Desktop only detecting half its graphics memory (Palit Geforce 460 GTX 2GB)

[Prokofiev0650]

Hello. Any help with the following problem would be much appreciated! Sorry this is a bit long, but I've tried to provide all the relevant details!

The problem itself is quite simple: My computer is only detecting half the graphics memory (1 of 2GB) on the GPU: Palit Geforce GTX460 2GB. This was not the case when I first installed this GPU.

In nVidia control panel, Vtune and GPU-Z it clearly states that I now only have '1024MB GDDR5' despite previously having double. Also, only 1 instance of the card is displayed in Device Manager despite previously having 2 entries under 'display adapters' when the card was working normally.

When I first discovered the problem the system was 32-bit. After wiping the disk and upgrading to 64-bit the problem still remains. I've gradually upgraded the hardware over the last 3 years, but I'm not sure when this problem arose along the way, and after much research and experimentation I still cannot figure out what's wrong. I've also tampered with the BIOS to try and fix it to no avail.

Although I'm not sure it's relevant, dxdiag reports the card as an 'Integrated RAMDAC' and says it has 4049MB. (3GB shared, 1GB dedicated). While I'm not bothered that the RAM is being used in such a way I'd much prefer to have the additional (and far more effective) support from the GPU!

Here's the spec of the computer before the problem arose, followed by its current spec with the changes highlighted. None of the components are overclocked, but I've set manual timings and Mhz on the RAM to meet what's on the sticker:

Spec before the problem:

PSU: FSB - 450Watt (ATX-450PNF) (Non-Modular Power Supply)
Motherboard: Asus P5K SE/EPU
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad 6600 (2.4Ghz)
RAM: 3GB (3 x 1GB) Corsair XMS2 DDR2 (800MHz)
Graphics: Palit GeForce GTX460 Sonic 2GB Dedicated
HDD1: WD Caviar Black 500GB (7200rpm)
HDD2: (no brand - sticker shredded) 320GB (7200rpm)
Disc Drive: LG Super Multi DVD Rewriter with Lightscribe
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate (32-bit) (upgraded from Vista)
PC Case: IN WIN O3
Other stuff: Front panel card reader

Current Spec:

PSU: OCZ ModXStream-Pro - 600Watt (600MXSP) (Modular Power Supply)
Motherboard: Asus P5K SE/EPU
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad 6600 (2.4Ghz)
RAM: 8GB (4 x 2GB) Corsair Dominator DDR2 (1033MHz)
Graphics: Palit GeForce GTX460 Sonic 2GB Dedicated
HDD1: WD Caviar Black 500GB (7200rpm)
HDD2: (no brand - sticker shredded) 320GB (7200rpm)
Disc Drive: LG Super Multi DVD Rewriter with Lightscribe
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit)
PC Case: IN WIN O3
Other stuff: - Front panel card reader
- PCI TV (freeview) card.
- Triple 40mm fan AirFlow RAM cooling module.


Thank you for any input that can be provided!

 

[KyleADunn]

Have you tried running GPU-Z to see if that program detects the VRAM? If GPU-Z detects it, then you should be good to go, regardless of what dxdiag says.

Another issue could be that dxdiag is running the integrated graphics instead of your GPU. It will not read both at the same time.

Also, be sure your monitor is plugged into the GPU, not the Mobo!

 

[Prokofiev0650]

Have you tried running GPU-Z to see if that program detects the VRAM? If GPU-Z detects it, then you should be good to go, regardless of what dxdiag says.

Another issue could be that dxdiag is running the integrated graphics instead of your GPU. It will not read both at the same time.

Also, be sure your monitor is plugged into the GPU, not the Mobo!

Unfortunately I've already checked in GPU-Z, nVidia control panel and Vtune, all of which say I now only have 1GB.

My motherboard & processor are quite old and don't have integrated graphics, and the only monitor inputs are on the GPU.

Thanks for trying to help though!

 

[delellod123]

Did you download new drivers for the GPU? via NVIDIA.com?

