RAM questions - slots and usable memory

xireeopliex

Member
Member
Messages
62
Hi,

I have Windows 8.1 32-bit installed and have fitted my PC (Dell Inspiron 531) with 4GB RAM.

The system only reports 3.25gb as usable - where has the remainder gone?

Is it the Graphics card (ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT)?

I understand that Win8.1 32-bit can utilise a full 4GB of RAM?

Also in the Task Manager, it reports that I have used "2 of 2 slots", however I have 4 RAM slots inside the machine where the RAM is fitted (4 x 1GB fitted).

Any help?

Cheers
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
With a 32 bit OS you have a fixed 4 GB physical address space. This is primarily used by RAM but is also shared with memory mapped devices which must have priority. Whatever is used by memory mapped devices is not available for RAM. Typically about 3.25 GB will be available but it could be more or less.

No 32 bit client version of Windows can access 4 GB RAM. To do that you would need a 64 bit OS. That would require a clean install of the OS and all applications. Generally not worth the trouble.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Back
Top