Solved Installed versus Usable RAM

realisticdave

New Member
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I've read all of the current threads about memory, and learned a lot---but still have a question. I built a computer recently (so it's not a 'store-bought system'), installed 16 GB of RAM, but System Information shows only 2.96 GB as usable. I'm using Win 8, 32-bit, with an Intel i3-2120 (3.30 GHz) CPU on an MSI motherboard. Not a gamer, so I have only a low-end GE Force 210 video card.

From what I gather, Win8 (32-bit) only allows a certain amount of RAM to be used. Is this correct? If so, did I make a mistake by installing 16 GB, when I could have installed a lesser amount? For example, if Win8/32-bit only recognizes (or at least, uses...) something like 3.5 GB---should I have simply stuck in 4 GB?

FYI, I'm happy with my computer, my wife and I can surf just fine (we have cable Internet, with an advertised speed of 15), and I don't really have any complaints. Just trying to educate myself about installed versus usable RAM.

Thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Built from parts
    CPU
    Intel i3-2120 (3.30 GHz)
    Motherboard
    MSI
    Memory
    16 GB installed
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force 210
    Browser
    Firefox
A 32 bit OS, Win XP, Visa, Win 7, Win8, can only address a little under 4GB. Thus only having 2.96GB useable is a valid figure. Generally its 3 to 3.5GB but depending on hardware it can be a little less.

To fully use the memory, reinstall the 64 bit OS version. The i3 will run 64 bit OS.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    i7 6700K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero
    Memory
    16 Gb G Skill TridentZ DDR4 3400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel (i7 CPU)
    Sound Card
    RealTek Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Dell SE2717HR
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Samsung 850 SSD, 3TB for backups
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 750 G2
    Case
    BeQuiet Silent Base 600
    Cooling
    Deepcool Captain 120EX
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Cable - 100MB Downlink
    Browser
    Edge/Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft
    Other Info
    Sonar Platinum 64 bit recording studio software with MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid recording interface unit.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom build
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X 4 965 BE
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-MA790X-DS4
    Memory
    G-Skill 8 GB PC 8500
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD XFX HD Radeon 6790D
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2l Samsung SyncMaster S20B300
    Screen Resolution
    1600 X 900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Barracuda 320 GB w/OS
    Seagate Barracuda 1 TB data storage
    PSU
    Ultra X4 750 watt fully modular
    Case
    Thermaltake OverSeer RX 1 fulltower
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper212 120mm
    Keyboard
    Logitech G510
    Mouse
    Razor DeathAdder 3.5
Thanks to both for your quick replies. You've answered my question. I'll likely upgrade to 64-bit at some point so that I can use all of my memory, but you've helped me understand the results that I received from the System Information report. Take care.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Built from parts
    CPU
    Intel i3-2120 (3.30 GHz)
    Motherboard
    MSI
    Memory
    16 GB installed
    Graphics Card(s)
    GE Force 210
    Browser
    Firefox
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