 

[Prokofiev0650]

Did you download new drivers for the GPU? via NVIDIA.com?

Yes, I've always kept the drivers fully up to date. I've also tried the newest Beta driver, and also tried using the old one from the install disc that came with the GPU. I'm almost certain it's not driver related, but I'm quite clueless.

 

[delellod123]

In bios, could you try disabling Memory Hole Remapping

 

[delellod123]

Also you can look in "msconfig", go into the boot tab, advanced options and make sure "maximum memory" is left unchecked, if it's checked, unchecked it and after a reboot you should have windows recognizing all of your memory, but try the memory remapping thing first. And if everything fails, go for an bios update.

 

[Prokofiev0650]

Also you can look in "msconfig", go into the boot tab, advanced options and make sure "maximum memory" is left unchecked, if it's checked, unchecked it and after a reboot you should have windows recognizing all of your memory, but try the memory remapping thing first. And if everything fails, go for an bios update.

I turned off memory remapping as you suggested, but unfortunately the problem still remains! All that changed was the RAM went down to 7.31GB useable, with no change to the graphics memory.

Maximum memory was off but I turned it on and off again to be sure.

The Bios is also 100% up to date.

Thanks a lot for the suggestions though!

I had a thought: Since there's now only 1 entry in Device manager I'd assume 1 of the graphics cores is either not working or not being used/detected. Could this be because my power suppy is insufficient? The graphics card requires 2 PCIe power cables so probably needs quite a lot of power! My PSU is from a reputable company so I assume it has safety features to shut off when it can't handle certain stuff. Having filled all the RAM slots, installed a PCI TV card, and added a RAM cooling module, is it possible that there is now not enough power for the GPU to run both cores?

 

[delellod123]

Also you can look in "msconfig", go into the boot tab, advanced options and make sure "maximum memory" is left unchecked, if it's checked, unchecked it and after a reboot you should have windows recognizing all of your memory, but try the memory remapping thing first. And if everything fails, go for an bios update.

I turned off memory remapping as you suggested, but unfortunately the problem still remains! All that changed was the RAM went down to 7.31GB useable, with no change to the graphics memory.

Maximum memory was off but I turned it on and off again to be sure.

The Bios is also 100% up to date.

Thanks a lot for the suggestions though!

I had a thought: Since there's now only 1 entry in Device manager I'd assume 1 of the graphics cores is either not working or not being used/detected. Could this be because my power suppy is insufficient? The graphics card requires 2 PCIe power cables so probably needs quite a lot of power! My PSU is from a reputable company so I assume it has safety features to shut off when it can't handle certain stuff. Having filled all the RAM slots, installed a PCI TV card, and added a RAM cooling module, is it possible that there is now not enough power for the GPU to run both cores?

I believe your GPU only has a single processor (which is 336 cuda cores). Hmm, I really wouldn't think it is your PSU, being that it is new and provides enough power for your system. Plus it is new. If it was underpowered, the computer would crash more likely. I guess you could try removing the PCI TV card, temporarily, just to see if anything changes.

Your motherboard has no integrated graphics, in regards to another suggestion.

While you have the computer open, try removing the GPU, blowing air into the PCIE slot, then replacing the GPU. To rule out dust or gunk blocking the gold contacts. It is worth a shot.

 

[Prokofiev0650]

Also you can look in "msconfig", go into the boot tab, advanced options and make sure "maximum memory" is left unchecked, if it's checked, unchecked it and after a reboot you should have windows recognizing all of your memory, but try the memory remapping thing first. And if everything fails, go for an bios update.

I turned off memory remapping as you suggested, but unfortunately the problem still remains! All that changed was the RAM went down to 7.31GB useable, with no change to the graphics memory.

Maximum memory was off but I turned it on and off again to be sure.

The Bios is also 100% up to date.

Thanks a lot for the suggestions though!

