 64 bit OS. But if its during post (bootup) that is shows 3.4 there is another issue than the OS.

I actually, did some google work and discovered that apparently XP will only recognize 4GB of total memory so from that 4 all other RAM is deducted ie Video RAM. That explains it, thanks for the reply. I'm not getting the performance I would like, probably because I'm playing on a patched up old Dell. I think I'm going to start looking around and build a rig specifically for gaming.

**SapiensErus** · 10-04-07, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by iravedic

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

Your 32 bit OS should only see 3 gigs. And only 2 of those 3 are available for applications to use. You say 3.4? Thats a strange number if it is because of your OS.

does it show 3.4 gigs during the post or from the system properties?

FYI If you want to use all 4 gigs you need a 64 bit OS. But if its during post (bootup) that is shows 3.4 there is another issue than the OS.

I actually, did some google work and discovered that apparently XP will only recognize 4GB of total memory so from that 4 all other RAM is deducted ie Video RAM. That explains it, thanks for the reply. I'm not getting the performance I would like, probably because I'm playing on a patched up old Dell. I think I'm going to start looking around and build a rig specifically for gaming.

If it is Xp 64 bit maybe it will use up to 4Gb. Windows XP 32 bit will not utilize more than 3, and only 2 for applications, period. This is a physical limitation of using 32 bits to address memory; there is a mathematical reason for it.

But in any case, if your 'puter is using system RAM for graphics processing, maybe you should consider building a gaming system. Integrated graphics systems are typically pretty weak. DO you happen to know what model Graphics Processor is on your motherboard?

**iravedic** · 10-04-07, 11:50 AM

Hmmm....I guess my googleing lead me wrong, not the 1st time. I do have a Video Card installed - ATI Radeon X1300. Now I'm really confused.

Here is what I have installed:

Windows® XP Professional
Intel ® Pentium® 4 Processor 2.8GHz w/533MHz FSB
ATI Radeon X1300
Kingston 2GB DDR SDRAM RAM @ 333MHz
Kingston 2GB DDR SDRAM RAM @ 400MHz

System Properties shows 3.2GB of RAM. Graphics Processor on the Mother Board is Integrated Intel® Extreme Graphics 2.

I assume I have XP 32bit, how would I confim that? No idea where to look.

I used Tweak's guide to BF2 to try and improve performance. I shutdown all background programs before I load BF2, and still am unable to push any of the in game video settings past medium. Hell most are set to low. I still get some stuttering and video arifacts. I've got great ping - 15-19. Any thoughts?

**Carcass** · 10-04-07, 12:39 PM

Try this:

-Turn your system off, unplug the power supply (shut the power completely off), install the 4GB,
-Set the jumper to reset the BIOS, (pins 1-2)
-Plug the PS
-Turn it on (you wont get video signal)
-Leave it on for a lapse of 10 seconds.
-Turn it back off (make sure you shut the power completely off again, a single jumper can screw up your rig)
-Change the jumper to the normal position (pins 2-3)
-Turn it back on
-Hit the Del key to access the bios, and check if it recognize the 4GB
-If it does, just load your OS normally.

Good luck.

**SapiensErus** · 10-04-07, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by iravedic

Hmmm....I guess my googleing lead me wrong, not the 1st time. I do have a Video Card installed - ATI Radeon X1300. Now I'm really confused.

Here is what I have installed:

Windows® XP Professional
Intel ® Pentium® 4 Processor 2.8GHz w/533MHz FSB
ATI Radeon X1300
Kingston 2GB DDR SDRAM RAM @ 333MHz
Kingston 2GB DDR SDRAM RAM @ 400MHz

System Properties shows 3.2GB of RAM. Graphics Processor on the Mother Board is Integrated Intel® Extreme Graphics 2.

I assume I have XP 32bit, how would I confim that? No idea where to look.

I used Tweak's guide to BF2 to try and improve performance. I shutdown all background programs before I load BF2, and still am unable to push any of the in game video settings past medium. Hell most are set to low. I still get some stuttering and video arifacts. I've got great ping - 15-19. Any thoughts?

Right click the "my Computer" icon in the start menu and select "properties" From there you will get a dialog box, select "general" which is probably the default. From that screen you should see your available system memory, and OS type.

Can you tell me what it says?

**iravedic** · 10-04-07, 09:38 PM

I says:

System:
Mircosoft Windows XP
Professional
Version 2002
Service Pack 2

Computer:
Intel
Pentium 4CPU 2.80 GHz
2.79 GHz, 3.25GB of RAM

**SapiensErus** · 10-04-07, 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by iravedic

I says:

System:
Mircosoft Windows XP
Professional
Version 2002
Service Pack 2

Computer:
Intel
Pentium 4CPU 2.80 GHz
2.79 GHz, 3.25GB of RAM

Wow, it shouldnt say 3.25GB by my accounts.. but neat for you!

Now, since you have two video cards (the x1300 and the one on the board) I am assuming you have your monitor hooked to the x1300? Someone suggested that missing ram is being used by your onboard video. so lets give that a shot.

During post press some button to enter setup (usually delete) your boot screen should say something like "press [del] to enter setup..." go ahead and do that to get to the BIOS.

Now somewhere in your BIOS is a selection for like "onboard peripherals" or some jargon like that, under that is probably "onboard video" or some similar item, make sure it's disabled, also there might be a setting under there telling the onboard video system how much memory to use.

In any case you have 32 bit XP... not sure why it see's that much memory but thats cool beans for you.