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New RAM sticks not usable

M

MikeND05

n00b
Joined
Jan 6, 2008
Messages
18
Motherboard: Asus M5A88-M
RAM: 2GBx4 G.Skill F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ (all four matching, 1333)
Win 7 64-bit

I added 2gbx2 to double my RAM; 8gb registers as installed, but only 3.75 usable (which is the same amount of usable RAM I had when I only had 4gb total).

I've tried all of the typical solutions I've found. The sticks all work individually, I've updated the BIOS, made sure that "maximum memory" in msconfig is unchecked (and incidentally I dual boot with Ubuntu and the issue is there as well).

The issue is probably with the motherboard. The two "A" slots work, and the two "B" slots do not, which is interesting since the preference is for putting two sticks in A1 and B1. The two original sticks were in A1 and A2, which makes me wonder if I had an issue with B1 and B2 from the beginning, and just figured I'd figure out the problem later or RMA it if I wanted to add more RAM.

I do have integrated graphics, but can't seem to figure out how to make sure that that isn't where the extra memory is going. I did try to change the settings in BIOS, but it made no effect. Still, the RAM doesn't seem to add up in the Windows performance details (though I admit I'm not terribly knowledgeable in all this). Here are the stats:

Installed Memory: 8.00 GB (3.75 GB usable)

Graphics
Display adapter type ATI Radeon HD 4250
Total available graphics memory 1919 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 256 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 1663 MB

Thanks for any thoughts.
 
It could also be the processor. Have you tried reseating the processor?

What happens if you install in A1 and B1?

If installed in both "A" slots, you are probably only running in single channel mode which is going to lower your RAM throughput as well.

Have you tried resetting the BIOS?
 
I haven't reseated the processor or tried resetting the BIOS. I'll give resetting the BIOS a try next.

When installed in A1 and B1, 4GB installed, 1.75 usable.
Total available graphics memory 895 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 256 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 639 MB
 
Try reseating the processor.

Another thing to check is to see how much RAM a bootable CD for memtest86+ reports and tests.

Did you use the jumper to reset the BIOS?
 
Are you running a 32-bit OS? That sounds like the problem here if it's recognizing 8GB installed but only giving you 4GB of address space (plus OP is specifically mentioning he's not that familiar with this stuff)

You need a 64-bit OS for 8GB of RAM. And ignore anyone who claims you can use PAE successfully on a desktop OS.

Many PCs sold with Windows 7 came with the 32-bit version even when the PC was fully 64-bit. Though I suppose this one sounds custom, but I don't know if OP built it, or if the builder knew to use the 64-bit version of the OS. Heck, even I did a couple custom 32-bit Windows 7 installs for other people just for better compatibility with certain older hardware and software.

Edit: My bad; apparently I can't read. Disregard...
 
Last edited:
dandragonrage said:
Are you running a 32-bit OS? That sounds like the problem here if it's recognizing 8GB installed but only giving you 4GB of address space (plus OP is specifically mentioning he's not that familiar with this stuff)

You need a 64-bit OS for 8GB of RAM. And ignore anyone who claims you can use PAE successfully on a desktop OS.

Many PCs sold with Windows 7 came with the 32-bit version even when the PC was fully 64-bit. Though I suppose this one sounds custom, but I don't know if OP built it, or if the builder knew to use the 64-bit version of the OS. Heck, even I did a couple custom 32-bit Windows 7 installs for other people just for better compatibility with certain older hardware and software.
Click to expand...

OP states that it is 64-bit Win7. Also when installing a stick in A1, B1 it shows 4GB, but 1.75GB useable. It is definitely something hardware.
 
One question, what CPU are you currently using with this RAM?

And according to ASUS there is no G.Skill Memory that is at 1333 that is "officially " supported by this motherboard from their memory QVL list

Link of QVL memory list.
 
Do Phenoms do that when they have pin damage like Intel chips do? The pins are so solid you can't really install them right at all when they are bent. Definitely would be pulling the motherboard after I had a look at the pins, though. It's one or the other--if the RAM wasn't compatible with the board it just wouldn't work at all.
 
I finally tried reseating the processor. One pin was very badly bent, and in the process of trying to straighten it, it broke off completely.

But...that did bump up my useable RAM to 5.75 GB. My guess is that the pin is essential to one of the RAM slots, and in the process of trying to straighten it I must have straightened another that was necessary for one of the other slots.
 
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