Reseated Ram Fix?

[Austinyoung332]

So, I recently discovered that in my computer properties on a Windows 7 Ultimate 64x os, it said I had 8GB memory with (3.45 usable) . I began to look up how to free the whole other stick of ram I had, nothing was working so i decided to do some troubleshooting.(I have 2 4gb sticks of ram) I pulled out both sticks of memory, then i inserted only one, booted, showed up as 4gb (3.75 usable). Did the same with the other one, showed up the same. Then i put both back in their original slots, rebooted, now it says I have 8Gb (6.95GB usable). Ive fixed my problem, but what couldve been causing this? Could it have been just an improper ram seating in the motherboard?

 

[Jwpanz]

It could have been background processes that your PC was conducting that was occupying your RAM space. That’s not really an issue if you see that and it appears to be working as it should be.

 

[LinuxDevice]

It could be as @Jwpanz said. On the other hand, reseating parts is also a valid possibility as a fix on good hardware. There is something called "thermal creep" where parts expand and contract tiny amounts as temperature changes. Many socket types have some vulnerability to losing connection quality on at least one pin over years of expanding/contracting.

 

[Austinyoung332]

thanks both of you, it could be either, i just hope my ram isnt in some way damaged and reseating will only be a temp fix.