Need help with RAM problem

[Wazhai]

Hello everyone!

A few days ago I upgraded my computer and I have one problem.

I have 4 GB of RAM installed, but only 3.37 GB of it is usable. I have Windows 7 Home Premium x64. My motherboard supports up to 4 GB of RAM. Here are my specs:

MOBO: ASUS P5LD2-X/1333
CPU: Intel Pentium Core Duo E6500
RAM: 2x2GB Kingston DDR2 800 (running at 667, max supported by MOBO)
GPU: Palit GTS450 1GB D5

What is causing this? How can I fix it?

It's not bothering me that much right now so I want to see if I can fix it with your help first, before giving it to the guys for repair (I have warranty).

If you want me to use any testing software, just tell me what and I will post the results - I don't know a lot about hardware.

Here are a couple of screenshots:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5645565/sys-prop.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5645565/taskm.jpg

Any help will be greatly appreciated. And thanks in advance!

 

[jaquith]

Welcome to Tom's Forums!

Well I did not see any on-board GPU listed for your MOBO stealing resources. CPU is 64-bit http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=42805
Q - What PCI card(s) do you have installed - if any?

NEVER MIND -> PROBLEM your E6500 CPU is not supported by the BIOS; so myu assumption the BIOS is caching additional RAM to allow the CPU to 'run'. BTW - Your CPU is NOT running to its potential with that MOBO. Review the 'CPU Support List' tab.

Post the following {I assume the missing is H/W reserved}:

 

[Wazhai]

Thank you a lot! So my CPU is not running as fast as it could AND RAM is being appropriated so it can run, right?

Here is the resource monitor screenshot:

 

[Wazhai]

I contacted the company. They told me to use Everest to compare its results about the processor to the ones on Intel's website. I will post the results here too.

They told me that the CPU not being on that supported list is likely not the problem, because the name is displayed correctly in system properties. Probably incorrect bios set up according to them.

 

[Wazhai]

Here is the Everest report: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5645565/everest-report.htm

 

[jaquith]

Please look for yourself, your MOBO link, here's a list of ALL the 'E' Core 2 Duo CPUs. The PROBLEM is EVERY CPU has its' own CPU_ID and the BIOS MUST have the CPU_ID in its' BIOS information otherwise the CPU is at 'best' dummied down. This part is not rocket science - it's pure observation and FACT.

Whoever built you system simply needs to review the CPU Support List(s).

Your CPU = DualCore Intel Pentium E6500, 2933 MHz (11 x 267)
Your MOBO = Asus P5LD2-X {there are 3 possibilities}; I CHECKED ALL 3!
1 - P5LD2-X http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=4BnSkzC8IpKQ6OlZ
2 - P5LD2-X/1333 http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=qRAhHrSPh43XlWBL
3 - P5LD2-X/GBL http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=UBDFEyjpSAOyGIXQ

NONE support the DualCore Intel Pentium E6500

P5LD2-X/1333:
Support CPU List: {copy/paste}:
Core 2 Duo E6300 (1.86GHz,1066FSB,L2:2MB,rev.L2) ALL
0115
Core 2 Duo E6320 (1.86GHz,1066FSB,B2:4MB,rev.B2) ALL
0115
Core 2 Duo E6400 (2.13GHz,1066FSB,L2:2MB,rev.L2) ALL
0115
Core 2 Duo E6420 (2.13GHz,1066FSB,L2:4MB,rev.B2) ALL
0115
Core 2 Duo E6550 (2.33GHz,1333FSB,L2:4MB,rev.G0) ALL
0115
Core 2 Duo E6600 (2.40GHz,1066FSB,L2:4MB,rev.B2) ALL
0115
Core 2 Duo E6700 (2.66GHz,1066FSB,L2:4MB,rev.B2) ALL
0115
Core 2 Duo E6750 (2.66GHz,1333FSB,L2:4MB,rev.G0) ALL
0115
Core 2 Duo E6850 (3.00GHz,1333FSB,L2:4MB,rev.G0) ALL

 

[Wazhai]

Yes I saw that and checked for myself, no need to paste it in here. I told them that it is not on the supported CPUs list and that it needs to be changed to a supported model to resolve my problem. The guy (he knows of my problem, I talk with him every time) said it's more likely bad bios settings because when the CPU is unsupported, system properties displays gibberish or the wrong model, while mine shows everything correctly.

So there is no possibility at all that it is bad bios settings? Is he wrong for sure?

They don't have such a wide range of models in my country so I can't just get a supported E6600 for 5 more bucks.

Here is the link to all processors available to this company (and in my country): http://www.mostbg.com/most/PriceList.aspx
That's the largest Bulgarian PC hardware distributor and where this company gets their parts from. Select CPU from the drop down to see all processors.

What would you suggest to replace it with? I don't see many possibilities except E5500 (cheaper and slower) or E6750 (for double the price, small performance difference).

I'll also note that I have relatives in the USA who can send me something bought from Newegg (like E6600 or 6700), but that's 20-40 dollars on top for shipping so it might be better to just buy the more expensive one available here. That would be an option if they agree to take their processor back and compensate the money.

 

[jaquith]

Bad BIOS = No.
CPU = Get the "E6600 for 5 more bucks"
Shipping = Your call

Whatever you do, you have (2) options: 1. Supported CPU, 2. MOBO that will a. Support your E6500, b. Support your RAM, c. Support ALL other Devices, d. Update ALL of your Drivers...

Which works 'BEST' for you is the ANSWER.

 

[Wazhai]

Best answer selected by Wazhai.

 

[Wazhai]

Thank you very much for the help!

 

[jaquith]

You're welcome - Good Luck!

 

[Maziar]

This topic has been closed by Maziar