total memory available is only 3.3GB with 4GB physical memory under windows 7 64 bit

[someone@somewhere.com]

I had 4GB physical memoryon the PC. With Windows vista 32 bit,

available memory is shown as 3.3GB. I asked on usenet and was told

that only under 64 bit windows, will the available memory be 4GB.



When I upgraded to windows 7, I chosed 64 bit (I did clean install of

course), but the available memory shown in the system is still 3.3 GB.

This is show in both task manager under performance->Physical

memory->total, and 'property of My Computer'->Installed memory

(4GB/3.3 GB usable)



Why is this and is there a way to make the full 4GB available?



It's possible that my video card is using RAM instead of its own video

RAM. This video card may not have its own memory.



Now I just replaced a new video card with 512 MB of its own memory,

the memory available becomes 2.8GB. Again, this is shown in both

task manager under performance->Physical memory->total, and 'property

of My Computer'->Installed memory (4GB/2.8 GB usable).



The PC is Dell Inpirson 530. The only BIOS setting applicable to this

is:

DVMT Mode: FIXED, DVMT (DVMT by default)

DVMT/FIXED Memory Size: 128 MB, 256 MB, MAX (128 MB by default)



Looked up DVMT on the web, doesn't seem change the setting will help.





Thanks.

 

[ray]

total memory available is only 3.3GB with 4GB physical memoryunder windows 7 64 bit

On Sun, 16 May 2010 09:47:52 -0400, someone wrote:



> I had 4GB physical memoryon the PC. With Windows vista 32 bit, available

> memory is shown as 3.3GB. I asked on usenet and was told that only

> under 64 bit windows, will the available memory be 4GB.



That's not quite true. Certain server editions of 32 bit MS systems and

Linux 32 bit systems can address up to 64gb via PAE - assuming the

hardware cooperates.



>

> When I upgraded to windows 7, I chosed 64 bit (I did clean install of

> course), but the available memory shown in the system is still 3.3 GB.

> This is show in both task manager under performance->Physical

> memory->total, and 'property of My Computer'->Installed memory (4GB/3.3

> GB usable)

>

> Why is this and is there a way to make the full 4GB available?

>

> It's possible that my video card is using RAM instead of its own video

> RAM. This video card may not have its own memory.

>

> Now I just replaced a new video card with 512 MB of its own memory, the

> memory available becomes 2.8GB. Again, this is shown in both task

> manager under performance->Physical memory->total, and 'property of My

> Computer'->Installed memory (4GB/2.8 GB usable).

>

> The PC is Dell Inpirson 530. The only BIOS setting applicable to this

> is:

> DVMT Mode: FIXED, DVMT (DVMT by default) DVMT/FIXED Memory Size: 128

> MB, 256 MB, MAX (128 MB by default)

>

> Looked up DVMT on the web, doesn't seem change the setting will help.

>

>

> Thanks.

 

[Charlie Russel - MVP]

This is a BIOS setting . It can be called any of several different things,

but look for a setting to re-map or offset memory in the BIOS and change it

to enable the offset. The issue is that peripheral cards and functionality

need memory addresses and normally these are mapped into the range between

3-4 GB since 32-bit OS's needed the addresses for these cards to be below

the 4GB point. With a 64-bit OS, this 4GB limitation is no longer an issue,

and the memory addresses can be above 4GB, but the BIOS needs to know that

and make the change.



--

Charlie.

http://msmvps.com/blogs/russel









wrote in message

news:a9tvu5h8rbddbtdohv9a7am252204cdu09@4ax.com...

>I had 4GB physical memoryon the PC. With Windows vista 32 bit,

> available memory is shown as 3.3GB. I asked on usenet and was told

> that only under 64 bit windows, will the available memory be 4GB.

>

> When I upgraded to windows 7, I chosed 64 bit (I did clean install of

> course), but the available memory shown in the system is still 3.3 GB.

