Solved 8GB RAM but only 3.35GB Usable

suryasrujan

New Member
Messages
3
Hello, I have 8GB of ram on my computer and I have 32bit Windows 8 OS. But my computer says "8 GB (3.35 GB usable)" why is this? I am struggling to solve this and appreciate if anyone could solve this immediately as I have some high priority work to deliver!

Thanks,
-Srujan
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 32 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel i5-3570 CPU @3.40GHz
You will have to go to 64 bit Windows to utilize all of your ram... :geek:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    17074 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP dv7 3173nr
    CPU
    M520
    Memory
    5GB
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Internet Speed
    120Mb/s
  • PC2
    HP A12 R7 17074
Is there any other temporary go?
As I do not have much time to re-Install 64 bit OS, Config my Internet settings and install mandatory softwares.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 32 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel i5-3570 CPU @3.40GHz
32 bit Windows is limited to 4 GB RAM by the license agreement. Also, a 32 bit OS has only a 4 GB address space, some of which must be used for other things other than RAM. Typically about 3 to 3.5 GB will be available. A 64 bit OS can support much more RAM.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
The replies are interesting but not exactly correct.

I'm running a 32-bit OS on several Linux distros, and ALL of them can address ALL of the 8GB of memory I have. But, I also have a 64-bit processor, and in Linux, it is running in PAE mode.

As an experiment, I downloaded and ran a patch that would allow 32-bit Windows to also see all the memory -- and it worked just fine! I used it for several weeks and never had any problems with it.
 

My Computer

There is no technical reason why 32 bit Windows could not access more than 4 GB RAM. Windows 2000 Advanced server was able to do that with PAE, a method simpler than that used in 64 bit Windows. Some 32 bit server editions are able to access as much as 32 GB RAM using the same method. Some Linux distributions can do the same.

PAE has no implications for applications but it does for some device drivers. As Microsoft discovered back in XP days some device drivers behave very badly in a system with more than 4 GB RAM. Microsoft decided to solve the problem by not allowing memory above 4 GB in 32 bit client versions of Windows. The problem was largely with some audio and high performance video drivers which were rarely used in servers.

The 4 GB RAM maximum is a licensing limit enforced by the kernel. A patch does exist to circumvent this limit but using it is a violation of Windows EULA. I will not discuss it.

I have tried to keep all of this simple to understand so it may not be 100% accurate.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
There is no technical reason why 32 bit Windows could not access more than 4 GB RAM. Windows 2000 Advanced server was able to do that with PAE, a method simpler than that used in 64 bit Windows. Some 32 bit server editions are able to access as much as 32 GB RAM using the same method. Some Linux distributions can do the same.

PAE has no implications for applications but it does for some device drivers. As Microsoft discovered back in XP days some device drivers behave very badly in a system with more than 4 GB RAM. Microsoft decided to solve the problem by not allowing memory above 4 GB in 32 bit client versions of Windows. The problem was largely with some audio and high performance video drivers which were rarely used in servers.

The 4 GB RAM maximum is a licensing limit enforced by the kernel. A patch does exist to circumvent this limit but using it is a violation of Windows EULA. I will not discuss it.

I have tried to keep all of this simple to understand so it may not be 100% accurate.

Good post. Right on.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built by me
    CPU
    Haswell i7-4770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte G1 Sniper 5 (BIOS F9)
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator Platinum 32 gig (1866MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire R9-280 Vapor X
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster ZXR
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NEC PA242W - 24 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 512gig 850 Pro SSD (OS), Samsung 256gig 840 Pro SSD (photo editing), Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB HD
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 1000 G2
    Case
    Cooler Master HAF X
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i Closed Loop Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech Performance MX
    Internet Speed
    High Speed
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Norton Security
    Other Info
    RAM Speed: 1866MHZ @ 9-10-10-27-2T, 1.5v
and the real problem can be averted with no problem by taking 30 minutes out of you apparently insanely busy day to just install windows 64 bit version..

but i understand if you can't pay for or whatever god knows reason why you wouldn't just install the 64 bit..

what kind of system do you have? it will take 30 minutes out of your 24 hour day...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 (HOME not Pro) 64bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    (So not very nice) Lenovo Y410P
    CPU
    i7 quad 2.4Gig
    Memory
    16G ram
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia 2gig 755m
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 Evo

    supercache2 m2. mini card.
    Antivirus
    Win Defender
I'm surprised this still gets asked. Anyway, Microsoft changed the display options a while back to show total installed RAM, even if it can't all be addressed.

