I have a core2Duo 2.4 Ghz allendale cpu, Asus P5B mobo, a-data DDR2 800 ram.
I originally had 2 GB (2x1) installed in corresponding series about a year ago. I just purchased the exact same ram (2x1) for a total of 4. My mobo will only recognize 3 GB, even though it can have up to 8GB. All my slots work, all my Ram works. I've tested for it already. I can install 3 GB in any slot and it will recognize it. As soon as I install the 4th, the amount stays the same. I entered my Bios and it only recognizes 3. Like I said before, I've tested each stick independently, and tested each slot independently. When I install 3 of the 4 sticks, it does not matter which slot they are installed in, as soon as I add the 4, in any slot, it will not get recognized. I'm stumped on this one.
I'd appreciate any help.
Thank you for your support
Andrew
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Nik_I
im gonna take a guess here and say you're running a 32-bit operating system?
EDIT: realised you said your BIOS only sees 3GB. then the problem is more confusing.
Yes....I guess I'll just have to buy 64 bit OS to utilize all my ram. I didn't know it would have taken a gig hit though.
Anyone want a gig DDR2 PC800 A-Data Ram w. heat spreader?!?!?!?!?!??!?! >:O
Zorg
The BIOS should see 4GB. It's not a 32bit OS problem.
bobbknight
ajrunke said:
Yes....I guess I'll just have to buy 64 bit OS to utilize all my ram. I didn't know it would have taken a gig hit though.
Anyone want a gig DDR2 PC800 A-Data Ram w. heat spreader?!?!?!?!?!??!?! >:O
Yes
Zorg
He can't see the 4th gig in BIOS. How is that an OS problem?
I have to assume he was mistaken when he said he could only see 3GB in BIOS/POST.
ajrunke
Unfortunately, I can only see 3 in bios...That's what has me so confused. Has anyone seen this before?
Zorg
I haven't, but you should be able to see all 4G in BIOS/POST. It can't be a 32 bit OS problem, because obviously the OS isn't even running.
I would check the Asus website, maybe email tech support. There are no settings that I know of. The RAM should be detected automatically.
GhislainG
Is the BIOS fairly recent? If you google that issue (which seems common with the P5B and other 965 chipset motherboards), you'll find that going to Advanced>Chipset>North bridge configuration and enabling Memory Remapping usually resolves the issue. Unless you use a 64-bit OS, detecting all 4GB won't buy you anything.
ajrunke
I must apologize to all those people that asked if mem remap was enabled and I told them yes it was. It was not. I exited bios w/o saving my settings accidentally. I went back and enabled it, now my bios recognizes 4, but windows only recognizes 2, where previously it recognized 3. I ran dxdiag, and other system tools.
I appreciate all your help thus far. Your responses have been mature and helpful.
Thanks,
Andrew
GhislainG
With that motherboard, you have 3 options:
1. Disable Memory Remapping and have 3GB detected by the BIOS and 3GB available for Windows 32-bit; 2. Enable Memory Remapping and have 4GB detected by the BIOS and 2GB available for Windows 32-bit; 3. Enable Memory Remapping and have 4GB detected by the BIOS and 4GB available for Windows 64-bit;
Thank you. I will go ahead and disable mem remap...64 bit isn't worth it for what I use my computer for. I appreciate everyone's help and link, ghislaing.
allhands
There is a bios update that should solve your problem version 0613 "Improve memory compatibility while 4GB memory plugged"
Be carefull. The P5B-VM and the P5B are not the same motherboard and their BIOS are different. There is no 4GB BIOS fix for the P5B.
allhands
GhislainG said:
Be carefull. The P5B-VM and the P5B are not the same motherboard and their BIOS are different. There is no 4GB BIOS fix for the P5B.
ooops sorry. I'm glad to see Asus is making sure their mobos are easily distinguished by name. I'm sure no one looking for support will ever confuse those 2 models.
GhislainG
There are several P5B motherboards. Same with the P5Q, etc. Just check how many different P5Q motherboards are available from Newegg.
Zorg
I say let it eat, he's only going to get ~3G with a 32bit OS anyway. If he wanted the extra gig the overhead from the 64 bit would seriously mitigate the extra gig anyway.
ajrunke
I'm in agreement, zorg. That is what I'll do. Thanks for everyone's input. I appreciate all of the quick and informative responses.
Zorg
It was said earlier, I was just reiterating. Asus does have a -1 for this, but there are plenty of -1s to go around.
Has anyone seen this before?