8GB Only 3.96 usable

[xJoseph]

***PC specs***
AMD A10-5800K
ASUS A55M-A
GALAX GTX 650 OC
G.skill Sniper 8GB 1600 (2x4 gb)
500W PSU
Windows 7 Home Premium (64bits)
Like the spec I provided I have 8GB of ram but only 4gb (3.96 to be very specific)
Since my MB is only a mini ATX so I can't change yo any other RAM slots
I have done the window's memory check with no errors, I have changed the boot maximum memory setting in msconfig to 8192 (which equals to 8GB if i'm not wrong).
What should I do here? my pc ram usage is easily goes up to 80-100% even when i'm listening to music and using multiples Google Chrome tabs.
Please help, thanks!

 

[Colif]

it appears one of the sticks isn't registering as 3.96 is what you would have if a stick is not counting

try running the free version of memtest86 on ram sticks, 1 stick at a time. Any errors show stick needs to be replaced or removed at the very least,

 

[xJoseph]

it appears one of the sticks isn't registering as 3.96 is what you would have if a stick is not counting

try running the free version of memtest86 on ram sticks, 1 stick at a time. Any errors show stick needs to be replaced or removed at the very least,

I tried Memtest but I can't put in 8000mb in once, so what should I do? how many memtest do I need to open and run it simultaneously? and what amount should I put in foe each copies of memtest opened?

 

[brispuss]

First make sure that the APU is mounted evenly.

If using Memtest, then three full passes is usually enough to pick up any (serious) memory errors for any ONE memory module.

Try ONE memory module at a time, and if possible try using different memory slots in order to determine if a memory module and/or a memory slot is faulty.

 

[robert600]

Yes ... I agree with 'brispuss' before getting too carried away .... I would definitely exchange what ram goes in what slot. Odd as it sounds, I have positively seen this make a difference. I can't explain it though.

 

[xJoseph]

I tried swapping the ram slot, pc starts but it's not booting up. I'll try using one ram in different slots at a time. if I insert a ram in another slot but it doesn't boot does it mean that one of the slot is faulty?
Edit: How long should I run the memtest for? quote Brispuss "three full passes is usually enough to pick up any (serious) memory errors" How long would you say for a one "full pass"

 

[xJoseph]

Quick update just checked the BIOS the PC only recognized 4GB of rams, but in the system info it show 8GB (3.96 usable)
Does this means something? I'm thinking about one of the RAM or one of the slots is faulty
Edit: System info, CPU-Z recognized 8GB of ram (The RAM is single channel not sure if that is one of the reason too?)

 

[brispuss]

The computer might boot from one memory slot only, it doesn't necessarily mean the other slot is faulty.

One pass in Memtest might take about 30 ~ 60 minutes, depending on memory capacity and system speed.

Try updating BIOS, if possible. The present version of BIOS may not fully recognize some memory due to differences in memory architecture used in the modules.

Also, what is the G.Skill part number (F3- . . . )? And presumably the 2 x 4 GB memory is from the same dual channel kit?

 

[xJoseph]

I think I've found the answer one of the ram is broken I guess I tried booting the pc while changing the single ram. One stick boots up in both slots, and another stick won't work in both slots. So I guess this is the answer yes? The RAM is F3-12800CL9D-8GB SR Dual channel kit BUT the pc reads the ram as Single channel. In the BIOS it reads the RAM as 4GB single channel. I think one of the RAM is broken and need to be replaced right?

 

[Colif]

Yes. You answered that already, if PC won't start with it in, its no use to you now.

 

[xJoseph]

Farewell to old friend I guess ;___;

 

[Colif]

Don't make me sad... you might be able to get a new pair cheaply and not notice the difference after a while. Or get 16gb and upgrade

 

[robert600]

'I think I've found the answer one of the ram is broken I guess I tried booting the pc while changing the single ram. One stick boots up in both slots, and another stick won't work in both slots. So I guess this is the answer yes? '

Yes ... well done ... easy fix now and not ridiculously expensive

 

[robert600]

Looks to me like you could jump to 2 X 8 for around $100 and ... that stick of 4gb of working ram would probably be worth $15 to somebody. So .. for $85 ... nice upgrade.