BIOS/Windows recognizes half memory

[lorum]

Hello all,

I'm having problems with my memory. To clarify, here's the problem:

- BIOS recognizes 2 GB
- Windows 7 recognizes 2 GB

- CPU-Z recognizes the full 4 GB though.

Specifications:

ASUSTeK Computer INC. Rampage II GENE Rev 2.xx
OCZ 1333 2x2GB DDR3 (OCZ3RPX1333EB4GK)
2.67 gigahertz Intel Core i7 920 (O.C. to 3.2)
Windows 7
ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2

I had Windows Vista installed before I installed Windows 7, but that would hardly explain why the BIOS only recognizes half of my memory...

 

[Mongox]

I know nothing about Win7, but you might try making notes of your changes to the BIOS, or saving it, then choosing to load the Optimized Defaults. Try the settings w/o the OC.

One thing strikes me is the tRFC - shouldn't it be around 28? What the SPD look like in CPUz? And does it show two slots filled?

 

[lorum]

I know nothing about Win7, but you might try making notes of your changes to the BIOS, or saving it, then choosing to load the Optimized Defaults. Try the settings w/o the OC.

One thing strikes me is the tRFC - shouldn't it be around 28? What the SPD look like in CPUz? And does it show two slots filled?

I have already tried loading it with the default settings, no changes.

 

[Shadow703793]

I'm not sure but doesn't the GPU and other hardware reserve part of the RAM also? I doubt you should loose 2GB RAM for that!

 

[zehpavora]

[strike]Are you sure you're using a 64-bit Windows in order to operate the 4 GB capacity? I know 32-bit limits the computer to 3GB, but maybe it is your OS.[/strike]

My bad, you´re using a 64-bit.

Try cleaning the modules. I clean them with an eraser (white pencil one) on the contacts. Just remember not to let any eraser-left-overs in the module or you may fry it.

 

[lorum]

Thank you all for the tips, but I forgot to mention one thing;

Before I was using Windows 7 I was using Windows Vista, and it showed up as 4 GB there. After I installed 7 It went back to 2 GB

 

[Shadow703793]

^Try re-installing.

 

[lorum]

I thought I would ask here first because I'm not quite sure what the impact of windows is if the BIOS doesn't recognize it either.

 

[Mongox]

OK, you got this RAM running at 1.5V - need to change it to 1.85V and it'll start recognizing itself as 1333 instead of 1066. I hope! That may fix the other problem.

Change the timing to the correct specs:

@ 1333 Timing 7-6-6-24-32 (622)
@ 1066 Timing 6-5-5-10-27 (533)

Anyway, the most likely cause of your problem is the RAM isn't in the right slots. You need to have these two modules in slots A1 and B1.

 

[lorum]

OK, you got this RAM running at 1.5V - need to change it to 1.85V and it'll start recognizing itself as 1333 instead of 1066. I hope! That may fix the other problem.

Change the timing to the correct specs:

@ 1333 Timing 7-6-6-24-32 (622)
@ 1066 Timing 6-5-5-10-27 (533)

Anyway, the most likely cause of your problem is the RAM isn't in the right slots. You need to have these two modules in slots A1 and B1.
http://home.roadrunner.com/~expertpc/genie01.jpg
http://home.roadrunner.com/~expertpc/genie02.jpg

It is running on 1.5 V because I just resetted the BIOS settings, I have always ran it at 1.85

I have the slots correct too, since that was in the manual.

I'm going to try the timings now, since I haven't done that yet. Ill post with the results!

 

[lorum]

Changed the timings, didn't work, so I reverted them to what says in the manual (AUTO seems to do the same).

I really don't want to reinstall windows again, but if there is no other option...

 

[Mongox]

Were you using 32bit Vista?

I found this on a Microsoft board:
"I am running an ASUS A8N-SLI Premium and had the same issue. To fix the error is a setting you have to change in you BIOS.

Go into your bios, select the Advanced tab and select CPU Configuration. Then select DRAM Configuration. You will find a "DRAM Over 4gb Remapping" option. Disable this and you should be good to go."
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itprohardware/thread/29472919-8420-47de-b19b-9b5a5f2ca3d8

 

[lorum]

Were you using 32bit Vista?

I found this on a Microsoft board:
"I am running an ASUS A8N-SLI Premium and had the same issue. To fix the error is a setting you have to change in you BIOS.

Go into your bios, select the Advanced tab and select CPU Configuration. Then select DRAM Configuration. You will find a "DRAM Over 4gb Remapping" option. Disable this and you should be good to go."
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itprohardware/thread/29472919-8420-47de-b19b-9b5a5f2ca3d8

I had already read that thread, but it is of no use to me because my BIOS doesn't have an option like that.

And no, I was running a 64 bit Vista.

 

[Mongox]

Well - I'm outta ideas! And off to the Lake so good luck on it. Be sure to post the solution, because I think you'll find one.

 

[lorum]

Well - I'm outta ideas! And off to the Lake so good luck on it. Be sure to post the solution, because I think you'll find one.

Thanks for your effort, I'll continue my search

 

[mindless728]

try this

1) hit windows key + R (brings up run command)
2) type in msconfig, hit ok or press enter
3) go to boot tab
4) click on advanced options
5) on the top right sure maximum memory isn't checked

EDIT: though this won't help with the bios only seeing 2GB

 

[Shadow703793]

^+1. Totally forgot about that. Could be a reason.

 

[lorum]

Hey,

I had already looked at that before you posted it, but unfortunately this was also not a solution.

Thanks anyway!

 

[zehpavora]

Try switching modules between slots. Who knows, maybe Windows just went crazy and a memory swapping may put him back in place...

Btw, did you clean the modules as I said?

 

[SpidersWeb]

If they're in dual channel slots, make sure Dual Channel mode is on?

Sounds dumb, but if it's looking for triple channel and only finds two, it might just revert back to normal mode. I don't have a DDR3 board, I'm just suggesting to check that, and that the motherboard supports dual channel (and doesn't require triple channel).

Just ideas for the pile.

 

[lorum]

I just reinstalled Windows Vista, and it also shows 2 GB RAM.

I upgraded to Win7 afterwards, and I still have the same problem.

 

[tcsenter]

Then you have some bad memory modules. Test each individually with Memtest86+.

CPU-Z and similar utilities only read the SPD contents, which has its own independent circuit. Meaning, the module can literally have no DRAM chips on it, but as long as the SPD chip is readable, CPU-Z will still report whatever amount of RAM is programmed into the SPD. It really has no clue how much RAM is physically addressed or present.

 

[Rahbot]

It has to be one of the sticks are bad or your not following the what the motherboard is telling you. If your ram is not in the right slots it wont show up right.

 

[lorum]

I doubt a memory module just breaks down all of a sudden right after I installed Windows 7 because it's faulty...

I'll email ocz or post on their forum now then. Thanks for the help anyway!

 

[lorum]

I have asked this question on the official OCZ forums, and appearently it's because my RAM works on 1.9 V while my processor can only handle up to 1.65 V.
I have ordered a new triple channel kit that works on 1.65 V which should arrive today.

Thanks for your answers all