Newbie Help - BIOS Settings

[quarkrad]

I have a H61M-USB3-B3 version 1.0 motherboard and everything is set to auto.  I have two Corsair 4GB memory modules (in theory 8GB RAM) but on my dual boot system Linux reads my installed memory as 3.2GB and win7 as 2GB.  A little research and it appears I have to configure my bios to match the frequency/voltage settings of my XMS3 memory modules.   I have had a little look in the BIOS and all sorts of settings are presented under Advanced.  Any help advising me what BIOS settings to alter to address this memory correct would be much appreciated.

[kemical]

Hi,
normally one only makes changes in the Bios so that the speed is correct. When you buy a stick of RAM let's say a 4GB stick of 1600MHz  for example then when placed in the Bios it will read 1333MHz. Thats because all RAM will default to this speed and one needs to enter the bios to set the RAM correctly to the right speed which in this case would be 1600MHz. These settings are found the memory section and it's just a case of looking for them as they'll be quite obvious as to what they are. Usually one doesn't have to even touch voltage settings.
Can you post what RAM it is your running as well as whether your running 32bit or 64bit os.

I would try reseating the RAM as it sounds like it isn't being read correctly. Also it can make a difference as to which slots to use. Your motherboard manual will tell you which slots are best to use with what configuration of RAM.

[bassfisher6522]

Can you post a screen shot of your windows system specs......

[quarkrad]

Thank you the replies.  Forgive me - I'm not too familiar with win7, hopefully the attached provides the windows system spec.  The RAM I'm running is 2 x corsair CMX4GX3m2A1600c9 - so I should have 8GB, or thereabouts.  I spend 99% of my time in my Linux OS - both Linux and OSs are 64bit. 

[quarkrad]

From what I've read I have to change the DRAM frequency to 1600Hz - however, in my Advanced Frequency Settings it currently shows 1333 and 1333  this seems to be the highest value I can set.  There is a web page that states  "....
In the bios under MB Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.), you can adjust the memory's frequency under Advanced Memory Settings by selecting Profile1 in Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.)....."  but I do not have this Profile/XMP option.  Is it possible for me to change the 1333 to 1600?

[quarkrad]

Hmmm..... it appears my motherboard only supports DDR3 1333/1066/800 MHz memory modules.  I have 2 x 4GB XMS Memory kit for dual channel systems, 1600MHz, 9-9-9-24, 1.65V.   This may be a stupid question, and sorry if it is, but does this mean no matter what I do these memory modules are not going to function at 4gb, each?  I'm not sure of the consequences of running a 4gb 1600 module at 1333.   The mb supports up to 16GB RAM.

[quarkrad]

I've put each stick in my wife's pc and they read 2GB.  I did a memtest on each and they both read as 2GB, so ....... would you agree it looks like I have two sticks where one of the 2GB modules is dead in both of them so rather than them being 2 x 2GB each they are only working as 1 x 2GB.

[kemical]

Yup I'd return them and buy some 1333MHz RAM to suit your board..