problem with my motherboard i guess

[mkumarreddy89]

hi i have a problem, i recently upgraded my cpu with 4 gb RAm,
previously came with 2gb RAM,
but from the computer properties,
i see only 2.7gb being detected instead of 4gb.
since my system is ages old,

intel core 2 duo E4600 @ 2.40GHz,
main board: acer E945GM,
intel i945G chipset,
intel 82801GB(ICH7/R),
ITE IT8712

BIOS
brand 945GCT-M3
version R01-A0

RAM is DDR2
2gb hyundai electronics Zion 667-2GB-A039-..
2gb kingston hynix
(both the ram cards are working properly
as i have checked each one seperately)

also i have upgraded my graphics card from 512mb to 1gb(512mb+1gb turbocache)
but my system detects only 512 graphics

nvidia geforce 210 GT218 40nm

is the fault lies with the mother board?
do i have to change the whole board including the RAm?
what about the processor?
do i have to change my hard disk too according to the mother board?

please suggest.


thank you...

 

[ThomasLeong]

It is your 32-bit Windows that is limiting the amount of useable RAM. To make use of the full 4GB of RAM, you need a 64-bit Windows install.

BUT...you also have to check whether your cpu, the E4600, can accept a 64-bit operating system.

 

[TheAshigaru]

The E4600 has a 64 bit instruction set, so yes, it will run a 64 bit operating system.

http://ark.intel.com/products/32242/Intel-Core2-Duo-Processor-E4600-2M-Cache-2_40-GHz-800-MHz-FSB?wapkw=e4600

 

[norsestar]

You can run a 64-bit OS on it but the 945 chipset has only a 32-bit address space so you won't get the "missing" memory back: that address space is being used by the onboard graphics and/or PCIe cards.

 

[mkumarreddy89]

thank you guys for the replies but..

right now I use windows 8.1 32 bit. yeah I should* install 64 bit as I have upgraded to 4 GB. so If I just change the OS to 64 bit will the problem be solved??

I once used to run windows 64 bit. I think 64 bit windows 8.1 will work. with this

will the graphic card show full details (1 GB TurboCache + 512 MB dedicated) = 1.5 GB?(I doubt a lot about this thing)

will it show 4 GB RAM instead of 2.7 GB ?

I was planning to change the whole mother board. this can be avoided. right??

I am also using Linux Ubuntu along side. should I remove it for better performance???

 

[norsestar]

I don't think switch to a 64-bit OS will allow you to recover the "missing" RAM. Since you're comfortable with Ubuntu, try booting a 64-bit live CD and see what it reports. If Ubuntu is able to use all 4GB then I'd expect Windows could also.

The 945G chipset maxes out at 4GB so if you ever want/need to go higher you'll need a new motherboard. I wouldn't put much more money into an older rig like that: better to save for a new CPU to go along with the new motherboard and new RAM.

Dual-booting will slow down the startup slightly but makes no difference once the OS is running. If you're actively using Linux, by all means keep it.

 

[mkumarreddy89]

Yes @norsestar, you said right. I installed Windows 8.1 64 bit OS and my system still shows 2.6 GB RAM instead of 4 GB. so problem lies with my motherboard. I uninstalled Ubuntu. Now I am planning to upgrade my processor to core 2 quad along with its suitable motherboard. As a gamer I am confused either to have core 2 quad or go for core i3 or go for AMD processor. I heard AMD delivers better graphics performance and also is in budget. my current processor is core 2 duo & I am using it since 9 years. likewise I wont be change my new processor for another 10 years. what is your suggestion?? anybody any suggestion???

 

[norsestar]

I wouldn't put any money towards anything older than Socket 1155 for Intel (which has already been obsoleted by Socket 1150). Beyond that, I'm not a gamer so I can't help you there but I'm sure lots of other people can.