incorrect readings...?

[stan412]

Hi.

I have a Corsair Value Select (VS512MBKIT400), and I have four, 256MB sticks (in all four sots). Obviously that's 1 GB of memory, but what I don't understand is, it reads it as 960MB. Why is this so?

Secondly, pertaining to that info, I am wondering if I am having problems with Vista because it reads it as 960MB--because Vista minimum requirement for Aero and other graphics is 1 GB... Even with a 500w power supply, the screen shakes violently after keeping the system on for more than 5hrs.

 

[Mondoman]

Please list the model numbers of *all* components of your system, including items like the CPU cooler, power supply, and case.

Without knowing any of that, the 960MB instead of 1024MB is a 64MB difference, which is a common amount to be used by MB built-in graphics -- perhaps that accounts for the difference?

Could you describe the "shaking" in more detail, and also list the model number of your monitor?

 

[stan412]

System:
Case: Ultra UV Wizard
CPU: Opteron 146
GPU: Integrated Radeon Xpress 200
RAM: VS512MB Kit, total 1 GB.
Cooler: Stock AMD Cooler (40 C temp, operational usually)
Mobo: DFI RS482 Infinity
PSU: Silverstone EF-500, 500w
Monitor: Samsung 731B, 17" LCD

All firmwares/drivers installed. Perhaps Vista is buggy (since no service pack released yet) ?
The shaking is: the system is stable, however, the monitor screen buzzes/shakes violently after 5+ hrs of use. Prior to that, it's fine.

 

[Mondoman]

Memory issue: as I suspected, your MB has builtin video, which "steals" some of the main memory for its use (64MB in this case). This should be described in the MB manual.
Shaking issue: either a video hardware problem or a monitor hardware problem (perhaps a component overheating). Trying a different monitor on this system or this monitor on a different system should help clarify which end has the problem.