P6T RAM issue

[Dannyboyayyo]

Hello Everyone,

I just finished a i7 build but the bios and windows only detect 4gbs while cpuz sees 6...i installed the RAM in the appropriate dimms according to the directions from ASUS.

any suggestions?

Thanks!

(this is the ram i have installed http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16820145224)

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Dannyboyayyo
Hello Everyone,

I just finished a i7 build but the bios and windows only detect 4gbs while cpuz sees 6...i installed the RAM in the appropriate dimms according to the directions from ASUS.

any suggestions?

Thanks!

(this is the ram i have installed http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16820145224)

Well, here comes the first question.

Are you using a 64bit OS? That won't change the BIOS, but would allow Windows to access all 6GB.

Also, are you using Vista or better? I know that SP1 of Vista will at least tell you if you have more than 4GB of RAM, even if you can't use it.

Finally, are there any options in the BIOS to enable Triple Channel? And are all 3 sticks in the same color slots?

 

[Dannyboyayyo]

I'm using vista 32bit and the ram are all in the same color slots. I thought vista utilizes over 4gbs, no? As for bios I didn't see anything I'll have to look again...isn't it strange that bios doesn't show every gig while cpuz does?

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Dannyboyayyo
I'm using vista 32bit and the ram are all in the same color slots. I thought vista utilizes over 4gbs, no? As for bios I didn't see anything I'll have to look again...isn't it strange that bios doesn't show every gig while cpuz does?

For the sake of this conversation, only a 64bit OS can utilize 4GB+ of RAM (to any one else that might stumble in here, yes I am aware of PAE and all of that jazz).

I have next to no experience with Core i7 and the motherboards that support it. However, at the end of the day, Vista 32 (or XP 32 or Win 7 32) will only utilize 3.5GB of RAM. Bear in mind that this figure also takes into account the graphics card. So if you have a GPU with 512MB or 1GB of RAM, then you will only have access to 3GB or 2.5GB of system RAM (respectively).

I suggest looking into upgrading to Vista 64. It should be a relatively inexpensive process. I believe that you can upgrade your existing license for something like $10, though I am not sure of the exact process.

Conversely, if you have a retail key, you can just put your hands on a 64 bit installer and use your existing key. You may need to call Microsoft afterwards to activate it, but you will be fine.

 

[Dannyboyayyo]

gotcha ok then one last question how come bios does not show the full amount?

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Dannyboyayyo
gotcha ok then one last question how come bios does not show the full amount?

Dude, I don't even know. Perhaps that is a question for the motherboard manufacturer.

 

[Dannyboyayyo]

heh alrighty thanks for the help. i will upgrade to 64bit and see if that does anything. I will also ask on the ASUS forums just in case this is a known issue..