To make a long story short, you won't be able to use all of the memory unless you make the switch. Now, I've heard people complain about not having the time to do a fresh install, and that always means they aren't prepared or aren't properly organized. I keep a flash drive handy with Office, updated drivers, and necessary software on it. I also haven't installed Windows from a CD/DVD since XP, so that's one more way of speeding up the process. There isn't much of a need to insanely customize a computer anymore, especially for Internet settings. You should be behind a router than doesn't require much in the way of settings. If you plan ahead, you can get the entire fresh install process down to an hour and a half or so.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z77-UD3H
    Memory
    16 GB Patriot Viper 3 DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 470 GTX
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M4 256 GB, WD WD20EFRX 2 TB
    PSU
    OCZ 700W
    Case
    Corsair 300R
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo
I'm surprised this still gets asked. Anyway, Microsoft changed the display options a while back to show total installed RAM, even if it can't all be addressed.

To make a long story short, you won't be able to use all of the memory unless you make the switch.
.....

You mean install the x64 version - right?
There isn't some 'switch' to flip to change the display options to show total installed RAM.

Just a sanity check on my part - thanks.

Bill
.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro | Win10TP Pro - boot to VHD
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv6-c610us
    CPU
    AMD VISION A6-3420M Quad-Core (2.4GHz/1.5GHz)
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    6GB DDR3 SDRAM (2 DIMM)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6520G Discrete-Class Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 2072a (20" LED)
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 900
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 640GB (5400 RPM)
    Seagate 2 TB external
    WD 500 GB external
    Keyboard
    Logitech K520 (wireless bundle)
    Mouse
    Logitech M310 (wireless bundle)
    Browser
    IE 11 (default) & Pale Moon
    Other Info
    HP product specs:

    http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Pavilion-dv6-6c00-Entertainment-Notebook-PC-series/5191856/model/5218495/document/c03138553/
I have seen cases when running WEI fixes that problem.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home made
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen7 2700x
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime x470 Pro
    Memory
    16GB Kingston 3600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus strix 570 OC 4gb
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 960 evo 250GB
    Silicon Power V70 240GB SSD
    WD 1 TB Blue
    WD 2 TB Blue
    Bunch of backup HDDs.
    PSU
    Sharkoon, Silent Storm 660W
    Case
    Raidmax
    Cooling
    CCM Nepton 140xl
    Internet Speed
    40/2 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    WD
I'm surprised this still gets asked. Anyway, Microsoft changed the display options a while back to show total installed RAM, even if it can't all be addressed.

To make a long story short, you won't be able to use all of the memory unless you make the switch.
.....

You mean install the x64 version - right?
There isn't some 'switch' to flip to change the display options to show total installed RAM.

Just a sanity check on my part - thanks.

Bill
.

Yes, in this instance, 'switch' means 'swap to 64bit'.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 with Bing x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire ES1-512-CSYW
    CPU
    Intel Celeron N2840 @ 2.16GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Aspire ES1-512 BIOS: Insyde Corps V1.07
    Memory
    4GB DDR3L SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD
    Internet Speed
    10Mb/s 3 Network HSPA+
    Browser
    IE11 and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Yes, poor choice of words on my part, but by "make the switch", I mean install x64, as in "switching" to the 64-bit platform.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z77-UD3H
    Memory
    16 GB Patriot Viper 3 DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 470 GTX
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M4 256 GB, WD WD20EFRX 2 TB
    PSU
    OCZ 700W
    Case
    Corsair 300R
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo
Yes, poor choice of words on my part, but by "make the switch", I mean install x64, as in "switching" to the 64-bit platform.
Thanks, just wanted clarification in case I missed something new.

Try to avoid the Schuylkill and 422 until Spring. KWY reported flash freezing as the cause of the pileups
The road was fine one second and the next second it was frozen

Sounds odd, I've driven from KOP to Green Lane 100s of times and never experienced flash freezing. Come to think of it, never anywhere. Must be a way to make the news exciting.

Now if the people knew how to drive ... Sure Kill expressway is an apropos nickname.

