Only 8GB of 16GB available to Windows - BIOS reports 8192MB, but sees both sticks

[cerkit42]

I realize that this is a very common question, but I am stumped. I have read numerous other answers about this topic and I have followed the instructions about making sure the max RAM box is unchecked as well as switching the RAM sticks around.

Here is my PC parts list (I also have an NVIDIA GTX 550Ti, but it was not available to pick).

PCPartPicker part list

I have no options in BIOS to set reserved RAM and I have "PEG" set as the mode for integrated graphics. When I changed it, my monitor no longer came up and I had to reset CMOS.

I am running Windows 10 Pro 64-bit.

When I look at BIOS summary, it states that I only have 8192 system memory. However, if I look at the motherboard components in BIOS, it recognizes an 8GB stick in each DIMM slot (there are only two total on the motherboard).

Also, Windows shows that there is 16GB installed, but ~8 GB is "System reserved".

Motherboard: MSI A68HM-E33 V2
RAM: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866
CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-core

Anyone have experience with this motherboard/BIOS?

I can't find any settings that have anything to do with RAM.

I have also tried swapping the RAM sticks. I can run a single stick and it shows 8GB. If I add the other stick, it alerts me that the memory has been changed and asks me if I want to enter setup, so I'm guessing the slot is OK.

Also, after looking at the compatibility chart for memory on the MSI website, my RAM is listed (not the exact version that I have, because they list the White version of my RAM where I have the Black version).

MSI Motherboard memory compatibility

CPU-Z shows 16GB total. It shows it as 16GB single channel.

My motherboard is dual channel, does this have something to do with it?

The RAM that I bought is a 16GB "Kit" of 2 8GB sticks. I did not buy two separate 8GB sticks.

Any ideas?

 

[cerkit42]

I solved my own problem after reading an enormous number of similar problems.

I decided to open my case up and check the CPU.

I removed the CPU cooler and the CPU.

Then, I placed the CPU back in the slot and used a screwdriver to apply a tiny bit of pressure to the top of it (it was covered in heat-sink compound). When I applied the pressure, it "snapped" into place.

I closed the clamp on the motherboard that holds the CPU in. It was much harder to close than when I first installed it, letting me know that something was different.

When I started up my computer, the BIOS showed that there was 16384 system memory (it showed 8192 before).

So, it turns out that my CPU was not seated properly (just like the other answers suggested).

Lesson learned: never assume that your computer is somehow correct without actually performing the troubleshooting step first.

 

[Tradesman1]

Very good! Glad all is well, this is a common problem as is overtightening the CPU cooler 😉