[SOLVED] Why won't Windows use all my RAM ?

[Gregor102]

Hello,
I have tried not for a month to make Windows use all my ram that I have installed, if I check hardware the ram is clearly there and connected, I have tried everything, from msconfig to messing with the BIOS. I am out of options, I managed to make my ram work 1 time at 16gb but have not been able to replicate that result. If you can help I will be so thankful.
Gregor

 

[rgd1101]

full system spec?

 

[alceryes]

I managed to make my ram work 1 time at 16gb but have not been able to replicate that result. If you can help I will be so thankful.
Gregor

What does this mean?
Does Windows only see 8GBs most of the time but every once in a while see 16GBs? Did you upgrade your RAM recently? Are all the RAM sticks installed from a matching kit or did you purchase them separately?

Please list your full system specs including the model number of each stick of RAM.

 

[Gregor102]

full system spec?

Ryzen 5 2600x 6 core
Nvidia gtx 1650
16gb DDR4 ram 2x8 (windows reads it but only uses 8 gb). Corsair vengeance LPX

 

[Gregor102]

What does this mean?
Does Windows only see 8GBs most of the time but every once in a while see 16GBs? Did you upgrade your RAM recently? Are all the RAM sticks installed from a matching kit or did you purchase them separately?

Please list your full system specs including the model number of each stick of RAM.

The computer sees the 16gb of ram, but windows limits it to 8 usable gb of ram.
I did upgrade recently and ram sticks are in their socket perfectly.

I messed around with a bunch of settings and windows only allowed the computer to use all 16gb once, but then after a restart that was over, not sure why.

 

[sizzling]

If your motherboard has 4 RAM slots are you using the correct 2 for when using 2 sticks of RAM? The motherboard instructions will show you which 2.

 

[Gregor102]

If your motherboard has 4 RAM slots are you using the correct 2 for when using 2 sticks of RAM? The motherboard instructions will show you which 2.

My mother board only has 2 slots

As I said windows recognizes the 16gb of ram but only makes 8 available.

 

[COLGeek]

Is your motherboard BIOS the most recent version available for it?

 

[Gregor102]

Is your motherboard BIOS the most recent version available for it?

should be

 

[COLGeek]

should be

Make sure your memory is firmly/fully installed and locked into the slots. Then re-flash the BIOS with the most recent version available, even if already installed.

Upon completion, see if both the BIOS and Windows recognizes all of the memory.

 

[OrlyP]

Run msconfig then go to Boot tab, click Advanced options and put a check on Maximum memory.

Hope that sorts it.

 

[Gregor102]

Run msconfig then go to Boot tab, click Advanced options and put a check on Maximum memory.

Hope that sorts it.

Tried this a bunch already

 

[USAFRet]

Run msconfig then go to Boot tab, click Advanced options and put a check on Maximum memory.

Hope that sorts it.

No.
That should be left Unchecked.
That is the default condition, and will use whatever is available.
Much like the 'Number of Processors' checkbox.

Unchecked. Leave it like that.

Any manipulation of that can only reduce the available RAM.

 

[alceryes]

The computer sees the 16gb of ram, but windows limits it to 8 usable gb of ram.
I did upgrade recently and ram sticks are in their socket perfectly.

I messed around with a bunch of settings and windows only allowed the computer to use all 16gb once, but then after a restart that was over, not sure why.

Did you buy this RAM as a kit (two 8GB sticks in a set) or did you buy each stick separately or at different times?

 

[Gregor102]

Did you buy this RAM as a kit (two 8GB sticks in a set) or did you buy each stick separately or at different times?

as a kit

 

[Gregor102]

Make sure your memory is firmly/fully installed and locked into the slots. Then re-flash the BIOS with the most recent version available, even if already installed.

Upon completion, see if both the BIOS and Windows recognizes all of the memory.

Ok, I reinstalled a bios update and now my pc recognises 16gb of ram and uses it all. THX

 

[COLGeek]

Ok, I reinstalled a bios update and now my pc recognises 16gb of ram and uses it all. THX

Glad you have it sorted out. Have fun!

 

[Moeman66]

No.
That should be left Unchecked.
That is the default condition, and will use whatever is available.
Much like the 'Number of Processors' checkbox.

Unchecked. Leave it like that.

Any manipulation of that can only reduce the available RAM.

I had this same problem until I discovered USAFRet 's answer. I thank you very much.

I unchecked the maximum memory box and my memory went back to 15.9gig out 16.