I have 16 GB of RAM (2 8gb sticks) but it says I only have 12 GB installed total

[GannonD1]

So my PC had some windows issue I didn't have the energy to sort out myself so I brought my PC to a repair shop, before it went in windows said I had 16 GB installed ram. The shop installed a new windows and fixed it. I come home plug in my PC and load up windows it now says I have 12 GB installed. At first I thought maybe they switched out my ram thibking I wouldn't notice so I looked but nope same ram 2 8 GB sticks, I'm confused.

 

[Tradesman1]

Take a look in CPU-Z (free app) in the SPD tab and check the slots the DRAM is in, make sure both have the same part #

 

[GannonD1]

Take a look in CPU-Z (free app) in the SPD tab and check the slots the DRAM is in, make sure both have the same part #

I just checked, they both have the same part number, and both register that they are 8 GB. I'm lost!!

 

[madmatt30]

What's the rest of your pc specs ??

 

[Mikel_4]

You gotta be using win 7, here's some insight https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/978610

 

[GannonD1]

You gotta be using win 7, here's some insight https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/978610

I'm on Windows 8.1

 

[GannonD1]

What's the rest of your pc specs ??

cpu-fx 6300
mobo-gigabyte ga-78lmt-s2
psu-evga 600w
hd-wd blue 1tb
gpu-xfx 280x
ram-Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB

 

[Mikel_4]

What's the rest of your pc specs ??

cpu-fx 6300
mobo-gigabyte ga-78lmt-s2
psu-evga 600w
hd-wd blue 1tb
gpu-xfx 280x
ram-Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB

If within BIOS shown 16 and win 8.1 showed 12, blame microsoft for robbing your usable RAM. There're steps to rectify this such as http://thetechreviewer.com/tech-tips/fix-windows-81-recognizing-installed-ram/ or text bill gates ask 'em how suppose 2 b done.