BIOS not recognising all RAM

[nickeverett]

I have recently upgraded from 1GB ram (2x 512mb) to 4GB (4x 1GB) on my Gigabyte GA-8ANXP-D motherboard. I then found out that Windows 7 32bit doesn't support 4GB only 3GB, doh!

However, my BIOS isn't recognising the whole 4GB either. It only recognised 3GB



I originally thought this meant that i hadn't installed one of the RAM cards properly, however I used CPU-Z to check that all 4GB of RAM was present.






Can anyone explain why the BIOS only shows the 3GB and what/ if anything I can do to fix this?

Thanks, PC details below.






PC Details

Windows 7 Home Premium x86

System  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  Manufacturer GBT___
  Model AWRDACPI
  Processor Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.20GHz
  Total amount of system memory 3.00 GB RAM
  System type 32-bit operating system
  Number of processor cores 1
  64-bit capable No
 
Storage  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  Total size of hard disk(s) 2049 GB
  Disk partition (C:) 155 GB Free (186 GB Total)
  Disk partition (D:) 333 GB Free (466 GB Total)
  Disk partition (E:) 657 GB Free (1397 GB Total)
  
 
Graphics  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  Display adapter type NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT
  Total available graphics memory 1535 MB
        Dedicated graphics memory 256 MB
        Dedicated system memory 0 MB
        Shared system memory 1279 MB
  Display adapter driver version 8.17.12.5896
  Primary monitor resolution 1280x1024
  DirectX version DirectX 9.0 or better
 

[F5BJR]

*
That is normal with 32 bits platform

Pierre

[Dark Mantis]

As Pierre said if you are running a 32 bit operating system then you will not be able to see/use any more than a theortical 4GB. It usually works out to be a little less than that in reality depending on your setup. If you have a graphics card with it's own memory then that will affect the amount the system sees of your main RAM.

[nickeverett]

I understand that the OS will see less that 4gb, but why is the BIOS only seeing 3gb?

Shouldnt the BIOS see 4gb and windows only use 3gb?

Also, the CPUID:OF34 Patch ID:0013 error message only started appearing since I introduced the new RAM.

[Dark Mantis]

As I erxplained depending on your system less than 4 GB will be available. However of course you could have a fauilty module as just because it is new doesn't mean that it can't be faulty.

Is all the memory exactly the same eg make, model, timings etc ?  If it is then I suggest trying this but it will take a long time to be certain:

Please follow these instructions exactly.

I would suggest that you download and run the latest version of  Memtest86+ to check your RAM first.

Memtest86+        http://www.memtest.org/

Insert one stick of memory in slot 1 and run Memtest on it for at least 10 complete loops/cycles and if there are no errors then swap it over with the next one and continue untill you have checked all  modules.
 
If you have any errors the module is faulty.

If you have any faulty modules you will have to return the whole kit as they are matched.

Post back when you have done that with the results.

[Tinker]

If all else fails & memory modules are OK go for 2x2gb in original slots that worked  before,
ensuring correct spec for board. Easiest workaround.

On X48T ran 2x1gb no problem until I added another matched 2x1gb pair. Bios read 4GB but
had contiual freezing. Replaced with 2x2gb, now back to dual mode & no problems. Found
no faults with 4x1gb modules. Quirky board ? !!!


Regards tinker.

[Dark Mantis]

Yes Tinker it has been known. I have come across similar situations myself.