Pavilion p6510y memory upgrade

[KWB2]

Installed an additional 2x4gb DDR3 memory sticks. Checking BIOS it sees and recognizes all 12 gb of memory. During operation it only uses 4gb of memory.  Specs say Windows 7 64 bit opertating system can support 16gb of memory. Am I missing something? Do I need to turn on something so it will use all 12gb of memory? Tried swapping memory from first memory slots with second memory slots. Still said 12gb of memory but only using 4gb.

[wb2001]

@KWB2,

 caution:

Do not change any jumper setting while the computer is on. Damage to the motherboard can result.

Clear the CMOS setting.

[old_geekster]

@wb2001, has made a good suggestion.  However, here is a guide that will help you further.

[KWB2]

Tried the CMOS reset twice with no change, even took the battery out for 30 minutes.  Still no change. BIOS says Installed memory 12228 mb/pc3 - 10600.

Memory Bank 1  4096 mb DDR3 SDRAM

Memory Bank 2  4096 mb DDR3 SDRAM

Memory Bank 3  2048 mb DDR3 SDRAM

Memory Bank 4  2048 mb DDR3 SDRAM

BIOS Revision  6.05   07/02/10

In Control Panel (System and Security) says:

Windows 7 Home Premium  Service Pack 1  64 Bit Operating System

12 GB memory (3.24 GB usable)

[KWB2]

Please see my reply to Dean as a result of the CMOS Reset. The "guide" just runs in a circle for the version 6 or less. Anything you click on just brings you back to the first page.

[KWB2]

Will the Experts from HPEXPERTDAY review these posts?

[wb2001]

@KWB2,

Remove all memory.  Put a 2GB stick in the first slot.  Does it boot?

Remove all memory.  Put a 4GB stick in the first slot.  Does it boot? 

If not, those 4GB modules are not correct for your unit.

These are correct.   Check your original versus new.  You'll have to look up the new.

[KWB2]

Thanks for the suggestion. I removed all memory and put a 2GB stick in slot 1 - It booted up. Removed 2GB and replaced it with a 4GB stick in slot 1 - It booted up. Removed 4 GB stick from slot 1 and put the other 4 GB stick in slot 3 - It booted up so both 4 GB sticks are working. While I was swapping out the memory I took a few minutes extra to check Control Panel to see how much memory I had. The 2 GB stick said 1.?? usable. Each 4 GB stick said 3.24 usable. Not sure if that was necessary but only took a few extra minutes. Could the problem be with the BIOS being version 6.05 07/02/10? It acts like there is a 32 bit system installed. That will only recognize 4 GB while the 64 bit system Home Premium is suposed to reecognize and use 16 GB.

[wb2001]

@KWB2,

I have asked another party to view this.

What does "system information", system type and installed memory.

What does  "resource monitor" list for RAM.

[erico]

What you are experiencing is as a result of mixing memory of different capacities and probably different manufacturers.

Memory modules that are installed should be identical in all respects unless you don't mind having "unexpected" results.

The smart way to upgrade is to remove the original memory modules. Install only memory from a manufacturer that guarantees their compatibility with your PC's motherboard. Only install memory modules in pairs. 12 GB of installed memory is not a viable configuration.

The 4GB modules on the following web page will work as expected the first time. They are guaranteed compatible with your desktop's motherboard. No ifs, ands or buts.

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/HP---Compaq/pavilion-p6510y

Trying to upgrade by matchng the published specifications is, as you found out, always a gamble.

HP  does sell desktop and notebook PC systems with mixed memory capacities installed, but all of the modules are from the same manufacturer. HP can do that with confidence, because in the QA labs the combination has been thoroughly bench tested to ensure that the combination works.