Tom's Hardware > Forum > Overclocking > Memory > [Solved] Computer using only 384mb of ram with 512mb installed.

[Solved] Computer using only 384mb of ram with 512mb installed.

Forum Overclocking : Memory [Solved] Computer using only 384mb of ram with 512mb installed.

I have an old Sony Vaio PCG-FXA47. I need it for old AutoCAD projects. I decided to install more RAM. I installed another 256mb stick of RAM, and when I booted my Windows XP SP3, it showed up only as 384mb . My graphics card couldn't be using the RAM, as it is an 8mb dedicated card. The manual states that my laptop can use up to 512mb of RAM. It uses SODIMM PC133 144 pin (i believe).
Specs:

Message edited by xpeh on 09-21-2011 at 04:23:21 PM

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Best answer

Pull the old ram out and see if the new ram does report that it is 256mb as SDR has a bad habit of going bad leaving some of the ram working but causing other issues. I have dealt with this a lot of times on old machines such as yours. Also try swapping around the modules as that sometimes works to enable all the ram but then again SDR is very odd sometimes. If the old stick is working as it should at all times then the new ram is faulty. If new is working like the old ram when it is alone then it can be down to just the board being a problem. Some boards for what ever reason are not able or not stable when the ram capacity is maxed out.

Reply to nforce4max