Windows 10 struggles to utilize every free memory space.
Windows 10 struggles to utilize every free memory space.
I recently changed my Ryzen 3 2200G to a Ryzen 5 2600. That’s when the problem began. I have 32GB of DDR4 RAM, but only 16GB is actually available. Here’s what I’ve tried:
- System Settings > Boot > Advanced Options > Checked Maximum Memory (showing total RAM in the box). Rebooted, but nothing changed.
- Advanced System Settings > Advanced > Performance section > Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory > Change... > Unchecked ‘Automatically manage paging file size for all drives’ > Selected ‘No paging file’ > Rebooted.
- Ran Windows Memory Diagnostic, no issues detected.
I also read about ‘memory remapping’ in the BIOS, but I’m not sure how to handle it. My knowledge covers XMP (not enabled because of my MOBO restrictions), boot order, and security features like CSM/Secure Boot or fTPM on Windows 11 (on another machine). I’m unsure what to do next.
My setup includes:
- MOBO: Gigabyte A320M-S2H RAM – Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 32GB (2x16GB) @ 3200MHz (XMP not used before).
- Storage: ADATA SU650 120GB M.2 SATA.
- Two 2.5" SATA HDDs I had for extra storage.
- CPU: 500GB Ryzen 5 2600.
- GPU: RTX 3060.
- PSU: Thermaltake SMART 600W.
My son’s PC is the same. He upgraded to a Ryzen 5 2600 and now games are crashing on his machine. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
This setting should remain untouched—it's intended solely for driver testing. Page file size refers to the size of the pagefile file, which expands your RAM when it fills up. If space is needed, defragmentation can help. The operating system manages this process by moving programs to free memory blocks. RAM data must stay in one continuous block; otherwise, you might run out of available space even though some remains. Without a sufficient pagefile or one that's too small, you could face issues loading programs because the system can't allocate enough memory. This suggests a potential problem with your RAM or its configuration.
Also, verify that your BIOS is up to date, ensure RAM is securely installed, and inspect the slot for dust or debris. Consider slightly increasing the RAM voltage to see if it improves performance, or check for faulty modules that may need replacement.
Consider using just one stick per slot and switch between them. This helps identify if any RAM slots or sticks are not functioning.
I noticed you made some changes when upgrading your rig to a Ryzen 7 5700G. It wasn’t displaying all the available RAM, but after following your steps it actually resolved the issue. You might have more insight into what worked than I do. The BIOS is up to date, and you reinserted the RAM in different slots while swapping them. Since there are only two DIMM slots, it was straightforward to eliminate one. I haven’t blown out the RAM with air, but I’ll give it another shot. I’m still a bit confused about voltage settings, but I can look into it after researching. The RAM itself seems fine—it performed perfectly before the CPU change. Cleaning the slots could help, and I’ll try that if needed. Thanks!
The only other possibility I have is that the CPU heatsink isn't securely fastened, causing uneven pressure. Or maybe the CPU itself is faulty. Simple test: swap your older CPU and check if the 32GB functions again; then swap back the newer one to see if it fails. If it does, CPU is likely the issue.