I had a thought: Since there's now only 1 entry in Device manager I'd assume 1 of the graphics cores is either not working or not being used/detected. Could this be because my power suppy is insufficient? The graphics card requires 2 PCIe power cables so probably needs quite a lot of power! My PSU is from a reputable company so I assume it has safety features to shut off when it can't handle certain stuff. Having filled all the RAM slots, installed a PCI TV card, and added a RAM cooling module, is it possible that there is now not enough power for the GPU to run both cores?

I believe your GPU only has a single processor (which is 336 cuda cores). Hmm, I really wouldn't think it is your PSU, being that it is new and provides enough power for your system. Plus it is new. If it was underpowered, the computer would crash more likely. I guess you could try removing the PCI TV card, temporarily, just to see if anything changes.

Your motherboard has no integrated graphics, in regards to another suggestion.

While you have the computer open, try removing the GPU, blowing air into the PCIE slot, then replacing the GPU. To rule out dust or gunk blocking the gold contacts. It is worth a shot.

I've now taken the card out, blown the dust out, then sucked it out with a hoover, and now re-seated the card firmly. I've also dismantled the card and applied some thermal paste to it and the processor. I also just tried taking all the RAM out except one 2GB stick and removing the TV card. Finally I switched the power cables around and shoved them in firmly on both ends.

It still doesn't work...

I'm completely baffled! I supposed I could replace the card, but that's an expense I could really do without...

Thanks a lot for the suggestions.

 

[delellod123]

Sorry I couldn't be more help... It may be possible to replace it for free (plus shipping). You have a standard 2 year warranty on it, if you still have a receipt. Or you can contact them and explain you issue, play dumb and ask what can be done.

Website: http://www.palit.biz/
Support Phone: 1-877-934-7932
Support Email: support@palit.biz

 

[Prokofiev0650]

Also you can look in "msconfig", go into the boot tab, advanced options and make sure "maximum memory" is left unchecked, if it's checked, unchecked it and after a reboot you should have windows recognizing all of your memory, but try the memory remapping thing first. And if everything fails, go for an bios update.

I turned off memory remapping as you suggested, but unfortunately the problem still remains! All that changed was the RAM went down to 7.31GB useable, with no change to the graphics memory.

Maximum memory was off but I turned it on and off again to be sure.

The Bios is also 100% up to date.

Thanks a lot for the suggestions though!

I had a thought: Since there's now only 1 entry in Device manager I'd assume 1 of the graphics cores is either not working or not being used/detected. Could this be because my power suppy is insufficient? The graphics card requires 2 PCIe power cables so probably needs quite a lot of power! My PSU is from a reputable company so I assume it has safety features to shut off when it can't handle certain stuff. Having filled all the RAM slots, installed a PCI TV card, and added a RAM cooling module, is it possible that there is now not enough power for the GPU to run both cores?

I believe your GPU only has a single processor (which is 336 cuda cores). Hmm, I really wouldn't think it is your PSU, being that it is new and provides enough power for your system. Plus it is new. If it was underpowered, the computer would crash more likely. I guess you could try removing the PCI TV card, temporarily, just to see if anything changes.

Your motherboard has no integrated graphics, in regards to another suggestion.

While you have the computer open, try removing the GPU, blowing air into the PCIE slot, then replacing the GPU. To rule out dust or gunk blocking the gold contacts. It is worth a shot.

I've now taken the card out, blown the dust out, then sucked it out with a hoover, and now re-seated the card firmly. I've also dismantled the card and applied some thermal paste to it and the processor. I also just tried taking all the RAM out except one 2GB stick and removing the TV card. Finally I switched the power cables around and shoved them in firmly on both ends.

It still doesn't work...

I'm completely baffled! I supposed I could replace the card, but that's an expense I could really do without...

Thanks a lot for the suggestions.

Sorry I couldn't be more help... It may be possible to replace it for free (plus shipping). You have a standard 2 year warranty on it, if you still have a receipt. Or you can contact them and explain you issue, play dumb and ask what can be done.

Website: http://www.palit.biz/
Support Phone: 1-877-934-7932
Support Email: support@palit.biz

Unfortunately the card is 4 years old. I may contact Palit on the off-chance they know something, thanks for the details.

And thanks a lot for the help!