Windows 7 not using all RAM

[draconianruler]

I have 6GB of RAM installed and system recognizes it however there is only 3GB usuable. I have tried going into msconfig => system config => boot tab => advanced options => unchecked the "maximum memory" option" but it still doesn't work for me. I've also gone into the BIOS and don't see anything there as well.

My build is Windows 7 (64bit), 6GB Cosair RAM, MSI X58A-GD45 motherboard, 2 x Sapphire 1GB 5770, intel i7-950, etc...

[jarhead995]

I have 6GB of RAM installed and system recognizes it however there is only 3GB usuable. I have tried going into msconfig => system config => boot tab => advanced options => unchecked the "maximum memory" option" but it still doesn't work for me. I've also gone into the BIOS and don't see anything there as well.

My build is Windows 7 (64bit), 6GB Cosair RAM, MSI X58A-GD45 motherboard, 2 x Sapphire 1GB 5770, intel i7-950, etc...

Memtest? Maybe it's dead..

[nick]

When you say "only 3GB is usable", how do you determine that?

[KaHuNaZ]

newegg shows that other people are having the same problem with your motherboard

[armygunsmith]

Are you using windows 7 pro? Home edition might not utilize all ram.

[DiscoBayJoe]

I know you said 64-bit..... Just double checking.

When you right click on my computer and select Properties, under system it says:

"System type: 64-bit Operating System"

I've seen people who had 64-bit capable procs load 32-bit versions of windows and get confused.

[CpuFixrMan]

As Disco said. Regardless of what the CPU is, unless you installed a 64-bit version of Windows 7 the most you will get is about 3.2GB usable to the OS.

[It's McDonalds!]

TURN OFF WINDOWS AERO.

That gives a huge boost to your speed.

[G1500]

Do you have 2 - 3gb sticks of ram, or 3 - 2gb sticks?

[Corbin Dallas]

I have 6GB of RAM installed and system recognizes it however there is only 3GB usuable. I have tried going into msconfig => system config => boot tab => advanced options => unchecked the "maximum memory" option" but it still doesn't work for me. I've also gone into the BIOS and don't see anything there as well.

My build is Windows 7 (64bit), 6GB Cosair RAM, MSI X58A-GD45 motherboard, 2 x Sapphire 1GB 5770, intel i7-950, etc...

According to your specs, Win7 should see and use all 6GB of ram.

Have you ran BurnIn6 and gotten your benchmark score? If not, I highly suggest this.

Also, run CPUZ to ensure you have exactly what you paid for. Could be a limitation of the MSI motherboard. They're not exactly Intel.

[p7m8jg]

I re-used my son's PC and installed a brand new version of Windows 7 64 bit. Put in four 1 Gig sticks of RAM (all exactly the same) and my PC does the same - only sees 3 gigs of RAM, not 4.

I mean, it sees all 4 Gigs when doing the poweron self-test, but then it says "3 gig useable"

I've been all over the windows forums and tried several alternatives (like turning off AERO) and nothing has helped. Figure its the ASUS AMD motherboard having the issue. It'll take a max of 4 gigs, you just can't use it. Go figure.

[MikeH1]

I have the same problem, I have a 64 bit processor but the MB only detects only 3 of 4 GB of the memory. I contacted tech support for my MB and was told that some brands of memory don't register properly. They suggested some brands of memory to try.

You also may have a 64 bit processor on a 32 bit MB. 3 GB is the upper limit that a 32 bit processor can access.

[draconianruler]

I installed 3 sticks of 2GB each for a total of 6GB of RAM. The operating system is 64 bit, verified in system properties. I checked newegg reviews of the MB and it does seem others have the same issue I have. I hope I don't have to change the MB.

[Antihero47]

Man that sucks. I hope its not the MB for you. I've always made it a habit to read both the good and A LOT of the bad reviews for any product I purchase online.

[draconianruler]

When you say "only 3GB is usable", how do you determine that?

System properties lists the installed memory. Has 6.00GB with 2.99GB usable.