MSI R9 280x 3 GB - DxDiag shows only 396 MB VRAM !

[chrome9812]

Hello,

I had an Asus 7790 1 GB card running on 32 bit Windows 7 with 4 GB RAM. DxDiag would list my physical RAM at around 3.4 GB and VRAM at the full 1 GB.

Today I upgraded my GPU to an MSI R9 280x which came via courier, the GPU box was already opened when I received (the store's courier packaging was intact which implies only the store guys could have opened it). I plugged it into my motherboard and installed it's drivers after that. After installation, I opened up DxDiag for my system info and it listed my physical RAM at the full 4 GB but my VRAM is listed at only 396 MB! I had to leave to my office so I couldn't diagnose anything. I am still at office and will start for home in around 2.5 hours. I couldn't stop myself from posting here as I am really worried about the card and figured it would be better to call up the store before it closes today if you guys find something wrong with all this (I had already called the store in the morning to let them know that the package was opened and I said I'd get back to them today). I have a few questions:

1. Does the 32 bit limitation of 4 GB include dedicated VRAM as well? If yes, how do I verify the VRAM that came with the card? (How to check from BIOS?)
2. Is DxDiag a reliable source of info?
3. (Unrelated to topic) I've noticed MSI R9 280x is rated kinda low in Newegg and a LOT of people (30-40%) complained about "coil whine", is this issue related to a particular batch that were supplied to Newegg or is it completely random? Multiple reviews by tech experts were good on the other hand.


Other information:
Motherboard: Asus M5A78 MLX V2
Processor: AMD FX 6300 Black edition
PSU: 700W Corsair G series

 

[unknownofprob]

try enable more video ram in BIOS.

For anyone else, is threads not being updated, as I can never seem to return to previously answered threads, don;t show up. Just 5 threads on "new updates" are stuck there, even when threads are answered after.

Anyone else having same issue?

 

[chrome9812]

Thanks for the quick reply! I am really hoping it's a problem on the software front (32 bit or DxDiag or the drivers) than with my card but I have no knowledge in this stuff. Is it possible the card was defective and came with only 396 MB 😀 Does that happen?

About the threads not being updated, I don't think I have that issue

 

[i7Baby]

Yep - haven't had an email all day MODERATOR HELP!!!!

1. Nope
2. post screenshots
3. Dunno

 

[unknownofprob]

I can't even track threads that I have previously answered.

I'll try and help quick, though I may lose it after a while;

You can try enabling more Vram in BIOS. It is not possible for a R9 280X to come with 396MB Vram, it defiantly has 3GB.

 

[chrome9812]

I am not sure if they're the latest drivers but I installed the ones that came with my GPU.
My PSU as I've already listed is a 700W Corsair G Series. I'll do as you suggest and let you know! Seems like mine isn't a very common issue 🙁