[SOLVED] System Memory Terminolgy. Confused.

box o rocks

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Apr 9, 2012
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When looking at W10 System Information, I see 3 different amounts of memory listed.

Installed Physical Memory (RAM): 8 GB
Total Physical Memory : 8 GB
Available Physical Memory: 5.26 GB
Total Virtual Memory: 9.25 GB
Available Virtual Memory: 3.38 GB


I think I know what the differences are, but on my main machine the Total Physical Memory is always less than the Installed Physical Memory. Why would they be the same here. If more specs are required, I can post that.
(I assume Virtual Memory is memory set aside on the HDD/SDD)
 
Solution
"Total Physical Memory" is how much Windows can use for itself and apps. It may be lower than "Installed Physical Memory" due to some of it reserved exclusively for hardware or there may be an issue with accessing that memory.

Virtual memory is physical memory + the page file size.
"Total Physical Memory" is how much Windows can use for itself and apps. It may be lower than "Installed Physical Memory" due to some of it reserved exclusively for hardware or there may be an issue with accessing that memory.

Virtual memory is physical memory + the page file size.
 
Solution