Only 4GB RAM usable out of 16? -- using Windows 10 64 bit

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  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Pro 64 bit
       #1

    Only 4GB RAM usable out of 16? -- using Windows 10 64 bit


    So I bought this computer used and just noticed that there is only 4GB of RAM available while the other 12GB is "hardware reserved". I've searched around and tried a few things but nothing is working so far. Here's what I've come up with so far:


    • I've updated the BIOS for motherboard, which is an MSI 970 gaming motherboard.
    • Despite what others have suggested, it is not possible to remap the memory for this BIOS.
    • I've tried changing BIOS settings, as well as changing the "maximum memory" setting through msconfig -> boot -> advanced options.

    Only 4GB RAM usable out of 16? -- using Windows 10 64 bit-task-manager.png

    Here are my specs via Speccy:
    http://speccy.piriform.com/results/2...YGUbhJRVhDzkeM

    My .txt file from running CPU-Z (MSI Version) should be attached.


    Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
    Only 4GB RAM usable out of 16? -- using Windows 10 64 bit Attached Files
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 913
    CP/M
       #2

    If your BIOS includes setting "Framebuffer Location" or similar (memory for in-processor video), try to change it first.

    Run msconfig, Boot options - Advanced, Max Memory must be unchecked.

    Try to change memory config (remove all DIMMs but one), enter Setup, save, boot Windows. Then make the same steps with two DIMMs. If all is OK, repeat all steps with four DIMMs inserted.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Pro 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I was not able to find any setting for "Framebuffer Location" within the BIOS settings, or after searching Google and the motherboard manual.

    I unchecked the Max Memory setting in msconfig, Boot options - Advanced.

    As per your third recommendation; I just turned off my PC, removed all DIMMS but one and turned it back on, but neither my monitors, keyboard, nor mouse would work. I powered off, added another DIMM, and the same problem occurred. I had to repeat this until all 4 were back in for my monitors, keyboard, and mouse to start working.

    Any feedback at this point would be appreciated. In particular, if you could clarify what do you meant by the "enter Setup, save" parts of your third recommendation, that may be useful since I did not understand what you meant, and thus didn't follow those steps. Thanks.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 848
    Windows 10 LTSC
       #4

    Are these sticks identical?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Pro 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Yeah, all four sticks are identical.

    Here they are: GeIL Enhance CORSA 16GB Desktop Memory Model GEC316GB1600C9QC - Newegg.com
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 913
    CP/M
       #6

    Framebuffer Location:
    BIOS is not fully described in manual; however, this setting can be located under menus
    MEMORY-Z
    Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu. This sub-menu displays all the settings and
    timings of installed memory.
    CPU Features
    Press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.
    Or it may be missing completely.

    DIMMs:
    Did you left modules in banks 1 or 1+3 only? Then system should boot.

    Setup, save:
    After memory adding/removing, it may be necessary to go into Setup and save new configuration.

    Entering BIOS Setup
    Power on the computer and the system will start the Power On Self Test (POST)
    process. When the message below appears on the screen, press <DEL> key to enter BIOS:
    Press <Del> to run BIOS setup, or <F11> to run boot menu

    You can also try the Restore Defaults option in BIOS.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 369
    Windows 10 x64 Pro 22H2
       #7

    Hey guys... I just noticed he's saying he has more than one stick of memory... yet, his Speeccy sheet says he's on single channel mode... isn't he supposed to be running on dual channel mode given his RAM configuration? Can that be somewhat the cause of that monstrous hardware reserved amount?

    Just wondering...
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 848
    Windows 10 LTSC
       #8

    Yeah, it should be running in dual channel mode and I think there's something wrong with the motherboard itself.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 7,871
    Windows 11 Pro 64 bit
       #9

    This is weird. What does CPUID or HWInfo report?

    It might be worth removing the memory cards, carefully cleaning the contacts with alcohol then reinserting the memory cards ensuring the clips click into place.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 5,443
    Windows 11 Home
       #10

    Have you tried to run this as admin via CMD:

    Code:
    bcdedit /deletevalue {current} truncatememory
    bcdedit /deletevalue {default} truncatememory
      My Computer


 

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