Question Half my RAM is hardware allocated ?

[MatthewDD]

Hi Guys, I would appreciate a little help solving this problem...

I have just purchased a new pair of 8gb RAM... 16gb total.

Task manager is recognizing 16gb but is telling me that 8gb is hardware allocated. Speccy appears to concur.

I thought this would be a simple fix, I have tried...

• MS Config... system config... deselected maximum memory
• Changed virtual memory from automatic to custom
• BIOS.. changed speed to 1600, then back to automatic (restarting more than once obviously)
• Windows memory diagnostics tool... report comes back ok.

I am using a Passive cooled GPU which has my monitor plugged into it, some people say that this memory problem can relate to the unused onboard graphics?

Perhaps the memory settings can be tweaked but I don't know how to do that?

Please keep in mind this PC is from 2012 so it has an old BIOS with not that many options.

Screenshots in link will show details...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/NdWpbNkwMBpR4pEv8

Computer is Windows 10, Ram is Atech 2x8gb, ddr3, 1600mhz, PC3-12800 2Rx8 1.5v Non ECC DIMM

Thanks,
Matt.

 

[zinkles]

there should be an option in the BIOS to change the RAM dedicated to the onboard graphics, and yes, hardware reserved means it's related to the onboard graphics and those 8GB is reserved as video memory for it.

changing it should be easy, setting it to a lower value, but I don't think it even allows you to see half of your DRAM as VRAM in the first place.


a general guide. (the options may differ from bios to bios, so finding an exact guide for you is hard) : https://smallbusiness.chron.com/change-vram-bios-73785.html

 

[satrow]

Hi Matt,

My quick check for device/'board maximum RAM capacity is Crucial and sometimes it suggests more can be used than the 'board maker stated on release.

In your instance however, it states the following: https://uk.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/asrock/n68-vs3-fx
About your N68-VS3 FX

• Memory
• Storage
• System notes
• Upgrade advice

Your computer's memory capability:​

Max Unbuffered DDR3 SDRAM:
8GB