Task manager doesn't recognise the ram upgrade

[NickCh1991]

Hello HP community!!

Well, it seems that i have a problem with my ram upgrade. My system came with 2 GB ram and i had to upgrade it (with another  2GB), as i'm using programms like autoCAD, 3dsmax, photoshop,etc which have special needs on ram memory. Here's the problem; while on bios the memory is being recognised (4096MB), on task manager the total physical memory is only 2046MB! I've also done the BIOS update, but it didn't worked. The new memory that i plugged in has the same features with the installed one. The only difference is the manufacturer, the new one is Kingston.

Here's the features of my system;

Operating System installed: Windows Vista 32-bit

Product Name and Number: HP Pavilion dv7-2030ev

•   Motherboard:  Quanta 3624 intel PM45 ( supports till 8GB ram)
•   CPU:  Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo P8600 2.40GHz ( Architecture 64-bit )
•   RAM:  Samsung DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz 2GB  CAS latency 6.0 
•   BIOS: F.46

The RAM that I purchased is:

Kingston DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz  2GB  CAS latency 6.0

(The package information exactly is: KVR800D2S6/2GB   PC2-6400 CL6 200-Pin SODIMM)

I also mention, that i have tried the Kingston alone on a Slot and the system was working without any problem...

I would be so grateful, if you could help...

Thank you in advance,

Nick Chatzikonstantinou

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Nick:

It is hard to say, but I would imagine the memory went into the shared memory allocation for the video.

If you haven't run the windows experience index utility since you installed the memory, run that and then look at the detailed report and it will tell you more information about your memory and graphics memory.

I don't think there is anything wrong at all.

Paul

[Huffer]

Windows Vista 32 bit will recognize a bit over 3 gigs of system memory. It is very possible as suggested above that you are losing 1 gig to video so it does not show an effective increase over 2 gigs. If you want to utilize the full 4 gigs you must install a 64 bit OS. Sorry to say that means a complete wipe and reload since there is no upgrade from 32 to 64 bit but with the programs you are running you want 64 bit. Photoshop CS5 in particular runs way better and faster on a 64 bit platform.

[NickCh1991]

Thank you for the direct answer! 

I've just run the windows experience index utility as you suggested, and here's the report:

With the system's RAM memory (Samsung) installed:

  GRAPHICS

• total available graphics memory    1790MB
• exclusive graphics memory   1024MB
• exclusive system memory   0MB
• shared system memory  766MB
 

 With the system's RAM memory (Samsung) and Kingston upgrade:

  GRAPHICS

• total available graphics memory   1791MB
• exclusive graphics memory   1024MB
• exclusive system memory   0MB
• shared system memory   767MB

 Looking at the shared system memory, I think that there's no difference before and after..I'm not sure for this of course but could you please tell me your opinion? Could you come to a conclusion with these items? Is really happening what you say?

Thank you

[NickCh1991]

I know that 32-bit sytems recognize about 3 GB RAM. I don't unerstand though, why i have about 1GB free Memory when 2GB RAM is installed, and i have the same amount ( 1 GB free ) when 4 GB RAM is installed... i can't explain that.... it get's me crazy!
As far as the 64-bit OS I'm planning to buy windows 7 64-bit in a couple of months, as I'm going to built a new desktop.... 64-bit it's really the only way to get as ram memory as you would like...

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Nick:

That isn't what I expected to see.

Very little change between 2 GB and 4 GB in how the memory is being used.

I don't know what to say, but I do know there is nothing wrong with the memory and it is just being wasted by the 32 bit operating system on hardware reservations.

Look at your resource monitor and see where the memory is being eaten up...

Paul

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi, Nick:

One of our top forum experts (DavidPK) suggested you look into this solution to the memory issue you are experiencing...

I quote from David:

"In the System Configuration screen, Boot tab, Advanced Options, it turned out that there was a tick in the box next to Maximum memory.  Once removed and the change applied, Windows recognised all the Ram ( minus the reserved ) after restarting."

Please give that a try, and post back and let us know if that frees up some system memory for you.

Paul

[NickCh1991]

The problem is solved! Thank you so much!

I followed the instructions of DavidPK, as you indicated Paul, and finally on task manager the physical memory is 3038 MB...

Thank you again... HP expert team, you are what we call professionals!

Your corresponding is remarkable and your advice was really helpful!

Hereafter, I  know where to appeal to ask for support...!!!

Nick

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Nick.

I am very happy that David's suggestion worked perfectly for you.

Enjoy!

Paul