RAM not detected by Windows

enemychaser SG

Hi guys, I need some help with my DIY PC here.

I've got some problem with my ram. Under "System Property", windows displays that my computer has 704MB of memory, even though my actual total memory should be 2048MB, according to "System Information" and my BIOS. This 704MB value is the same whether I used only 1 GB of ram or both my 1GB ram sticks (total 2GB). Somehow the additional 1 GB isn't detected.

I'm suspecting that my GFX card is taking up some ram from my system, even though it has its own 256mb of dedicated memory. That would explain why my system reads 704mb even though it ought to be ~1gb if I use 1 stick of RAM. Though why it doesn't read the other 1gb is beyond me.

I'm currently running Windows XP SP3. The same problem exists whether I'm running SP2 or SP3. I'm on a Gigabyte 965P-DS3 mobo, E4400 CPU, Asus 8800GT gfx card and my 2 Kingston rams are working fine individually, just not together.

Anonymous User SG

Lol... GFX mem not like tt see 1 la~... Dedicated memory means the amount of ram that the card had onboard & used by itself only... Unless ur 8800GT uses turbocache(not happening... =)... which still wouldnt 'steal' total ram count, but i dunno... i'm with ATi...

1 question... wats ur ram's clk speed? if both the same then it could be with the slot itself... since you've said both work well individually, then i doubt that the clk is not suported by mobo....

but a 8800GT with 256Mb memory?..... O.o

+ this is from the webpage of ur mobo...:

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Spec.aspx?ClassValue=Motherboard&ProductID=2314&ProductName=GA-965P-DS3

* Due to standard PC architecture, a certain amount of memory is reserved for system usage and therefore the actual memory size is less than the stated amount.

enemychaser SG

Yea, both my RAM are the same clock, both the same brand and type. My 8800gt is the budget version, so 256mb is kinda sad, i know.

Anyway, I didn't have this problem 3days ago. My PC was running fine, system properties show 2gb of memory. Then the next day i'm stuck with this problem. Even if a certain amount of memory is reserved, to reserve 1.3gb is pretty... screwed up, if you ask me.

Anonymous User SG

Agreed, even if the system had took some resources, there should be alot more left...

So nothing particular happened during the 3 days? no overclocking/tweaking?

Could be slot related... that 1 u'll have to wait for either MypillowTalk or Kenn3th...

Lee012lee SG

Most likely, you have not installed your additional ram properly or your BIOS have not detected your new ram. It is definitely not due to your graphic card take away your ram as the graphic card has its own ram lah.

enemychaser SG

Nope, not likely. This problem occured out of the blue, when I did not adjust or reinstall my RAM. BIOS has been updated. I posted a similar thread at hwz, but the guys there couldn't solve the problem either, guess i'll have to hope my pc fixes itself now, lol

Lee012lee SG

Two possible reasons.

One, the ram is loosen ie the spring that holds on the ram is lossen. Unlock first and then try to pull out the ram slowly and then place it back until the lock automatically springs to lock the ram in position.

Second, ram does get spolit due to usage although there is the lifetime guarantee.

If Windows or BIOS still cannot detect the correct amount of ram, you can get or borrow someone's ram and installed into your computer to see whether it detects the correct amount of ram.

If it shows the correct amount of ram, then your ram is damaged.

Or you can take out the ram and installed it into someone's computer. If the computer shows the correct amount of ram, then your ram is not spolit BUT your motherboard (ie the memory slot is spoilt) needs to be changed then.