question

[southleft]

First, i apologise for jumping into this thread, Paul. Trying to reach you to ask about a solution you provided some time ago in another thread about a G60 notebook with no sound. The solution was to set maximum memory in msconfig to 3072MB (instead of default 4096MB). This solution worked for me, too but, in effect, I lost 1GB of memory. So, two questions. What's the underlying issue? And, is there a different solution that permits Windows to use all 4GB of RAM instead of just 3GB?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Unfortunately, I wouldn't know the answer to either of your questions.

I found that answer years ago on the internet--maybe on the Microsoft Windows forum?

I do not recall any reasons for the problem being discussed.

I'm wondering if you could fiddle around with the MS config settings by adding memory at 256 MB intervals, and see how far you can go before you lose the audio.

The only problem is you may lose the sound altogether without being able to return.

Create a system restore point before making any changes, so you can go back to the current state if things don't work out.

Sorry that I couldn't help you with this.

Paul

[southleft]

Interesting development. When looking at msconfig/Boot/Advanced options the first time I noticed that the Maximum Memory box was blank/empty. So, I typed in 3072, then Apply/OK and rebooted. As previously mentioned, the sound was restored on the laptop. Out of curiosity I returned to that setting and changed it from 3072MB to 4096MB, then Apply/OK and rebooted. 

Guess what? Yes, the sound still works. Still have no idea exactly why, but it works and I'm happy.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

That is great news.

The next time someone has that problem, I will suggest the do what you did.

[southleft]

Noticed two more things since my last post.

If Max. memory box has a checkmark in it then the sound works OK. BUT, Windows reports usable memory is 2.91GB. So, the trade-off is that you give up about 1GB of usable RAM to get the speakers working.

If Max. memory box does not have a checkmark in it then the sound doesn't work. BUT, Windows reports the full 4GB of usable memory.

Here are screenshots showing details:

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Very interesting.  Thanks.

It must be some kind of whacky memory management issue with the Conexant audio system and W10, because only the g60/g70, cq60/cq70 notebooks with that audio chip and W10 exhibit that problem.

[southleft]

OK, as an officer of the Grammar Police I must alert you regarding your use of the word "whacky" which is a less common spelling of "wacky". Now, wacky, as we all know, means absurdly or amusingly eccentric or irrational. As such, it is an apt word to use in relation to the Conexant Pebble Audio/Windows 10 issue.

To "whack up" means to divide into shares. In this case, Windows 10 whacks up the available RAM and takes an absurdly eccentric large share for itself.

Therefore, congratulations are in order as you have scored with a pun as well as irony in one seemingly straightforward sentence.  We are putting the final touches on a Wacky/Whacky Commendation medal which we'll ship to you as and when it's completed. Cheers!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Thanks.

That will go right along with my three USCG Commendation Medals.  😊