> This is show in both task manager under performance->Physical

> memory->total, and 'property of My Computer'->Installed memory

> (4GB/3.3 GB usable)

>

> Why is this and is there a way to make the full 4GB available?

>

> It's possible that my video card is using RAM instead of its own video

> RAM. This video card may not have its own memory.

>

> Now I just replaced a new video card with 512 MB of its own memory,

> the memory available becomes 2.8GB. Again, this is shown in both

> task manager under performance->Physical memory->total, and 'property

> of My Computer'->Installed memory (4GB/2.8 GB usable).

>

> The PC is Dell Inpirson 530. The only BIOS setting applicable to this

> is:

> DVMT Mode: FIXED, DVMT (DVMT by default)

> DVMT/FIXED Memory Size: 128 MB, 256 MB, MAX (128 MB by default)

>

> Looked up DVMT on the web, doesn't seem change the setting will help.

>

>

> Thanks.

 

[Peter Foldes]

As Charlie posted. This has to do with the setting in your Bios. If your Bios is old

and it does not have that setting for you to change then either find the Update for

your Bios or if not available change to an Updated one



--

Peter



Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others

Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.

http://www.microsoft.com/protect



wrote in message

news:a9tvu5h8rbddbtdohv9a7am252204cdu09@4ax.com...

>I had 4GB physical memoryon the PC. With Windows vista 32 bit,

> available memory is shown as 3.3GB. I asked on usenet and was told

> that only under 64 bit windows, will the available memory be 4GB.

>

> When I upgraded to windows 7, I chosed 64 bit (I did clean install of

> course), but the available memory shown in the system is still 3.3 GB.

> This is show in both task manager under performance->Physical

> memory->total, and 'property of My Computer'->Installed memory

> (4GB/3.3 GB usable)

>

> Why is this and is there a way to make the full 4GB available?

>

> It's possible that my video card is using RAM instead of its own video

> RAM. This video card may not have its own memory.

>

> Now I just replaced a new video card with 512 MB of its own memory,

> the memory available becomes 2.8GB. Again, this is shown in both

> task manager under performance->Physical memory->total, and 'property

> of My Computer'->Installed memory (4GB/2.8 GB usable).

>

> The PC is Dell Inpirson 530. The only BIOS setting applicable to this

> is:

> DVMT Mode: FIXED, DVMT (DVMT by default)

> DVMT/FIXED Memory Size: 128 MB, 256 MB, MAX (128 MB by default)

>

> Looked up DVMT on the web, doesn't seem change the setting will help.

>

>

> Thanks.

 

[Stan Starinski]

You wouldn't waste money if you install 4GB REGARDLESS of Windows (starting

w/Vista) or hardware (starting w/post-2006) you have, but you can do more,

read my article:

*****



As you know from Electrical Engineering basics, theoretical memory space is

defined by the address bus width. In a binary system it's simply 2^N where

N is the address width.

In plain English:

If your Windows is 32-bit it can theoretically manage 2^32 = 4GB.

If your hardware (e.g. Intel945 chipset?) is 32 bit but Windows is 64 bit,

or hardware is 64bit but Windows is 32 bit it's still 4GB as obviously the

lower address width limits the system, and disregards 64 bit elsewhere.



The practical numbers are somewhat different:

a) Windows 32-bit claims a whopping 0.75GB for itself ("untouchable" by

you - the user) due to I/O overhead in a 4GB memory space leaving you with

ONLY 3.25GB of usable memory

Too long to explain but just accept it as a fact - almost a Gigabyte is

eaten by the BIOS, I/O, etc. memory addresses your applications cannot use.

b) On the upside you can go over 4GB EVEN in a 32-bit Windows if this

Windows is a Server, and not a Client version.

There's a 99.9% chance you running a Client and not Server Windows, so your

usable memory is therefore:

3.25GB But I don't know exactly what Win version you run, so you can

calculate by understanding this article, i.e if you're so advanced as to

have Windows SERVER edition, then even in 32-bit configuration it can "page"

more than 4GB.