Bill
.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro | Win10TP Pro - boot to VHD
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv6-c610us
    CPU
    AMD VISION A6-3420M Quad-Core (2.4GHz/1.5GHz)
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    6GB DDR3 SDRAM (2 DIMM)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6520G Discrete-Class Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 2072a (20" LED)
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 900
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 640GB (5400 RPM)
    Seagate 2 TB external
    WD 500 GB external
    Keyboard
    Logitech K520 (wireless bundle)
    Mouse
    Logitech M310 (wireless bundle)
    Browser
    IE 11 (default) & Pale Moon
    Other Info
    HP product specs:

    http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Pavilion-dv6-6c00-Entertainment-Notebook-PC-series/5191856/model/5218495/document/c03138553/
I forgot you were a local guy to me. I live just south of the city, just past PHL airport. I generally try to avoid the KoP area, but my closest Wegmans is in KoP...not to mention MicroCenter in Radnor.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z77-UD3H
    Memory
    16 GB Patriot Viper 3 DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 470 GTX
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M4 256 GB, WD WD20EFRX 2 TB
    PSU
    OCZ 700W
    Case
    Corsair 300R
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo
I used to know your area fairly well. Friends live(d) all around there, but there aren't too many there now that I know.
I remember when Micro Center first opened - Delaware is closer to me now, no sales tax, and I avoid the KOP area.

If you're near Brookhaven, stop in at John's Village Market & Deli.
I've known John, the elder, for as long as I can remember. His son Billy manages the Brookhaven store.
John's Village Market & Deli Brookhaven, PA, 19015 - YP.com
Really good food (hoagies, cheesesteaks, sandwiches...) and a really fair price.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro | Win10TP Pro - boot to VHD
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv6-c610us
    CPU
    AMD VISION A6-3420M Quad-Core (2.4GHz/1.5GHz)
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    6GB DDR3 SDRAM (2 DIMM)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6520G Discrete-Class Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 2072a (20" LED)
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 900
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 640GB (5400 RPM)
    Seagate 2 TB external
    WD 500 GB external
    Keyboard
    Logitech K520 (wireless bundle)
    Mouse
    Logitech M310 (wireless bundle)
    Browser
    IE 11 (default) & Pale Moon
    Other Info
    HP product specs:

    http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Pavilion-dv6-6c00-Entertainment-Notebook-PC-series/5191856/model/5218495/document/c03138553/
King of Prussia

Small world department: this discussion of KoP -- when I was born, my family lived in King of Prussia (1937). It was just a small crossroads with a traffic light and a gas station. We lived on what used to be the Valley Forge Golf Club where my father worked. And later in life when I lived on the Main Line, I often drove the Schuylkill Expressway into Conshohocken when I worked for the former Alan Wood Steel. I once had a flat tire on the Schuylkill (1961) which I recall changing on the minimal shoulder in a very nervous state! Memories.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 (OEM)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy 700qe
    CPU
    3.40 gigahertz Intel Core i7-4770
    Motherboard
    Hewlett-Packard 2AF3 1.0
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT 640
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP Pavilion 25xi Pavilion IPS LED Backlit
    Hard Drives
    Primary 1TB
    Secondary 1TB
    Cooling
    Fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Computer came with Windows 8.1 OEM.
Small world department: this discussion of KoP -- when I was born, my family lived in King of Prussia (1937). It was just a small crossroads with a traffic light and a gas station. We lived on what used to be the Valley Forge Golf Club where my father worked. And later in life when I lived on the Main Line, I often drove the Schuylkill Expressway into Conshohocken when I worked for the former Alan Wood Steel. I once had a flat tire on the Schuylkill (1961) which I recall changing on the minimal shoulder in a very nervous state! Memories.
And now you're in Texas!
Yes, it is a small world. The Golf Club is where Wegman's is - yep .... another shopping center!
It might even be smaller, I grew up (technically speaking) in Berwyn, not far from (easy walking distance) the Devon Horse Show.

Change a tire on the Sure Kill? Not me, I would have left the car and climbed the rock face ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro | Win10TP Pro - boot to VHD
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion dv6-c610us
    CPU
    AMD VISION A6-3420M Quad-Core (2.4GHz/1.5GHz)
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    6GB DDR3 SDRAM (2 DIMM)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6520G Discrete-Class Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 2072a (20" LED)
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 900
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 640GB (5400 RPM)
    Seagate 2 TB external
    WD 500 GB external
    Keyboard
    Logitech K520 (wireless bundle)
    Mouse
    Logitech M310 (wireless bundle)
    Browser
    IE 11 (default) & Pale Moon
    Other Info
    HP product specs:

    http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Pavilion-dv6-6c00-Entertainment-Notebook-PC-series/5191856/model/5218495/document/c03138553/
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