Vista detecting only 3GB RAM

Avarus · 06-23-2009, 01:20 PM

Hey, I know this question has been asked over a thousand times before, but so far the solutions didn't work for me. Today I've bought some additional 2G RAM to support my 2G RAM that was already present. The new RAM consists of 1 bench of 2GB, while the older memory consisted of a kit of 2x 1GB. I've installed the new bench and booted, and when I checked, I found out windows only detected 3GB of RAM. This would mean one of the 1GB benches is not recognized. I've done some experimenting with positions (checked the mobo manual for that) and checked the benches were seated securely, but without result. I've also reset the CMOS and BIOS, yet without result.

Here're some specs:

CPU: Intel Core2Duo E6600 ~ 2.4 GHz
Motherboard: Asus P5B
GPU: nVidia GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB (Asus)
Old RAM: 2x Kingston Dimm 1GB DDR2 PC2-5300 667 MHz
New RAM: 1x Kingston Dimm 2GB DDR2 800 MHz (I believe it's this one)
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista x64 SP1

It's probably something very simple, like incompatibility, but I can't figure out what it is. I hope you guys can help me out...

EDIT: btw, I've noticed that after the CMOS/BIOS reset, the system detects a floppy drive. Problem is: I don't even have a floppy drive XD

**Tyree** · 06-23-2009, 08:20 PM

Mixing different RAM speeds will cause the RAM to revert to the slowest speed.
Your new 1GB stick of 800MHz will be running at 667MHz.
I'm not sure if that is related to your missing RAM problem. Try the 1GB stick by itself.
You are seeing a floppy because you reset the BiIOS. You can go into the BIOS and Disable the Floppy.

06-23-2009, 01:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
Avarus Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1 OS: Vista x64 SP1	Vista detecting only 3GB RAM Hey, I know this question has been asked over a thousand times before, but so far the solutions didn't work for me. Today I've bought some additional 2G RAM to support my 2G RAM that was already present. The new RAM consists of 1 bench of 2GB, while the older memory consisted of a kit of 2x 1GB. I've installed the new bench and booted, and when I checked, I found out windows only detected 3GB of RAM. This would mean one of the 1GB benches is not recognized. I've done some experimenting with positions (checked the mobo manual for that) and checked the benches were seated securely, but without result. I've also reset the CMOS and BIOS, yet without result. Here're some specs: CPU: Intel Core2Duo E6600 ~ 2.4 GHz Motherboard: Asus P5B GPU: nVidia GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB (Asus) Old RAM: 2x Kingston Dimm 1GB DDR2 PC2-5300 667 MHz New RAM: 1x Kingston Dimm 2GB DDR2 800 MHz (I believe it's this one) OS: Microsoft Windows Vista x64 SP1 It's probably something very simple, like incompatibility, but I can't figure out what it is. I hope you guys can help me out... EDIT: btw, I've noticed that after the CMOS/BIOS reset, the system detects a floppy drive. Problem is: I don't even have a floppy drive XD Last edited by Avarus; 06-23-2009 at 01:21 PM.

06-23-2009, 08:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,769 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Vista detecting only 3GB RAM Mixing different RAM speeds will cause the RAM to revert to the slowest speed. Your new 1GB stick of 800MHz will be running at 667MHz. I'm not sure if that is related to your missing RAM problem. Try the 1GB stick by itself. You are seeing a floppy because you reset the BiIOS. You can go into the BIOS and Disable the Floppy. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.