GB ram it only shows GB usable Why?

[mcerame]

I have a Pavilion 500-246 with 8GB ram it only shows 7.18 usable - PLEASE HELP.

I am also trying to install a GeForce 8400 GS with 1024mb ddr3 pci-e 2.0 and cannot get it to work. If I plug in video card and start computer NOTHING on monitor at all. - PLEASE HELP.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The memory issue you reported is normal.

Some of the memory has been reserved for some system hardware devices such as the onboard graphics.

The video card issue not working...

I see from the product specs that your PC came with W8.1 installed from the factory.

In order to get a non-HP video card to work you have to change 2 BIOS settings prior to installing your video card on any PC that came with W8 or newer from the factory.

See this link for the BIOS settings to change.

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03653200/

Also prior to installing your video card, you should uninstall the onboard graphics adapter in the device manager, check the uninstall driver box, shut down, unplug the PC and install your video card.

You can do that after you change the BIOS settings.

[mcerame]

I can't thank you enough. Changed over to Legacy and followed instructions, re-started computer, uninstalled on board video, shut down computer.  Un-plugged unit, installed video card, re-booted and everything is cool. Ofcoarse, I have to set resalution, and every thing is running great. Also, in system it shows 8gb ram now.

Thank You Very Much

Mike

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Mike.