Now why I say you didn't waste money.

How much did you pay for 4GB and how much WOULD you pay for 3GB? The

$dollar difference as of September2009 is NOT worth any regret.

You'd lose pennies, stop worrying & have at least 4GB. Also better if you

install memory modules "symmetrically" which, as a consequence, also means

you'd have an even number of memory units.

In plain English, it's better to install two modules 2GB+2GB = 4GB, than

2GB+1GB = 3GB which is assymetric, although such may not longer be of any

importance for new computers, in the past it was an issue. Still I

recommend not to play with assymetry for DDR2 memory, I don't know about

DDR3 and this example covers 4GB. You might have 4GB+4GB=8GB for example,

for 64-bit Windows AND 64-bit hardware as a requirement.

Why would anyone need 8GB? Well, I even need MORE - 16GB for

CAD/Engineering & Graphics design work, so I can lots of memory running

heavy-duty engineering simulations.

Plus it stimulates industry (but hurts environment) heheh....



So memory space is defined by 3 factors:

OS bit width

Hardware bitwidth

Whether your Windows addressing is using virtuial/paging/etc to bypass

normal addressing limted to 2^N - i.e. is it a regular Win Client or Server,

and how much your Windows wastes for itself (overhead)

I am not likely to check your further questions, so dont ask I am too

busy, maybe others will help more.

Just get 4GB and be done with it.



BUT IF YOU NEED 1GB+1GB MODULES = 2GB of laptop, DDR667 speed memory, let me

know - I can ship for free (you just pay shipping by Post Office in USA or

abroad), I removed them and replaced with 8GB on my laptop. I am too lazy

to write ads and sell it, just take for free. I maybe back here to check

your response for thsi reason only.

 

[Stan Starinski]

Peter,



You're excellent. Your expertise continues to help so many Windows users.



May the Lord richly bless you.

 

[Drew]

First off are you absolutely sure you are running 64bit??



wrote in message

news:a9tvu5h8rbddbtdohv9a7am252204cdu09@4ax.com...

> I had 4GB physical memoryon the PC. With Windows vista 32 bit,

> available memory is shown as 3.3GB. I asked on usenet and was told

> that only under 64 bit windows, will the available memory be 4GB.

>

> When I upgraded to windows 7, I chosed 64 bit (I did clean install of

> course), but the available memory shown in the system is still 3.3 GB.

> This is show in both task manager under performance->Physical

> memory->total, and 'property of My Computer'->Installed memory

> (4GB/3.3 GB usable)

>

> Why is this and is there a way to make the full 4GB available?

>

> It's possible that my video card is using RAM instead of its own video

> RAM. This video card may not have its own memory.

>

> Now I just replaced a new video card with 512 MB of its own memory,

> the memory available becomes 2.8GB. Again, this is shown in both

> task manager under performance->Physical memory->total, and 'property

> of My Computer'->Installed memory (4GB/2.8 GB usable).

>

> The PC is Dell Inpirson 530. The only BIOS setting applicable to this

> is:

> DVMT Mode: FIXED, DVMT (DVMT by default)

> DVMT/FIXED Memory Size: 128 MB, 256 MB, MAX (128 MB by default)

>

> Looked up DVMT on the web, doesn't seem change the setting will help.

>

>

> Thanks.

 

[Michael John Ruff]

total memory available is only 3.3GB with 4GB physical memoryunder windows 7 64 bit

On 17/05/2010 00:31, Drew wrote:

>

> First off are you absolutely sure you are running 64bit??

>

> wrote in message

> news:a9tvu5h8rbddbtdohv9a7am252204cdu09@4ax.com...

>> I had 4GB physical memoryon the PC. With Windows vista 32 bit,

>> available memory is shown as 3.3GB. I asked on usenet and was told

>> that only under 64 bit windows, will the available memory be 4GB.

>>

>> When I upgraded to windows 7, I chosed 64 bit (I did clean install of

>> course), but the available memory shown in the system is still 3.3 GB.

