I am running XP 64 BIT PRO, I have 4 x 1GB Sticks of RAM but system information says only 3.25GB?

Question

The 4 RAM sticks are identical, all Corsair 800Mhz 5-5-5-12.
I was running 32 bit windows and someone said I would need 64 bit to run up to 8GB RAM, but it still says 3.25GB. Plus a minute ago it said you are low on virtual memory, which I have never seen before. Whats the problem?

I recently did a full format and scan. The hardware is all top of the line and AMD 64FX-62 Windsor CPU. M2N32-SLI Deluxe MOBO.

Virtual memory is already set at 3558mb isn't that plenty?

My Video Card is Geforce 7950GX2 which has 1GB of memory for itself anyway.

Answer 1

If it says 3.25gb in System properties then the other stick ISN'T being used by anything, it's effectively not there. System Properties would report how much RAM is in the machine whether it's being used by video or not.

One of your RAM modules may not be seated, then again it may be infected. Remove one at a time and reboot (remember to leave the blank at the end). Virtual memory can be increased manually though it's never wise to operate outside the "automatic" functions of your OS.

I'm assuming that you have run a scan on C:?

If you have Anti-spyware and anti-malware built in to your anti-V package and the reports say clear... then you have a problem... I wouldn't just accept the missing memory is being used by "something" if the specs don't recognise it's presence. Can you tell us the capacity of your video card?

Answer 2

To utilize all 4GB of RAM you'll probably have to upgrade to a 64 bit OS. However, you can probably get XP in a 64 bit edition, you don't need Vista Ultimate. It's a waste of money anyway unless you use the same computer for home and business.

Answer 3

The missing RAM is being used as video RAM by your onboard video processor. As for the Virtual Memory, you need to set it higher. Right click on MY Computer icon, click on Properties, click on Advanced tab, click on Settings in Performance box, click on Advanced, click on Change in the Virtual Memory box. Try doubling the amount that is listed, see how that works.

Answer 4

ur computer is only 32 bit
for such type of computers a 2 GB RAM is enough
but it cannot run very effectively on a more memory ram
so it just takes the max value upto which it is needed

Answer 5

IT could be your video Check the BIOS. you should be able to set how much the Video card uses.

OR

You are in 32Bit mode.

XP and Vista will only recognize just a little over 3GB of ram.

If you put in 4gb you will only see 3.25 or somewhere close depending on how much the video is using.

Answer 6

hello

this is your video that uses part of RAM. its called shared RAM.
to solve this problem add more memory.

in virtual meory you can add some extra ot let windows atomatically add some more Virtual memory.

don't forget you're using 64-bit that a bit different from 32-bit

Answer 7

Are you sure it's 64 bit computer? If so, which you sound like you are. check the best of the best of computer hardware sites. (well it's as good as any other top class site)

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/2531-63-windows-memory

Answer 8

You don`t have any Graphic Card. So, your computer system share the memory(RAM). Give me the name of your motherboard so i can help you to find the perfect match of the Graphic Card for your motherboard.

Answer 9

you're currently using 32bit, 64bit os lets you use more than 4gb of ram, low on virtual memory? you should allocate virtual memory proportion to your physical memory

Answer 10

Have you checked to see if your mother /bios will support 4gb of ram ??