256 RAM shown as 196 RAM

[Guybrush]

Hi,

I recently put together a new computer. I have put in a 256 Meg RAM stick. It shows up as 196 Megs when I do a dxdiag on my system. I tried a different ram stick and I got the same problem.

Why could this be? Is this a problem with the Motherboard?

Thanks.

 

[gent]

Because some of the RAM is used for a BIOS cache/graphics RAM/Video BIOS cache...

A machine spec would help.

 

[bga]

You probably has got integrated graphics, which uses 64MB system RAM as its video RAM. Unless you install a graphics card with dedicated memory (no Turbomemory et al.), thats how it is!
It is not because of shadowing of the BIOS's, as it only shadows the ROM's in the old 640k-1M memory area, and as such can only occupy 384kb of memory (and which should be disabled - its only an advantage in DOS or other realmode OS).

 

[onestar]

Yes. Onboard graphics will report less memory for system use. You may be able to reduce the memory the graphics system uses, such in the case where graphics is not greatly required, however it makes better sense to acquire more system RAM.

 

[Guybrush]

Yes it is onboard graphics. Thanks all

 

[onestar]

You are very welcome. We aim to serve.

 

[homerdog]

256MB 😱 ? I had to check the date of the OP on this one. I assume you are not running any Microsoft OS released in the last 7 or 8 years; if so, I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[boner]

yeah