Installed RAM is 16GB, but only 7.98GB remains available.
Installed RAM is 16GB, but only 7.98GB remains available.
Hello there! I'm just starting out and running into some issues with my son's PC. It has 16 GB of RAM (two 8 GB modules in a matching DDR3 setup on the Hyper X). Only about 7.98 GB is visible, with 8 GB reserved for hardware. In the BIOS it lists 8 GB, but when I check each RAM stick one by one in its slot, it still shows 8 GB. I've tried everything—changing the boot RAM setting, adjusting virtual memory, and even swapping out the RAM sticks—but nothing helps. Now I'm planning to re-seat the processor and run a memory test. Could there be another cause? I was considering a BIOS update or resetting it back to defaults, but I haven't changed any settings yet. Everything else seems normal: Windows is up-to-date, drivers are current, and no new software installed. Any advice would be really helpful. Thanks!
Have you verified that both RAM modules function correctly? It’s possible one isn’t operating properly.
Thanks for your reply. It seems the BIOS displays 8GB RAM while Windows shows 16GB with only 7.98GB available. This might indicate a problem with the BIOS or motherboard. I’ll share the full system details and VRAM settings once I’m back home. Could be the CMOS battery issue—though I hadn’t considered it before! Thanks again. FB
Hi CheeseOnion, thanks for your message. I’ve verified each RAM stick in every slot separately and confirmed all four slots are functional. The system displays 8GB for both sticks, which suggests they’re working together. I also tested a verified matching pair from Corsair and got the same outcome, even when used individually. Appreciate the confirmation! FB
Hi Dean0919, thanks for your response. I'll review this later today after I'm back home to confirm it isn't configured as integrated. Appreciate the FB.
I didn't mention earlier that I tested with a verified working pair of matched 4GB sticks too, which gave consistent outcomes. Windows displayed 8GB but only 3.8GB was accessible, suggesting it works fine for a single stick but fails when multiple are installed. I also filled all four DIMM slots with 32GB and 24GB, obtaining the same results—32GB and 24GB shown in Windows, 8GB in BIOS, and just 7.98GB available. Not sure if this will be useful. FB
Motherboard: AsusTek M5A78L/USB3 (AM3R2) BIOS: Version 1701 (04/27/2013) – I verified on the Asus site; the current BIOS is 1701 but dated later, 12/19/2013. CPU: AMD FX-8320E RAM: Hyper X 1600Mhz DDR3 16GB over 2 slots GPU: AMD Radeon RX580 8GB (paired with two 24-inch 1080p monitors at 60Hz) – All details from Speccy, showing the two DIMM slots filled and full capacity. Hope this aids in finding a fix. FB