Windows Reserves Half of my RAM

[chrisf98]

I've been having problems with Windows Hardware Reserving half of my RAM. I had 8GB of RAM and Windows Reserved 4GB of it, I thought "Well it's time to buy some more anyways." so I purchased 16GB of RAM and now Windows is Reserving 8GB. I have them in Dual Channel and the RAM I had before was Kingston Valueram and the RAM I have now is G.Skill Trident.X. I am using an R9 280x Graphics Card. Here is a link to the RAM and Motherboard:


http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3894#ov

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231628

Thank you for any input!

 

[Tradesman1]

In dual channel will be slots 1-3 or 2-4 _ have you tried in both combinations? If yes and same each way try both sticks in 1-2 - if all show up then having a channel problem. First try loosening the CPU cooler then snug it back down, if too tight in a corner or side it can throw the MC (memory controller) off. Might also check the CPU for bent/broken pins

 

[chrisf98]

I am in the slots 2-4 because my Cooler is too large to fit this RAM underneath for Slot 1. But I did install a new cooler and afterwards I did start having the problem (though I didn't notice until a month after the install so I forgotten all about it) thank you so much and I will loosen the cooler tomorrow and see what happens. Again, thank you!

 

[Tradesman1]

No worries, drop us an update 😉

 

[chrisf98]

Nothing I tried worked, and here's what I tried:

1. Resetting CMOS.
2. Loosening Heatsink
3. Using 1 8GB Stick of RAM (Windows did not reserve any memory from 1 stick).
4. Change the slots of the RAM, currently running on 1-3.
5. Try different slots with different sticks 1 at a time.
6. Run a System Repair.
7. Completely Remove Heatsink.

I'm just going to assume that I am in need of a new motherboard.

 

[Tradesman1]

If 1-3 should be in dual channel

 

[chrisf98]

Is there something I need to do Motherboard-wise to setup Dual Channel? I thought I just placed them in their respective slots.

 

[Tradesman1]

No, if in proper slots and the mobo is OK and the MC (memory controller) is fine should be dual - are they set to 1600

 

[chrisf98]

That's what I thought and no, they are set at 1333 because I didn't want to change any of the settings.

 

[Tradesman1]

Try enabling DOCP or XMP and set them to 1600

 

[chrisf98]

I'm running at 1600MHz now and still nothing changed.

 

[Tradesman1]

What does CPU-Z show in the Memory tab as "Channels"

 

[chrisf98]

Single

Screenshot of CPU-Z - Memory: http://gyazo.com/0d5b70b73fd9b08274e4668f3ca8c9eb

 

[Tradesman1]

Might look in BIOS for a ganged or unganged option - if their want ganged. If in 1-3 from CPU then would guess something wrong with the mobo or the MC (memory controller) might pull CPU and check for bent/broken pins, debris in socket, etc

 

[chrisf98]

Alright, I'll do that later today and then get back with you. Thanks a ton for all the help!

 

[Tradesman1]

No worries 😉