Problems in Windows and RAM

[jawlesspython04]

I have a number of problems in my computer. Firstly the Start button doesn't work.
Second: Error sound keeps playing (when i log in and at random times afterwards. Stops after 15-20 mins)
Third: I have 8 GB Ram but it is 3.99 GB usable. i have tried switching the memory sticks around the slots and sometimes it comes with 6GB (1.99 available). I do alot of gaming so RAM is essential for me. And the computer does recognize the sticks if you right click computer and select properties, also in the task bar.

Specs:
i7 920 2.67GHz
8GB RAM (which is 3.99GB usable now)
Asus NVIDIA GTX 750Ti OC 2GB Edition
one wireless internet card installed.

 

[slyverine]

you didn't mention your motherboard or windows version! From what i see, my number one suspect would be your motherboard,i think it has issues.

 

[beegmouse]

Your version of windows is most likley 32bit.

It cannot use more than 4Gb RAM.

The start menu not working along with error beepsis also a fault with the OS.

Try installing a 64Bit OS

 

[jawlesspython04]

motherboards is a X58 Dell 0X501H. and i have a 64bit operating system. and are there no fixes for anything that i could try? i mean nothing? really? now should i sell the mother board and cpu or what do i do? Please give me some fixes to try. ( i am resetting my windows now so will answer after some time)

 

[beegmouse]

Oh, you mean you have 8Gb with only 4Gb free. If System says you have 8Gb, you have 8Gb.

Windows and background processes are just using half.

Thats sounds about normal. If you think you need more, upgrade.

 

[jawlesspython04]

no bro no. i accidentally chose your answer as correct but in properties of task manager in memory it says: 8.00GB (3.99GB usable)
in my resource monitor, it says 4gb is hardware reserved

 

[beegmouse]

The only reason hardware reserves RAM is if you have an integrated graphics card and the BIOS reserves the RAM for VRAM.

Check your Bios settings and make sure that there is nothing funny going on with the intel GPU.

 

[beegmouse]

One other possibility. Are all your DIMMS compatible with your motherboard?

Un supported RAM will still report as present, but if it is outside your motherboards operating spec, (Too Slow, Too Fast, Too big) the Bios will not allow the OS to use it.

 

[jawlesspython04]

tbh i have no idea how to check the BIOS. as for the DIMMS, It was working before, but i got my house painted and i had to unplug it and when i replugged it, it wasn't starting. so i did some messing around inside the case with the cables connecting the hard drives and some screws and it started up. next thing i know, i had a problem with my RAM. im pretty sure that the intel i7 920 2.67GHz doesn't have an integrated gpu in it

 

[jawlesspython04]

guys i reset my pc and that fixed the start menu and the error sound problems. as for the RAM, i took out the 2 2GB ones and the one 4GB one, cleaned the slots with a blower and its working again

 

[beegmouse]

Nicely done