M4a785-m only recognizes 4 gb of two 2x2GB Ripjaw DDR2 1200

[Lechnology]

Problem: 8 GB RAM, only 4 GB RAM usable, how do I get all 8 GB?


Motherboard: ASUS M4A785-m

Total RAM installed: 8 GB, only 4 GB usable

Two RAM, each a 2x2GB Ripjaw DDR2 1200

CPU: AMD 9850 Quad Core

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
Originally had a Windows Vista 32-bit

Tried to create a bootable USB drive so I can update the BIOS, my other computer can't seem to make my USB drive a bootable drive.

There's no remapping option on the computer's current BIOS. There's a Remap Memory Hole, don't know how that is related.

Tried the msconfig, maximum memory was already unchecked.

I tried booting with only one memory, end up with only 2 GB usable. This sounds like maybe the motherboard doesn't support a 2x2GB but I read the motherboard's qualified vendors list. I'm assuming a 2048MB(Kit of 2) means a 2x2GB for a DDR2 1200


Reseated memory several times already. Google has brought me to several threads on this board, can't find the right answer.

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forum!

Remap Memory Hole = remapping option and should be Enabled for 64-bit OS. I assume you did a CLEAN install of Window 7 x64.

 

[willard]

From Asus's page for that motherboard:

*Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066 is supported by AM3/AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only.

Sorry, you apparently can only use all four DIMM slots if you're using an AM2 processor. You'll need a 2x 4GB kit if you want 8GB of memory.

 

[jaquith]

Hmm...strong possibility, but if there's a limitation it's defiantly not on AM3 socket CPU's because I know they can easily support 4xDIMM. The OP's CPU is a AM2+ so I need to check if this is a CPU limit or a MOBO limit or if the BIOS can correct this problem. Checking...

/Okay what I've found/

4 x DIMM, Max. 16 GB, DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066*/800/667 ECC,Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel memory architecture
*We recommend that you install the DDR2 1200 memory modules on the yellow slots for better performance.
*Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066 is supported by AM3/AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only.
*Refer to www.asus.com for the memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List)

The issue isn't the # of DIMM's it's the speed DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066; possible solution:

BIOS:
Memory Clock Mode -> Manual
Memory Clock Value -> 400MHz (2*400MHz = 800MHz)
Memory Hole Remapping -> Enabled

 

[Lechnology]

Okay, changed the BIOS to your suggested settings. No joy.

I'm no BIOS expert but anything I should do with the ECC? Currently disabled.

And I hope I did a clean install. If no other solution, I'll reinstall. Otherwise, looks like I may need to buy new memory.

Hmm...strong possibility, but if there's a limitation it's defiantly not on AM3 socket CPU's because I know they can easily support 4xDIMM. The OP's CPU is a AM2+ so I need to check if this is a CPU limit or a MOBO limit or if the BIOS can correct this problem. Checking...

/Okay what I've found/

4 x DIMM, Max. 16 GB, DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066*/800/667 ECC,Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel memory architecture
*We recommend that you install the DDR2 1200 memory modules on the yellow slots for better performance.
*Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066 is supported by AM3/AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only.
*Refer to www.asus.com for the memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List)

The issue isn't the # of DIMM's it's the speed DDR2 1200(O.C.)/1066; possible solution:

BIOS:
Memory Clock Mode -> Manual
Memory Clock Value -> 400MHz (2*400MHz = 800MHz)
Memory Hole Remapping -> Enabled

 

[jaquith]

Download CPU-z - http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

Q - Memory tab ; what's the value listed for 'DRAM Frequency'?

If it's >400MHz then the BIOS setting didn't take or you didn't Save & Exit = Yes. Otherwise, I don't know.

Make sure MSCONFIG is set as follows:

 

[Lechnology]

DRAM Frequency reads 401.8 Mhz

So it has to be less than 400 or greater than 400? Little confused on your > sign.

Checkboxes were never checked in msconfig so I left it alone.

 

[jaquith]

Both the DRAM Frequency and MSCONFIG are fine. The FSB/BCLK frequency varies so you'll rarely see and even '400' MHz; the '>' greater suggested 533MHz.

Q - What exact kit? ; provide a link. (I see the picture of the G.SKILL's, and don't feel like looking at all the DDR2 sticks to compare.)

If possible, please post a screenshot of the Resource Monitor; example:
Otherwise, provide all of the values per the image below, but I prefer to see the RM.

 

[Lechnology]

F2-9600CL6D-4GBRH
Looking at the list of qualified motherboards, it would seem my memory will only work on a Intel Socket 775 not an AMD AM2+. This is what I get for buying a whole computer dirty cheap off of ebay.

Don't see what a screenshot will help after that revelation but:

 

[jaquith]

It's very relevant, typically the other 'missing' RAM shows-up in the form of Hardware Reserved e.g. 4096MB + (257MB) in your case; ~200MB+ for the iGPU. Your RM and BIOS doesn't even detect the other RAM which tells me the DIMM slots are completely dead or totally disabled or the RAM is improperly seated or dead. I haven't seen this before, and I seen a lot of RM screen shots.

Try moving the RAM as follows:
CPU: | Kit1 | Kit1 | Kit2 | Kit2 |
to
CPU: | Kit2 | Kit2 | Kit1 | Kit1 |

Next try A1/B1 vs A2/B2:
CPU: | Kit1 | Kit1 | blank | blank |
CPU: | blank | blank | Kit1 | Kit1 | ; this may not post/boot

If you provide one more screen shot of the F2-9600CL6D-4GBRH then I can provide full manual settings to make sure the voltage is correct and CAS timings are properly set. In CPU-z I need the 'SPD' tab as shown below:

I tried to find this screen and didn't have any luck for the time I allotted.

 

[jaquith]

The OP has 4x2GB (8GB total), so what are you talking about otherwise?

 

[jaquith]

No prob, I assumed you did... 😉

 

[Lechnology]

Well I've moved it around in random slots in random orders prior to inquiring here so I don't think it'll do any good to switch the memory or place them on slots 3 and 4.

Here's the screenshot. It's the same for both memory.

 

[Lechnology]

I have extra memory from a T5400 I purchased. Before I pull them and test them on this ASUS motherboard, any thoughts?