PC Not Utilizing all my RAM

[guywitheglasses]

Hello all, thanks for taking the time to view this. I have two sticks of 256MB SDRAM in my PC, so I should have 512MB. However when I check in my system specs, it tells me I have 256MB and that only 14MB are available, therefore making my PC run very, very slowly. I guess it might be the Graphics Card consuming so much RAM. I'm just wondering what could be causing this.
I have two sticks of Kingston SDRAM in it. If you need more info lemme know.
Thanks,
~Stephen.

 

[knightdog56]

List system specs. and operating system.

 

[guywitheglasses]

Here is what System Info has to say:

OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Name YADA-164315
System Manufacturer VIA Technologies, Inc.
System Model VT8367-8235
System Type X86-based PC
Processor x86 Family 6 Model 8 Stepping 1 AuthenticAMD ~1661 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date Phoenix Technologies, LTD 6.00 PG, 3/26/2003
SMBIOS Version 2.2
Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS
System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume1
Locale United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)"
User Name YADA-164315\Stephen
Time Zone Pacific Standard Time
Total Physical Memory 256.00 MB
Available Physical Memory 41.76 MB
Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB
Page File Space 1.21 GB
Page File C:\pagefile.sys

 

[oomjcv]

Could be integrated graphics, or maybe one stick isn't recognised.
Do you use the the motherboards integrated graphics? If so how much RAM is assigned to it? Also, when did you start noticing the problem?

 

[guywitheglasses]

I use a PCI graphics card, not the integrated graphics. And I got this from a friend, whom previously had no RAM in it. So I put 512MB worth in, then realized when trying to install something it said I had only 255MB installed. Any Ideas? 😗
~Stephen

 

[smorizio]

check to make sure onboard gpu is off. also could be a bad slot or ram.

 

[oomjcv]

Then most probably one of the modules aren't being recognised. Take both out and run your fingers against their pins, also give the sockets a good blow before reinserting the RAM.

If the problem persists have a look in the BIOS to ensure that the integrated video is indeed switched off.

Another possible cause could be that the RAM timings are set too high for one of the modules, try lowering them.

If all else fails you can try installing the memory in another compatible computer to ensure that both are functioning properly.

 

[guywitheglasses]

I believe it may be a bad RAM slot. I had the RAM previously inside my old computer which used both, and when I swap them it still recognizes the same amount of RAM. Integrated video is also off. I have two DD SDRAM Slots, I could try using those. 😱

 

[knightdog56]

oomjcv
Never run your fingers along the contac surfaces of any memory module or add in card. the oils and sweat from your fingers will cause corrsion on the contact surfaces. If you want to clean the contacts use the purest grade of isopropal alcohol you can find.

 

[oomjcv]

I believe it may be a bad RAM slot. I had the RAM previously inside my old computer which used both, and when I swap them it still recognizes the same amount of RAM. Integrated video is also off.

Sorry I don't understand your post 100%... So your old computer recognises 512 mb? Did you check the memory timings in your BIOS?

I have two DD SDRAM Slots, I could try using those. 😱

Do you mean you have DDR modules and the motherboard uses normal SDRAM?

 

[guywitheglasses]

Whoops, I meant DDR.
I have two SDRAM slots and two DDR Ram slots. In it now are just two 268MB sticks of DDR.
My old computer used these same RAM Sticks and recognized them both fine, but this new one only sees one.

 

[oomjcv]

I have two SDRAM slots and two DDR Ram slots

Don't use the SDRAM in that motherboard, even though they fit it can only go wrong.

Did you try lowering the RAM timings in your BIOS?

 

[guywitheglasses]

Don't use the SDRAM in that motherboard, even though they fit it can only go wrong.

What do you mean here?

Did you try lowering the RAM timings in your BIOS?

No, I haven't. How much should I lower it?
Thanks,
~Stephen

 

[oomjcv]

What do you mean here?

If your motherboard uses DDR Ram: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SDR_SDRAM-1.jpg, don't insert a SDR SDRAM stick: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Generic_DDR_Memory_(Xytram).jpg into the motherboard.

No, I haven't. How much should I lower it?

If you are using DDR RAM try lowering it to 333MHz or 266MHz, you can also increase the CAS latency by 1 or 2 cycles. If you're using SDR RAM try lowering it to 100MHz or 66MHz, again you can also increase the CAS latency a bit.
In both cases you can also try raising the memory voltage a bit, but be careful to not overdo it, a 0.15V increase is as far as I'd go.

If it still doesn't work you can try swapping your RAM with someone else's. In the past I've experienced cases where a RAM stick just wouldn't work in one motherboard whilst another module would work in the exact same slot, the 'faulty' stick would then work in another board.

This is as far as my knowledge goes, if it still doesn't work....I'm out of options.

 

[knightdog56]

Motherboard make and model, and make and model of memory Please!