2 sticks of 2GB RAM-Just 3GB

[gheocaflorin]

Hello guys. I've bought 2 RAM sticks of 2GB each, but I have a little problem. When I insert one stick, doesn't matter which, it shows me 2GB of each RAM stick, but if I insert them both, it shows me just 3GB, 2048MB + 1024MB. I executed memtest, but everything was OK. What can I do?
Thanks in advance.

 

[timmoseus]

From your screenshot, it shows 6GB installed and 5GB usable. That is normal as some is reserved for system memory, most likely in this case the integrated video. If you have 2 X 2GB sticks installed, your BIOS should read 4096MB (4GB) installed. If it is not displaying 4GB installed, you may have a problem with high density chips; what COLGeek mentioned previously about the 128MB chips (as opposed to low density 64MB chips). I have seen similar problems in certain Dell motherboards before, except they just would not take the high density RAM at all. I know some companies use high density chips for their "value RAM", I'm looking at you Kingston. When you run memtest, does it show the total amount of RAM installed as you expect it to be, or is it still 3GB when you have 4GB in? If it is the high density RAM causing issues, the only thing left to do is to get different RAM.

So a quick checklist:
Install 2 X 2GB of RAM (total 4GB)
What does your BIOS see?
What does Windows see?
What does memtest see?

 

[gheocaflorin]

I think it is down to the compatibility of your 2x2GB memory and the motherboard itself. Honestly, I would just live with 5 of 6GB available and not worry about it.

The only other thing I can think of is to inspect the CPU for bent pins (often the cause of memory issues). However, there is some risk doing so and you won't gain any measurable performance getting the missing 1GB of memory back.

The CPU is fine, I have no problems with "him". But I've paid for 4GB, not for 3

 

[COLGeek]

I think we have done all we can do for you here. You can look at the memory QVL for your motherboard at Asus and attempt to find 4 matching, compatible memory sticks and install them, for a max of 8GB. As it is now, it seems we are out of options given the hardware you have in hand.

 

[gheocaflorin]

I think we have done all we can do for you here. You can look at the memory QVL for your motherboard at Asus and attempt to find 4 matching, compatible memory sticks and install them, for a max of 8GB. As it is now, it seems we are out of options given the hardware you have in hand.

Ok. Thanks for your help.

 

[gheocaflorin]

From your screenshot, it shows 6GB installed and 5GB usable. That is normal as some is reserved for system memory, most likely in this case the integrated video. If you have 2 X 2GB sticks installed, your BIOS should read 4096MB (4GB) installed. If it is not displaying 4GB installed, you may have a problem with high density chips; what COLGeek mentioned previously about the 128MB chips (as opposed to low density 64MB chips). I have seen similar problems in certain Dell motherboards before, except they just would not take the high density RAM at all. I know some companies use high density chips for their "value RAM", I'm looking at you Kingston. When you run memtest, does it show the total amount of RAM installed as you expect it to be, or is it still 3GB when you have 4GB in? If it is the high density RAM causing issues, the only thing left to do is to get different RAM.

So a quick checklist:
Install 2 X 2GB of RAM (total 4GB)
What does your BIOS see?
What does Windows see?
What does memtest see?

BIOS see 3GB usable
Windows see 3GB usable
memtest see 4GB.