>> This is show in both task manager under performance->Physical

>> memory->total, and 'property of My Computer'->Installed memory

>> (4GB/3.3 GB usable)

>>

>> Why is this and is there a way to make the full 4GB available?

>>

>> It's possible that my video card is using RAM instead of its own video

>> RAM. This video card may not have its own memory.

>>

>> Now I just replaced a new video card with 512 MB of its own memory,

>> the memory available becomes 2.8GB. Again, this is shown in both

>> task manager under performance->Physical memory->total, and 'property

>> of My Computer'->Installed memory (4GB/2.8 GB usable).

>>

>> The PC is Dell Inpirson 530. The only BIOS setting applicable to this

>> is:

>> DVMT Mode: FIXED, DVMT (DVMT by default)

>> DVMT/FIXED Memory Size: 128 MB, 256 MB, MAX (128 MB by default)

>>

>> Looked up DVMT on the web, doesn't seem change the setting will help.

>>

>>

>> Thanks.

>

Hello



I would double check that your running 64bit as the symptons you

describe say that it isnt.



on the Globe on the task bar right click on My Computer and select

properties. And post what it says under System Type.



Mike



--

Regards Mike

MSCE, CCNA, Network+, A+, RHCE.

Yes Posting from Windows, with lots of Linux Experience.

 

[Heywood Jablowme]

"Stan Starinski" wrote in

message news:unkqlnS9KHA.3176@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> Peter,

>

> You're excellent. Your expertise continues to help so many Windows users.

>

> May the Lord richly bless you.



May you psychiatrist richly restrain you.

 

[Stan Starinski]

God bless us.



May the Lord keep blessing you until you're thoroughly blessed.



Have a nice day.



P.S. Keep warm as Ice Age is coming.

 

[Carlos]

total memory available is only 3.3GB with 4GB physical memory unde

Hi,

Here's the fix:

http://support.dell.com/support/dow...-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=1&fileid=246767



As of BIOS 1.0.12 the 4GB RAM issue was solved.

Here's the changelog:

Systems: Dell Insprion 530/530s

Version: 1.0.12

Build Date: 03/01/2008



Fixes/Enhancements:

1. Add support for new Intel CPU.

2. Update to latest microcodes.

3. Improve POST time with internal USB Card Reader & Buffalo USB HDD

combination.

4. Correct Memory Map for => 4GB configurations



The latest applicable BIOS is version 1.0.18 (March 2009) and can be found

here:

http://support.dell.com/support/dow...dateid=-1&formatid=-1&source=-1&fileid=299050



Please make sure that these BIOSes match exactly your PC model.

Carlos



"someone@somewhere.com" wrote:



> I had 4GB physical memoryon the PC. With Windows vista 32 bit,

> available memory is shown as 3.3GB. I asked on usenet and was told

> that only under 64 bit windows, will the available memory be 4GB.

>

> When I upgraded to windows 7, I chosed 64 bit (I did clean install of

> course), but the available memory shown in the system is still 3.3 GB.

> This is show in both task manager under performance->Physical

> memory->total, and 'property of My Computer'->Installed memory

> (4GB/3.3 GB usable)

>

> Why is this and is there a way to make the full 4GB available?

>

> It's possible that my video card is using RAM instead of its own video

> RAM. This video card may not have its own memory.

>

> Now I just replaced a new video card with 512 MB of its own memory,

> the memory available becomes 2.8GB. Again, this is shown in both

> task manager under performance->Physical memory->total, and 'property

> of My Computer'->Installed memory (4GB/2.8 GB usable).

>

> The PC is Dell Inpirson 530. The only BIOS setting applicable to this

> is:

> DVMT Mode: FIXED, DVMT (DVMT by default)

> DVMT/FIXED Memory Size: 128 MB, 256 MB, MAX (128 MB by default)

>

> Looked up DVMT on the web, doesn't seem change the setting will help.

>

>

> Thanks.

> .

>